I don't think I can do it

[strawberryvanillachocolate]

And it's not because I don't WANT to. It's more I've got conflicting wants - the want to be a slim and the want to eat. And the want to eat is so very powerful.

Each season brings new temptations. I find it difficult to reign in eating once I start. There are also a lot of foods I just don't really like.

Please don't suggest SW as this definitely doesn't work for me

Am I doomed to a fatty life??

How large are we talking though?

I lost 5 stone fairly easily through low carbing and fell in love with running along the way. So I run and maintain it

TBH goldfish it would make no difference.

I've got to commit to something and properly.

I've got to lose around 4 snd a half stone

Goldfish makes a good suggestion. Of course it would make a difference, not overnight of course. You need to take the first step. The longest journey begins with the first step and all that. A small change will lead naturally to another and another. Try to be positive rather than fatalistic and take some control back. Time will pass and you will have something to show for it rather than regrets. If you have never tried it get a calorie counter app such as myfitnesspal or my plate. Quite an eye opener.

Thing is I binge eat and I don't then need a calorie counter to know I've eaten roughly what an average killer whale needs.

The point is, it's a small positive thing
I find it's easier to change habits gradually
Btw I notice you say " every season brings new temptation"
To maintain loss I had to really learn to ignore food marketing
I'm now at a point where I wonder how it causes so much fuss.
Even something like playing a computer game is a better option than eating
Find something that you will really engage with if possible.
Ten minutes walk will probably surprise you how much it clears your head. Or ten minutes dancing to a couple of fave tunes.

What are you binge eating on?
Why is it still in your house?
Can you do your food shopping online to resist the temptations of shop displays?

I do know what it's like to binge eat. I used to sit down of an evening with a big bag of kettle chips. I don't have them in the house any more - or anything that I'd like to eat. I get the dc snacks that I don't like. The most difficult one has been bread. I could and did binge eat toast and butter and I can't not have bread in the house.

I find that if I don't buy it, I can't eat it. Temptation starts in the shop.
Try 5:2 or similar, weights and running. Do you have a parkrun near you? It's a very accepting event.

You have mentioned being in the moment when the overwhelming desire is to give in and eat. Could you try and practice being in the moment for a few seconds longer and consciously breath through the struggle. It's called mindfullness as you probably know. You can train your brain to analyse the moment and slow down what is in fact compulsive behaviour to the point where you consciously can make a different choice by identifying your emotions in the moment. It will take time to overcome but please don't think you can't do it. As others helpfully have suggested don't have processed food in the home. All these new approaches could give you the framework you need. Be positive.

I am really struggling this week to stay away from chocolate and sweet foods. Have managed to lose 1.5 stone since Christmas by eating healthily and trying not to eat giant portions at dinner like before, but I have such a sweet tooth and nearly four months down the line I still crave puddings and sweet treats. I've managed so far by not having those things in the house, but it's coming up to easter and I bought my DD and her friend one of those Cadbury Easter Chocolate Gateaus with mini eggs on top as a treat and now I know it's in the cupboard it's all I can think about. I also polished off a box of chocolates earlier in the week - I literally have a carrier bag full of boxes of chocolates in the garage given at Christmas by well meaning friends and family and had been meaning to chuck them away, but this week I caved. In my defence it was one of those Charbonnel boxes of truffles with salted caramel and probably from John Lewis or something, so I was loathe to waste such good quality chocs, but I still feel bad. And in fact at the weight I'm now at I'm happy to maintain and not lose too much more, but I am soooo paranoid I will pile it all back on again. But all I want to do is shove my face in a massive chocolate trifle. Does anyone remember the scene from the Vicar of Dibley where she sticks her head into the chocolate fountain....that's what I want to do right now. Bloody sugar.

I have a locked cupboard in my garage which I keep snacks for the kids in. I have the key so they can't access it.
Could you do something similar?
Also, when the desire to eat strikes, is there something you can find to do? I was always worst once the kids had gone to bed and I was sitting down with nothing to do. Now my kids are older I'm out a lot more and have some hobbies which occupy my hands.