Binge eating

[Lorelei]

I have a tendency to binge eat. When it comes to Girl Scout cookies, I end up eating the whole box, and have supported the Girl Scouts by buying multiple cases of them every year. I also tend to eat so much delivery food that I get sick. Usually I am able to keep it down, but spend the night miserable. Before and after this, I starve myself so that I can binge. I have been maintaining myself at 200 pounds, but I really want to get to 160-165 pounds, which is at the upper limit for BMI for healthy weight for my height. I have no desire to be skinny. Other than the period when I was so depressed that I didn’t eat, my weight seems to be fixed at 180-200 pounds since going on antidepressants in 2007. How do break the cycle of binging? Will that eliminate the “beer belly” I have  (I actually don’t drink beer)?

[NicholeTara]

binge eating is something ive struggled with, especially when quitting booze and other inebriating activities.  its difficult.  after i was outta work and gym for a major injury i got depressed and was over 300#  i lost 100 and have kept it off a few years.  for me portion sizes and learning the triggers helped.  then id take a walk or something instead.  grae, granola and other healthier filling things helped.  its ajourney for me not a destination and i still stop for watermelon and peach sourpatch kidds to much.  i had to keep in mind i didnt gain the weight and bad ahbbits overnight and wasnt gonna lose them overnight.  

[atlantis63]

I hate the fact I do this.

 

I can eat an entire 6 pack of crisps in a day, and then still want more after

 

my soft spot though is chocolate toblerone, and currently have 3 big ones in my fridge

[RaeOfSunshine]

I'm like Nichole, since stopping my other vices, I've filled the void with food. I tend to binge whenever I'm lonely or bored, which these days seems to be a majority of the week. I try to distract myself with other activities when I can, or at least find something not terrible to binge on (last night was sushi). 

 

I've been on quite the weight loss journey over the last year, and it's hard when you hit a plateau to find what works to reignite the metabolism.

[MayeAngelo]

23 hours ago, RaeOfSunshine said:

I'm like Nichole, since stopping my other vices, I've filled the void with food. I tend to binge whenever I'm lonely or bored, which these days seems to be a majority of the week. I try to distract myself with other activities when I can, or at least find something not terrible to binge on (last night was sushi). 

 

I've been on quite the weight loss journey over the last year, and it's hard when you hit a plateau to find what works to reignite the metabolism.

Hello Rae, I'm the exact same way when it comes to having the urge to binge eat. Except that I'm only just now starting to work on my weight. I'm curious though, do you get craving for any kind of flavor or food? Sugar cravings are so crippling for me personally and it's been a struggle to work past them.

[awkward-yet-sweet]

I think a lot of people tend to eat as a way of dealing with depression or stress.  Also as a way of controlling life, because when you feel like everything is out of your hands you can still eat as much (or as little) as you want.  I'm particularly drawn to sweets as a comfort food, but I guess I'm fortunate to have a high metabolism.  Whenever I'm stressed, I go straight for the chocolate. 

[Birdie]

I have no problem with binge eating until I take my evening meds, then 'everything' just sounds good!

 

One of my meds increases appetite as a side effect. During the day I just barely eat normal portions. I try to force myself into a normal portion at night but keep going for snacks. 

 

My weight is it a plateau at the moment, and I have so much more to go. 😐

[RaeOfSunshine]

6 hours ago, MayeAngelo said:

Hello Rae, I'm the exact same way when it comes to having the urge to binge eat. Except that I'm only just now starting to work on my weight. I'm curious though, do you get craving for any kind of flavor or food? Sugar cravings are so crippling for me personally and it's been a struggle to work past them.

 

Almost always tend towards salty, snacky foods. Occasionally I'll go for the ice cream or cookies haha

[MayeAngelo]

On 10/5/2023 at 3:04 PM, RaeOfSunshine said:

 

Almost always tend towards salty, snacky foods. Occasionally I'll go for the ice cream or cookies haha

Omg same with the cookies! I just can't function if I know I have access to cookies in any way. But salty snacks always seemed intense to me in large amounts, idk how you can handle that. Also sorry for taking so long to respond, I'm very shy online...

[bobbbbbi]

On 7/2/2023 at 6:16 PM, Theresa said:

I have a tendency to binge eat. When it comes to Girl Scout cookies, I end up eating the whole box, and have supported the Girl Scouts by buying multiple cases of them every year. I also tend to eat so much delivery food that I get sick. Usually I am able to keep it down, but spend the night miserable. Before and after this, I starve myself so that I can binge. I have been maintaining myself at 200 pounds, but I really want to get to 160-165 pounds, which is at the upper limit for BMI for healthy weight for my height. I have no desire to be skinny. Other than the period when I was so depressed that I didn’t eat, my weight seems to be fixed at 180-200 pounds since going on antidepressants in 2007. How do break the cycle of binging? Will that eliminate the “beer belly” I have  (I actually don’t drink beer)?

Hey there - speaking from experience, starving yourself will tend to make binges worse, as your body will go into 'survival mode' to counteract the deficit of food. The best way to tackle this will likely be eating a varied, healthy diet (not restricting yourself to certain food types or a calorie count), which will help you to feel satisfied and not overly hungry. It may take a while to figure out what this feels like! But try to have three balanced meals a day, with healthy snacks when needed. Stay hydrated. All of these steps will help you to avoid binge eating and will also help to 'flatten' your belly, as bloating can occur as a result of overindulging.

 

Another thing will be to add some regular exercise into your daily routine (if you do this already, great).