Overwhelmed by Food

[WheelOfMisfortune]

I've had a binge eating disorder my entire life, which I've always managed to keep to manageable levels. However, recently it feels like it is controlling my life- I've gained 2 stone since June and I don't feel like I'm in control of my own brain anymore.

I know I have to do something about it but I don't know what- every diet or eating plan I look into seems too complex or unsustainable.

Slimming world: tried twice, was allowed too many carbs and never lost a pound. Also found the strict rules hard to follow.

Keto/Sugar free: I've been trying this as I think it would suit me, and I feel like it would control the food cravings, but it doesn't feel realistic long term. I can do without sweet and bread but would I just never eat pasta again? Rice? And what about sauces etc? Making things from scratch every day is not helping with my all consuming food obsession as I spend too long in the kitchen around food, so I would want quick, convenience foods instead, and going sugar free does not lend itself to that.

Calorie Counting: This is the only thing that has ever worked, but at the moment I find that having one is not enough- 1 biscuit will fit my calories, so I will have it, and then I'll get the taste and finish the packet.

Meal replacement: I make it a day or two before I can't face eating out of packets any more. Also doesn't feel sustainable.

So far I haven't eaten a thing all day as I am paralyzed by indecision and terrified of putting anything in my mouth. Any help would be much appreciated, especially by those who have been there.

Thanks for reading this far.

I don't have any advice sadly but I find myself back her asking for the same help as I have a few times before, all with fab responses.
I am a binge eater and I hate it. Its taking over again. Now I'm not overweight. That's just pure luck because the amount I binge I should be absolutely humungous. I recently got down to 58kg which sounds small but my body defo was still out of shape due to no exercise. I did this by not binging. I didn't feel the need or urge to. But these last few days I am truly ashamed of myself.
I am out Saturday night for the 1st time in forever. I'm panicking my clothes arent going to fit as I am so bloated. I hate how the binging controls me

I know how easy it is to spiral out iof control with eating, but since losing 3 stone with Paul Mackenna I Can Make You Thin ( I hate that title) I'm slim not THIN! But it's great because It totally changes our attitude to eating, by making us aware of WHY we eat WHEN we eat and WHERE, not so much WHAT we eat as long as we eat healthily . He also talks about looking after ourselves , learning to accept ourselves.

I suggest not eating protein and carbs at the same meal, eating fruit ONLY on an empty stomach. I works by the way

I can very much relate to what you described WheelOfMisfortune.
Have you tried intermittent fasting ? It helps me. 16:8 to start with and keep it as healthy as you can.
Also the book Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen is great.
One cookie is never enough, keep away from the addictive devils!

I fully admit I'm biased as I've just lost 5 stone on Keto but if it helps I found my genuine cravings for past and carbs honestly went away. If you struggle with cooking maybe lazy keto (sorry it's an unfortunate name I wish it was called something else) may suit ?

Keto may not be for you , it isn't for everyone (and a brutal first few weeks ) but I had some similar issues to you and I've genuinely found it massively helped with my binge eating. I stopped thinking that I was being denied and honestly stopped wanting bread and rice etc.

For my life revolved around food and I was 6 stone overweight ( I have 10 pounds to go to my goal) , now I can honestly say I eat to live not the other way around , its hugely freeing.

It might not be your way but if you feel like trying keto again that's been my experience (it kicked in 6 weeks in)

I also do Intermittent fasting which has helped with the addiction

If you can’t resist certain foods just don’t buy them. If you don’t have biscuits in the house you can’t eat them.
I use My Fitness Pal app and it is calorie counting. It has a great database of most foods, branded too. You have to weigh but that’s not hard. I find I can’t just eat what I usually do but smaller portions, I need to eliminate some foods completely. Maybe you do too.
However nothing will work unless you’re in the right place in your head. But time is going to pass, and would you like to be the same weight (or more) in three months time or 20-30lbs lighter? Your choice.