I can't stop binge eating and it's really bringing me down - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

AlexisOlivia · 03-18-2016, 07:26 PM

Hello, looking for someone to talk too. I've always had trouble with binge eating but it's become worse and I can't stop. I also find myself drinking every weekend as an escape. Last year I was doing really well I was going to the gym and eating healthy. In September I started to slip, I had to drop out of school because I was in the hospital and now I've gained almost 50 pounds and I'm at the heaviest I have ever been. I don't really know what to do anymore. I don't feel I can talk to any of my friends and family. My cravings have taken over my life, all I ever think about is eating and dieting.

guacamole · 03-18-2016, 07:34 PM

I'm sorry you are going through this! I can totally relate, and sometimes cave in to binge eating too. I find one thing that helps is to try to understand what causes me to binge. Sometimes it's stress, sadness, TOM/hormones, and sometimes it's the kinds of foods I eat. For example sugar, salt, and carbs, make me crave more sugar, salt, and carbs. Sugar and carbs also seem to affect my mood for the worse and zap me of energy - which results in the vicious cycle of me wanting more of those foods because I feel down after the blood sugar crash. I find that I am less prone to binging when I eat lower carbs and low sugar/low salt.

Try writing down what you are eating every day, and take note if it was a binge day or not. Also take note of your good days and look at what you ate. The results might be helpful in assisting you to have more binge free days.

You aren't alone in the struggle against binge eating!

dragonstar85 · 03-19-2016, 07:45 PM

*hugs* I wish I had the secret to stop but sadly I don't. I know saying this won't help but you're not alone. We're in the same boat.

novangel · 03-19-2016, 11:32 PM

I think about food way more than normal and used to have a huge problem with portion control. I've learned to rope that in a lot but still struggle to not think/obsess/plan meals in advance. I think about dinner at breakfast and breakfast at dinner. It's annoying.

As far as weight loss and exercise I just got totally fed up one day.

I wish I had the answers but since you mentioned binge drinking maybe you have past unresolved issues and therapy might help? Most of the time there's a root problem that goes beyond food.

It's just something you have to decide to do on your own.

Inkrid · 03-20-2016, 11:05 AM

Find an Overeaters Anonymous group in your area. One of my old friends did long ago and it really helped her. Good luck!!

KrisM11 · 03-20-2016, 02:19 PM

I feel for you. I've struggled on and off with binge-eating for many years. There is not a magic bullet or a one-size-fits-all approach, as it depends on the context of the binge eating and your personal history. At one point I went to an ED therapist as the binges were really preventing me from moving forward in a healthy way. The one thing that stuck with me (and has really proven true to *me* anyways) is to stop bingeing you also have to stop dieting. This is a tricky concept if you're also trying to lose weight, but instead of dieting/restricting/counting calories (which can lead to bingeing) try and focus on healthful, nourishing foods that feed your body and soul (this usually means wholesome foods without a lot of additives/sugar); foods that make you feel better emotionally and physically. The weight *will* eventually stabilize. I am no expert though... just someone who has also struggled with this and that is something that has worked for me. Brain Over Binge is also a book that resonated with me.

AlexisOlivia · 03-20-2016, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inkrid

Find an Overeaters Anonymous group in your area. One of my old friends did long ago and it really helped her. Good luck!!

I checked it out but they meet on Mondays and I will be starting class on Mondays.

AlexisOlivia · 03-20-2016, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragonstar85

*hugs* I wish I had the secret to stop but sadly I don't. I know saying this won't help but you're not alone. We're in the same boat.

Thank you.

AlexisOlivia · 03-20-2016, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrisM11

I feel for you. I've struggled on and off with binge-eating for many years. There is not a magic bullet or a one-size-fits-all approach, as it depends on the context of the binge eating and your personal history. At one point I went to an ED therapist as the binges were really preventing me from moving forward in a healthy way. The one thing that stuck with me (and has really proven true to *me* anyways) is to stop bingeing you also have to stop dieting. This is a tricky concept if you're also trying to lose weight, but instead of dieting/restricting/counting calories (which can lead to bingeing) try and focus on healthful, nourishing foods that feed your body and soul (this usually means wholesome foods without a lot of additives/sugar); foods that make you feel better emotionally and physically. The weight *will* eventually stabilize. I am no expert though... just someone who has also struggled with this and that is something that has worked for me. Brain Over Binge is also a book that resonated with me.

Thanks for the ideas!

AlexisOlivia · 03-20-2016, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guacamole

I'm sorry you are going through this! I can totally relate, and sometimes cave in to binge eating too. I find one thing that helps is to try to understand what causes me to binge. Sometimes it's stress, sadness, TOM/hormones, and sometimes it's the kinds of foods I eat. For example sugar, salt, and carbs, make me crave more sugar, salt, and carbs. Sugar and carbs also seem to affect my mood for the worse and zap me of energy - which results in the vicious cycle of me wanting more of those foods because I feel down after the blood sugar crash. I find that I am less prone to binging when I eat lower carbs and low sugar/low salt.

Try writing down what you are eating every day, and take note if it was a binge day or not. Also take note of your good days and look at what you ate. The results might be helpful in assisting you to have more binge free days.

You aren't alone in the struggle against binge eating!

I will try that. Thank you!

AlexisOlivia · 03-20-2016, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novangel

I think about food way more than normal and used to have a huge problem with portion control. I've learned to rope that in a lot but still struggle to not think/obsess/plan meals in advance. I think about dinner at breakfast and breakfast at dinner. It's annoying.

As far as weight loss and exercise I just got totally fed up one day.

I wish I had the answers but since you mentioned binge drinking maybe you have past unresolved issues and therapy might help? Most of the time there's a root problem that goes beyond food.

It's just something you have to decide to do on your own.

Thinking about food all the time is annoying. I've been in and out of therapy since childhood (for different things). As an adult, especially being a student I cannot afford 1-on-1 therapy unfortunately. There are other things I have tried but they weren't suited for me. If that makes sense. But I'm at the point where I'm totally fed up and I'm ready to make a change, permanently this time.

freewoman · 03-20-2016, 06:39 PM

Hello there, I just wanted to toss my 2 cents in and let you know that Over Eaters Anonymous does have phone meetings available every night nation wide, and they follow through basically the same information as in person meetings. I have been to a few in person meetings and a few phone meetings...I was really intimidated by the whole asking someone to be my sponsor, but I learned some insightful things.

I've found that the best thing for me is to write out my feelings in like a journal.

Turner328 · 03-30-2016, 03:11 PM

Ugh I understand 1000%!! I have an issue of binge eating almost it seems everyday when I get home from work! I think that is my biggest downfall! From 4-5:30!!