[tash star]

hi,
I have a massive binge/ over eating problem to the point where i come home from work and eat giant packets of chips and blocks of chocolates and a whole packet of 6 ice creams in one sitting.

I have done this for about two years now.
I think the reason why I do it is because I have moved to a new place and dont have any friends and my job is boring, so when i come home my food is what makes my day better than ordinary. I feel like its a special treat for myself.

I keep myself busy when i get home but while i am studying my online diploma or watching tv i feel like i NEED to eat all night because without it I feel like somethings missing.

I know some people will say for me to get out there and meet people. But i really dont want to meet people while im over weight because i just dont have the confidence yet to get out there.

Any solutions would be amazing!

[nickilaughs]

There's No easy solution. You have to make rules and stick to them. No eating after 730p or something like that, start small,add one rule at a time. No soda, green tea and water only. Those little rules add up to big changes.
You should still make friends. But why not finds support group of people doing the same thing as you? An over eaters anon group might be a good place to start.
You also said your bored, anyway to join a gym or an exercise group to use so e of that free time where your head is spinning? Maybe there's a dance class you want to take?
Just different ideas, pick one, start small. The rest will follow.

[freelancemomma]

I also suggest you read Brain over Binge. It's not a magic pill, but it gives you a fresh way of interpreting and dealing with your binges.

F.

[Esofia]

Take up knitting or similar? Fun, keeps your hands busy, can be done while watching TV, and there are social knitting groups you can join. Personally I adore quilting (by hand, it has been a complete revelation for me.

[seize the day]

It isn't easy - I would say that you need to find coping strategies. And I agree with finding an overeaters anon.

Strategies that I use to avoid mindless eating/binging are:

1. getting out of the house. When I want to eat, but know I am not hungry or that it will turn into a binge, I go for a walk. I walk as long as I need to, to get my mind in check.

2. Keep binge-food out of the house. There are certain foods that if I have them in the house I WILL binge on them. I know this, and actively avoid bringing them or allowing them in the house. Instead I stock up on foods that I don't binge on and/or that I can eat in large quantities without feeling bad about it (for me, the more guilt I have, the more bad about myself I feel and the more I binge).

3. Setting a timer. When I feel like I want or need to eat out of compulsion, I set a timer normally for 10 mins (though I used to set it for 2 hours, I have gradually worked my way down). I don't allow myself to eat anything or drink anything accept water until the timer goes off. While I am in the waiting period, I try and really think about why I want to eat/drink and whether it is due to hunger or not. Often, taking the time to think it over can help me to prevent the compulsive behavior.

For me, it is a matter of being mindful. Normally, thinking it over allows me to recognize that I don't need it, it won't make me feel better, and that I am stronger than my negative compulsions. Other times, I might realize that I am a little hungry and that I do need a snack, but I think it over and consider what would be a good snack and a good portion. Often, I try to give myself something to fulfill the craving, and something to fulfill my body's need for nutrients, for instance have a piece of fruit to fulfill my body's needs, and a small piece of dark chocolate for my craving.

I got stuck in the cycle of binging and fasting and was really stuck in that for a large part of my teenage years and into my early twenties and it was terrible. I was eventually hospitalized for it. The good news is that I ended up getting help for the issue, and one thing I learned is that different people need different strategies, so it may be a good idea to talk to someone who is trained to assist people with these types of problems.

I'm glad that you are aware of your problem and why you partake in overeating, that is the first step toward solving the problem.

Good luck!

[dimmers]

For me I just stopped buying the foods I love that would break my diet.

For example my fridge has NO soft drinks of any kind, no chips in the pantry, popcorn and only a SMALL amount of chocolate.

I find if its not near my the craving is gone because I dont have access to it and getting dressed to go OUT OF MY WAY to go to the shops is more effort than its worth... except for olives... I love olives >_<

[thirti4thirty]

I took a more drastic approach: there's NO food in my kitchen. The fridge has been unpplugged for 2 years now and I bared the pantries to a complete zero.

I eat at work and I bring light dinners home.

People feel that's rather strange. But I know my realities

Truly, it boils down to knowing yourself.

I am also an "if it's there I'll eat it all the time; if it isn't there, I won't" type of person.

The best solution has to come from within YOU. The same things don't work for all people (nor even for the same person at all times).

Good luck!!!

[deblilly]

Hello,

It must have taken some strength to post this about yourself. I would try to start at basics, try to eliminate these items from your home. During grocery trips don't go in certain aisles that may be tempting. I do not go near the ice cream section because I just know myself. Another thing is to do something in place of that when you come home.. If you know you will eat then plan something else by yourself. Do a workout video or just read a book. Do something that will keep your mind off of food. It will be hard to do but this is something that is important to you and should be at the forefront of your mind. This will help you lose weight, you have to fight these urges. Good luck to you.