Binge Eating...

**LaLa(:** · 07-19-2010 10:02 AM

I've struggled with binge eating for about as long as I can remember. My parents were the type that always said, "You have to eat ALL your dinner before you go out and play." Plus there were always a lot of treats and goodies around and I was pretty much allowed to have whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it. I love it then of course...but now it's coming back to bite me in the butt.

I've lost about 60 pounds so far from my highest weight but I'm struggling to lose more because of my binging habit. I've actually been doing very well...but then last night my boyfriend and I had a fight and eating was the only thing I could think of to help me feel better. Then I got up this morning and binged some more. Ugh...it's such a vicious cycle.

So the reason I posted this was because I really could use a buddy to talk to about this. It would be really nice to have someone who knows what it's like. I'd also like to hear other peoples experiences with binge eating.

**kygirl** · 07-20-2010 08:29 AM

Sadly I do the same thing. I work out regularly, eat well all day, but then if I get upset, it takes no time before I've managed to eat an extra 400-500 calories whether it's sweets or just fruit or cereal just whatever.

All I can tell you and I have gotten to where this works about 50% of the time. Just really stop yourself for a moment. Tell yourself you're only eating because you're upset or because it's there or whatever and try to wait about 30 minutes. Sometimes I'll drink a big glass of water so I already feel full. You'll have to figure out what works for you. But this is entirely going to have to be a mind over matter thing.

You deserve to take care of yourself. Food does not *really* make anything better. Try to substitute going for a walk or running errands to work off nervous energy, but don't sabotage yourself

**DennyJ** · 07-20-2010 08:26 PM

It helps to talk to people who understand. There are support groups for over eating or binge eating. Google "over eaters support groups" and see what's out there. It can be dealt with, but it's not easy. How much do you want to put into changing this?

**Simplehealth** · 08-08-2010 01:17 PM

Denny J is so right! How much you are willing to put in to working on this challenge makes a big difference on the outcome. I can really relate, as a fellow emotional eater. It's a long process to become conscious of your habits, look for solutions, find support, find new ways of acting, learning to truly care for yourself, but it's SO worth it!

I found a lot of support and inspiration in the work/book of Geneen Roth. Google her and check her work out. It's really worth forking out $15 or so, and getting "When Food Is Love" or "Women, Food and God". She's an inspiration, and truly knows what it is to be an emotional eater.

Good luck on your journey, and remember to ALWAYS be kind to yourself, NO MATTER WHAT!