Overeating issue

[SuzeeO]

First post, bear with me. I'm concerned I have a sort of eating disorder in that I can't stop cravings and having 2, 3 or more cereal bars in one go (and repeat with other chocolate items multiple times a day sometimes). I know I need to lose weight, my BMI is 43 and I really don't like what I see in the mirror. But then I sabotage any weight loss and healthy eating plan by overeating. It's likely psychological, I know I'm not hungry when I do this. I'm getting so miserable about it. I've previously lost 6 stone and gained it again. I'm looking for advice and tips if you have any? Thanks in advance x

[RNbaccalaureate]

Hi SuzeeO,

Thank you for sharing your story and struggles. Have you noticed a pattern when you choose to eat those items? Such as an emotionally difficult time or with boredom. Certain foods have empty calories and don't give us the satisfaction from our hunger and only adds to our daily caloric intake. I recently completed a nutrition course and it helped me understand more about why our bodies act the way they do with the foods we are feeding it . I would appreciate any further feedback. Thank you

[SuzeeO in reply to RNbaccalaureate]

Thank you for your reply. I hadn't particularly noticed there was a pattern but there is. The main ones you've mentioned. I daresay there are other reasons. I'll keep a mental note of my mood beforehand and see if that helps me. Thank you for raising this! x

[RNbaccalaureate in reply to SuzeeO]

Thank you for your reply and sharing this information. Do you have resources within your community that offer supportive programs and/or nutritional counseling?

[SuzeeO in reply to RNbaccalaureate]

I'm not aware of anything but I will look further into getting some help on this level. Thanks again for taking the time to reply x

[sinki666]

Hi SuzeeO

Congrats on being brave enough to share your story and even bigger congrats on taking the first steps to tackling this. i would say you definetly need to look at the psychological aspect in all this. Like you my weight and binging were like a roller coaster. With the help of a psychologist we were able to identify that my binging was a form of self harm down to repressed rage and an incorrect relationship with certain foods. It was the a real turning point in my life. Took me a few weeks to process but I've never been the same since. I understand what my triggers are. I don't avoid any food of any kind and most of all I give myself a break about gaining weight when i do. As i said you have taken the first big step, now go find someone to help you figure out you. All the very best

[SuzeeO in reply to sinki666]

Thank you for your reply. Its moving and reassuring all in one. I will look into getting some help. I am struggling and need some help to improve. Your message says its possible. Thanks again x

[Hidden]

Hi SuzeeO,

I just wanted to let you know I also struggle with binge eating. I’m glad you shared as I feel not so alone.

R

[SuzeeO in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for saying that. I feel better for sharing (saying it out loud as it were) and now consciously thinking about what I'm doing as I'm doing it. Some of the time at least. Baby steps. Good luck to you too. I guess whether we think we have such experiences alone, we actually rarely do x

[Hidden in reply to SuzeeO]

I have had the same experience with sharing and writing things out. It helps to process out loud and know we aren’t alone. Ahh. Yes. Baby steps. I tend to want to go all in and take huge strides which I’m finding out sets me back because I overwhelm myself. As the old adage goes, slow and steady wins the race.

[krenfro]

Breaking through sugar craving is tough but can be done. Low carb/keto works - after a few days your cravings will decrease. I still want that occasional hot biscuit but it is in my mind not my body craving the sugar.