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Eating disorders

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Original poster

Binge eating.....anyone got a simple solution?

36 replies

Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 15:47

As simple as that really. Struggled with it since being a teenager. Sick of it. Normal weight but hate the up and down of binge eating then restricting to compensate.

OP posts:
lickenchugget · 23/09/2022 15:51

Oddly practical things for me -

  • get up and put proper clothes on; dresses and jeans, not leggings.
  • buy the biscuits and crisps my family like, and I don’t.
  • exercising early in the day; keeps me more positive
  • no wine 😭
Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 15:55

Do you snack at all?

OP posts:
shumway · 23/09/2022 16:09

Brain over binge by Kathryn Hansen - book, website, podcast.

Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:10

Problem is I can't overcome the urge to binge.

OP posts:
Dogtooth · 23/09/2022 16:11

No simple answers, I have the problem too and it's because I've entrenched in my brain that eating is a solution to different emotional states.

Counselling might help. I found the book 'fat is a feminist issue' eye-opening.

I also would pause when I wanted to binge, give myself permission to have that feeling and try to fix on a healthy treat food in a suitable amount rather than loads of binge foods, so have some pineapple or a single very nice macaroon or something rather than a bag of cheap chocolate.

I'd also run through the scenario in your head, how you'd feel after the binge - the stress factor remains but you'd feel gross, or maybe you'd eat a bag of something and still want more so deal with the want-more feeling before you have any, because you have to face it at some point.

If you can avoid junk food long enough, I think you stop wanting it and that helps.

Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:12

Yep, I think having access to 'healthier' crisps, cereal bars etc recently has triggered this recent bout. When I don't have it in I generally tend to just eat boring food but the urges go way down.

OP posts:
bootseason · 23/09/2022 16:16

Better ability to process bad feelings? I've never found a quick fix, a lot of things - good routines, enough sleep, lack of temptation and trigger management all need to be in place.

Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:18

I'm fairly bad at that tbh

OP posts:
Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:18

Stress = eating

OP posts:
Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:19

When you say lack of temptation, how do you manage it?

OP posts:
Cupofteaonesugar · 23/09/2022 16:19

I'm exactly the same and it's really getting me down. I can't seem to find a healthy balence between binge and restricting.
I'm such an emotional eater... the minute something unsettles me is the minute I start!

Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:23

Glad to hear I'm not alone

OP posts:
PeloFondo · 23/09/2022 16:25

Fasting is the only thing that helps me. It's easier for me not to eat than to be "I'll have an apple instead or maybe just this or.."
I am either in my eating window, or not

Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:26

What window do you have?

OP posts:
MissHavishamsMouldyOldCake · 23/09/2022 16:27

A friend of mine is a fan of hypnotherapy for this. I think it's the Clear Minds app she uses.

bootseason · 23/09/2022 16:28

Oh definitely not alone. I still binge - removing temptation means don't horde things you enjoy over consuming. Of course I've done this many times like finding nemo - oh, I bought the dairy milk chocolate and crisps, then I ate the dairy milk chocolate and crisps, surprise surprise.

I don't think there are any fast answers and learning to forgive yourself and move on is often the hardest part.

AriettyHomily · 23/09/2022 16:28

For me it was doing a hard core keto diet. Most of it is psychological though.

toastedcat · 23/09/2022 16:29

Saxenda.

GreekGod · 23/09/2022 16:29

PeloFondo · 23/09/2022 16:25

Fasting is the only thing that helps me. It's easier for me not to eat than to be "I'll have an apple instead or maybe just this or.."
I am either in my eating window, or not

Agree 100%

bootseason · 23/09/2022 16:35

Has anyone read about sensory seeking - one of my dc has ASD and seems to find it difficult to have an eating off switch and one of the focuses of research for bulimia, BED, anorexia etc is ADHD (impulse control issues) and ASD.

As a former bulimia sufferer who still binges, sensory seeking was a lightbulb moment for why I can't find satiety very easily.

JIC it helps anyone to think about the overlap of eating and sensory and neuro diversity issues.

Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:38

Mmm interesting. I can find satiety but I don't like the feeling of it. Associate it with being fat as a teenager.

OP posts:
PeloFondo · 23/09/2022 16:43

Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:26

What window do you have?

I fast between 16-20hrs a day, window depends what shift I am on!

Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:44

I couldn't do that as I'm pregnant at the moment 🙈

OP posts:
Original poster
Anon_92 · 23/09/2022 16:44

Which also factors into the cravings. I actually don't know what normal eating looks like any more.

OP posts:
FinallyHere · 23/09/2022 16:47

It's 'only' been since January this year for me, but I have not binged. I came across the idea that I could feel that urge and not binge here

gillianriley.com

If I satisfy that urge, it gets stronger and its control of me increases. I feel worse and worse about myself. By not satisfying it, the urge is weakened and I feel better about myself.

There is loads more, but that's the bit that seems to work for me. Doesn't mean I don't feel the urge, I just 'stare it down' and refuse to let it win.

Hope you find what works for you.