For the last 9 months I've eaten stacks of biscuits icecream granola bars rice pudding and I have one and eat the whole packet or 4 chocolate icecream I'm now classed as obese and have put on 3 stone in weight. I'm also on medication which hasnt helped as it causes weight gain I feel as though I'm slowly killing myself and the fatter I get and hate it the more I eat. I just dont know how to stop. I'm 71 and already have high blood pressure. I do no exercise. I've looked at Slimming world and Weight Watchers but I'm not a good cook just basics. So I'll eat a salad or salmon veg etc then still binge eat
Has anyone else had this problem. I feel so miserable and alone
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basten
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You have taken a good first step by telling yourself and us about it. I do understand - I have been there during an unhappy time. I managed to lose nearly 3 stone about 15 years ago, and stayed at the new weight, by a big lifestyle change . I was helped by having a friend at work who needed to lose a similar amount of weight, so we supported each other, and my other half also wanted to lose weight.
I have decided this year that I needed to lose another stone to be ideal, and I have lost half a stone since February - very slowly - and that is how I did it the first time.
Others may disagree, but my advice is to take it very gradually, and make one change to your diet and one change to your exercise at a time. I started by cutting out anything with sugar in it (not just added sugar), and you can only do this by not buying it, it doesn't work to decide to only have one or two of something! Try to do this for a fortnight, and to walk for 15-20 minutes a day. Then start thinking of more small changes - the second one should be to eat more fruit and veg. Filling ones like carrots and sweet potatoes are fine, it doesn't have to be lettuce - you need to feel satisfied after a meal. At the same time, you should be ready to add 5 minutes to the daily walk, and hopefully to add another short walk at the other end of the day.
Don't go for the shop bought "healthy" versions without reading the labels - low fat often means extra sugar, and sugar will do you far more harm than fat. Be afraid of cakes and pastry, and don't be afraid of milk, cheese, and eggs plus or whatever is your choice of protein food - protein is much more satisfying for longer than anything with sugar so is better at helping you to not binge.
When I start thinking about food between meals, and telling myself I am hungry, I try to find something else to do (a job in the house or garden, or something to read - but not about food. I tell myself to concentrate on that for half an hour, and I often find it is an hour and a half before I am hungry again, by which time it is ok to have the next proper meal rather than something extra.
You can do it - keep in touch on here and talk about the problems. I'm sure others will make different suggestions, so you can pick the ones that appeal to you.
I advocate a gradual approach. I have reached a place where my body craves the foods it needs. I never buy sodas, or processed foods, I don't eat out either. Home cooking and lots of fresh food.
That was very inspiring. Yes sugar is my downfall and it's no good my saying I'll have one for a treat or a full of sugar and fat granola bar as I end up eating the lot I'm 71 and dont want diabetis etc. I guess I go to bed with all good intentions to start the next day then it goes out of the window . I stand in the shopping aisle staring at the cakes biscuits saying no no dont ...then I pick them up. I know it's all unhealthy and clogs the arteries too. I see it's taken you since Feb to lose half a stone....I know if I can get started I can lose but my medication has also made me gain weight even on my boobs!! I cant change it at the moment. Yes my dog died 2 months before xmas . I used to walk her 3 times a day and now that's all stopped. I do suffer from depression so this is making me feel worse. I guess I'm too impatient but I did it before when I went to 15 stone mostly due to meds which I came off. Its motivation and positive thinking and self care I must get back. I was an alcoholic but stopped just like that 20 years ago so my children say mum you can do this. It's so nice to gets everyones replies and encouragement on here as I must admit I feel very alone and anxious at present. I was in a lot of pain on eating cakes biscuits chocolate croissants pizza for years so never touched them. Then it all went so part of it is a sudden novelty of being able to eat such bad food again!! You've all be very kind. I just have to have determination and patience. Sitting here writing this just before bed time my stomach is huge and so uncomfortable. Kind regards to everyone for help and replies
Yours are the first words I read today. Thankyou. Yes I even cut a big ad out of the paper (a Barclays ad I think) it says Day One starts when you decide it does!!! So thankyou. Day one starts TODAY!!!!
Yes, everybody here is encouraging - it really helps. You are right, it is the supermarket shelves where the problems start. You could try going to a different one to help change the habits. And always take a list of what you plan to buy, work through it, pay and leave (I know that's easier said than done, but I do find it easier with a list). Or perhaps shop online, either delivered or click and collect, so you don't have to walk past those shelves.
Whatever you do, I like your comment about today being Day 1. It is similar to my favourite, which is "Today is the first day of the rest of my life"
Have you talked to your doctor about changing your diet and exercise routine? Do you count carbs.? Here’s the link to Healthy Meals. healthunlocked.com/healthye...
Great to hear from you. You are amongst many friends and supporters. You sound lonely and missing your little four legged mate very much. Would you consider getting 2 rescue pups/dogs to throw all your love and attention into and go walking 3 times per day. If they are young, going to Puppy School would be a great outlet for you to meet new friends and important for your dogs. Become part of a loving community. Perhaps consider joining a club or charity to have regular emotional hugs and laughter and help others. We all need this at the moment. I have a dear friend who I used to babysit 40 years ago who had a brain damaging accident. She lost her short term memory permanently. After years of depression and prescribed drugs she is now a volunteer with impaired children (with safe distancing of course) and has a new lease of life and is the happiest she has been since her accident 15 years ago. I have IPF and IBD and am now an advocate for IPF. This not only helps me deal with my illness by helping others in the same boat but also makes me really look forward to each day.
I wish you all the very best and hope that some of these ideas are of value to you.
Hello I am sorry to hear your suffer from IBD and IBF. The heat must affect your breathing if no air. Your lovely friend has done so well and it's good to success stories. Unfortunately I know there are many dogs needing loving homes but I wont be getting another one as I also have 2 old cats who tolerated her but had their noses put out a bit as I had them first for years. Since shes gone they lay in the lounge more and seem more relaxed . She never bothered them but they are old now and i wouldn't want to upset them. Before lockdown I was going out twice a week to coffee mornings and once a week to church but I do find it hard to mix.
I too have had years of depression and prescription drugs and 2 of them I am on are very addictive and my psychiatrist when I was hospitalised for it said he blames the doctors for keeping me on them so long. If I stop it means I wont sleep for weeks and weeks and will get horrendous panic attacks or seizures. I already had a very bad time in hospital last September and it plays on my mind that at 71 i just dobt think i can cope with all that again. So waiting to see what my psychiatrist says at end July.
Positive Mental Attitude is what i need to focus on....one day at a time. But I find it very hard to even get up in the mornings . I will get through this and I really appreciate you're help and reply . Stay safe too . We never know what's round the corner so I must try and focus on the present !!
You are already doing very well ,getting it all out in the open, just keep it up now, you will get there, I am presently struggling with severe bachache ( 5 months now ) no help at all from doctors, I am sorry to say, just more pills, surely we deserve better.
Yes pain gets to us and yes GPs arent always that helpful. The painkillers you have to watch as they can of course affect your stomach. I wish they could help you more
The foods you are eating that cause the weight gain is because of all the refined sugar that is in them.
Sugar/refined sugar/table sugar is addictive.
I started eating more fruit and got sugar (fructose) that way and I basically ditched most of the processed foods full of refined sugar.
I used to
have a terrible diet when I was a kid which consisted of many sugary foods, fizzy drinks and hardly any fruit or veg.
In the 90s I had to battle 2 brain tumours which consisted of many operations.
I am ok now and haven’t set foot in a hospital for almost 10 years and I have switched my diet to more fruit and veg and way way, less processed foods and meat.
I now blame the terrible diet as good enough reason to bring on the tumours.
Wow you have had a tough time over the years. I am glad to hear you are now well. Yes I blame sugar a lot. It does cause so many issues and back in 2014 I had gallstones and an ultra scan showed then I had a fatty liver....I dont drink. The consultant wasnt too concerned but said its caused by too much carbs and sugars where carbs turn to sugar then fat . So I know now I've got to start cutting the crap out. Thankyou
Firstly its best not to give yourself a hard time as it then becomes a vicious circle - you give your self a hard time and then reach for food. Has there been something that has happened in the last nine months to start this off? Getting the root cause may help in dealing with the problem. However you go about it, slowly is the best way - you don't want to cause your body anymore stress by completely changing your diet in one go, small but regular changes all add up, maybe your self esteem needs a boost after all this?
Please don't beat yourself up. Food is a pleasure and we all need pleasure in our lives. You do need good nutrition however. Check with your oncologist and ask to see a nutritionist who can help you get on a better track. You can do it!!!!
Thankyou support here is amazing all you wonderful people. If I could give up alcohol just like that 20 years ago after being an alcoholic....I Can Do This. My children say I'm stronger than I think.
Go to the diabetes.org website and look at the dreadful damage that sugar can create. I suggest you try and find something to distract yourself so that you can get rid of your habit. Develop a passion for learning Spanish, take up old interests, paint the house , gentle exercise so that you don't put your knees under even more pressure. Teach yourself to react by doing something, anything but don't eat.
Become obsessive about keeping a food diary, weigh every day. Get someone to go shopping with you so you don't buy the poison in the first place. Get the honey monster back in his cage. You are going to have to fight for every ounce. If you have a picture of a slimmer you put it where you can see it. That will be your target
You are going to have a fight with an implacable foe. Try not to reward yourself with food and if your cravings get really bad have apples, celery and carrots handy . Tell yourself that you have just eaten so it is not hunger it is a craving. Adele did it so can you,
Have you tried a food diary? You have to be honest though, and write down quantities as well as what you're eating. Seeing that you're about to have that 3rd chocolate digestive (my biccie of choice) might be enough to stop. But don't allow yourself no treats at all.
Recipes are just a set of instructions. Don't be scared of them, and don't be scared to substitute ingredients or add more herbs and spices.
Exercise is important to strengthen your bones and muscles and prevent falls. Even just walking round the block is a start, and gradually increase the distance. Take it at your own pace so you don't become disheartened. Or is there an exercise class you can join? Having other people there can keep you motivated and gain new friends.
Do you have a hobby to keep yourself occupied and stop snacking?
Don't weigh yourself too often. It will fluctuate, and if you're not losing as much as you want, it becomes disheartening too. Is there a dress you'd like to get into? Try it on every few weeks.
Hi no that's half my problem I dont have any hobbies. I usually watch tv as on my own its company. I've tried knitting cross stitch crochet but just not me. I'm not a gardener either just maintain it. I must start to try and read more again and go for a walk everyday. Since I lost my dog I've stopped walking 3 times a day but wont be getting another one now as my 2 cats wouldn't appreciate it and they're old now .
I love crafts and belonged to a guild for years. We'd meet up once during the week (I work so couldn't make it) and one weekend a month so the social side and creative inspiration from each other made a huge difference. I moved away and really miss them. If you wanted to give knitting another go, there seem to be plenty of knit and natter groups around.
Have you looked at U3A (university of the third age)? Does your local council do activities to get people exercising? What about joining a choir? It might all sound a but daunting and taking that first step is always hard, but I'm sure you'll find the right thing for you. You've nothing to lose.
Possibly a group like weight watchers can help.....they give very good support and ideas for alternative satisfying foods. It also makes you accountable. I did much better knowing I was getting on a scale next week!!! I also found replacements for all the fattening and high sugar foods I was eating....some simple healthier foods. You don’t need to be a chef!!!!
Might do that....I'm certainly not a good cook....a standing joke un my family. I'm glad they help you
Good morning so how is it going? This is a wonderful place to come for support so keep checking in and reading others posts and making your own. I am very introverted and find it hard in any social situations and here it is so much easier!
I agree about the take it slowly, and don't beat yourself up when you fall off the waggon. We all do, it is the long term progress that counts.
I have been experimenting for years with receipes so that I can have something nice but not unhealthy. Your taste buds will gradually change too. Try using mashed banana or apple puree in baking instead of sugar - the tweaks will take a while to work out what works. You wont get fluffy cakes but you will get taste without being unhealthy. Also ground almonds are good as you get protein and they are quite sweet - I use them instead of using all flour.
Good luck and please keep coming back - we will all support you and cheer you on. I am part of the Sunday weigh-in group and they are really GREAT! Come and join us xx
Not too bad today. Eating celery and some peanut butter when craving started. You are very good with alternatives. I am not going to weigh myself for a while yet!!
It's not your fault. It's the food industry pushing foods full of carbs & added sugar because they know this is as addictive as drugs. 80% of grocery store items have sugar added. The good news is that you can fix it in 6 months! I watched YouTube Videos by Dr. Sten Eckberg and Eric Berg... Their help with Intermittent fasting and carb cutting saved my life! I'm down from "Obese" @ 245 pounds to "Normal" 190 in about 8 months. Knowledge is key...it's not as hard as it seems. I was fat ALL my life until I learned from these guys.
I recently lost 2st it is not easy, but when you have a bad day make up for it the next day. As we say at S.W. draw a line under that bad day and start again, it takes time, but as the weight comes off you will feel better. I eat a lot of chicken and vegetables and fruit. Try is all you can do, if possible find a like minded friend even over the phone, good luck.
I've just rejoined the forum after a long absence due to my binge eating getting out of control. It sounds very much as though you have the same problem as me. I've found that following prescriptive diets such as keto, intermittent fasting, 5:2 etc etc does not work for me. It just ends up in a relapse where I stuff as much as I can into my mouth to the detriment of my digestive system. I'm now trying to work around my problem by breaking meals down into smaller portions so I can eat regularly through the day and therefore reduce the temptation to binge. I'm trying to replace my favourite binge foods [chocolate, biscuits, cake and ice cream] with healthier alternatives. I found the BEATS website very helpful - it is a charity that supports people with eating disorders and it has a section on their website which explains about binge eating disorder.
I am prediabetic so should be cutting carbs but I have tried that and just ended up on a massive carb binge which included all my favourites plus quantities of bread, chips and crisps. So now I include carbs in my meals but try to control the quantities. I find it hard to exercise because I'm so big - my BMI is 37 - so am starting with 20-30 minute brisk walks which I'm trying to stick to on most days of the week.
Oh hello . This is me too!!! The amount of food sweet stuff I've binged on it ridiculous. It's awful isnt it and now they are sending me for the sugar blood test next week my BMI is same as you!! I tried real hard Saturday but yesterday and today it's out of control again and in scared I may be diabetic. I bought box of chocolate for friends birthday but ate then all. Bought a other yesterday for him...ate them. My stomach is so bloated and sugar can do that. I've read about the no carb high fat but an elderly friend of mine who is healthy and slim started eating loads of high fat cheese and her cholesterol levels went up. Now also my feet and ankles have swollen hence the blood test etc I also have high BP. I try my hardest . I have salad or a chicken fish veg small dinner but then hit the sugar.
I'm so glad you contacted me as I have always had a sweet tooth but never this bad. I will try to find the site you mentioned. I know I need support. My daughter has tried so hard to tell me to stop but she doesnt know the dreadful amounts I've been eating these last 3 months. I try hard to nibble carrot celery apple but I last no more than 2 days. We have to beat this. Once the cravings go it gets better I've read. I also suffer from anxiety and depression and meds have also increased my weight. When I look in the mirror I feel discussed with myself. I am 71. Please stay in touch. If I dont buy it I cant eat it but then I'm looking in cupboards ....there must be something...I want more chocolate. You can do it. A day at a time but I'm with you all the way as I know how you feel. Thankyou
Yes I haven't exercised either. Just potter then sit watching TV. My daughter and son come weekends and make me go for a walk. I will have to do it like you and go out each day. I lost my dog last November and was out 3vtimes a day. I wasnt binging as badly then.
Hi,sorry I haven’t replied earlier but I tend to go to bed early and get up early -a habit carried over from a long working life.
I have hiding places where I put chocolate so my husband won’t know how much I’m eating. I’ve been known to get up in the night to eat it. It provides comfort of a sort as I also have anxiety & depression.
What I am doing is to have a light breakfast and lunch plus 2 snacks, then dinner. I’ve managed 5days so far without any added sugar. Instead I’m eating my favourite fruit which are raspberries, peaches, strawberries or satsumas. That seems to be helping. I still feel the temptation to binge on other carbs though, such as bread. I’m trying to stay off the scales as weight can vary from day to day, and just stick to once s week. Will see how it goes and keep a food diary if need be. Every time now I think of giving up, I remind myself of how unfit I am.
Thanks for your support. It does help talking to someone who just gets what bingeing is all about.
Well done you!!! Mine starts today. What do you have for food? I.e. breakfast snacks lunch and dinner.
I have an addictive nature and like you have anxiety depression. I think part of my problem is I live alone, cant go to any social activities and am really really scared a d worried as my psychiatrist wants to take off diazepam and Zopiclone and I know as I said I wont sleep and can awful panick attacks and even seizures. It's on my mind the whole time.
If you have time them please tell me what a typical eating day consists of ingredient wise. I rarely eat bread and eggs constipated me. A carrot stick just seems so unappealing lol !!
For breakfast I usually have fruit with a plant based alternative to cream as dairy cream gives me bad heartburn and I hate milk. I sprinkle some walnuts or pecan nuts over it.
For lunch I have either a salad with canned sardines or salmon, or soup and a roll or a sandwich. I follow this with a low cal vanilla yogourt and 2 satsumas or mixed grapes and melon. For snacks I will have a slice of toast with guacamole as topping or a digestive biscuit with a dairylea cheese triangle on top. I don't feel tempted to binge on digestive biscuits.
For dinner I will eat the same as my husband. Meals include spaghetti bolognese, shepherds pie, salmon with new potatoes and peas, curry with rice, stir fry chicken or roast chicken with roasted veg. If I lived on my own I would probably cook meals and freeze portions for future use as most recipes are aimed at 4 people.
I too have an addictive nature. I used to smoke and put on 3 stones in weight after stopping, and I wasn't slim to begin with.
That's sounds really good. I think when you have a partner you have to cook good. I love pecans. I usually have soya milk. Yes I was a smoker too. Only gave up 2 hrs ago gave 4 yrs before that.
My problem is I tend not to eat in the day but then I'll have my dinner about 4 pm. Yes salmon fish salad love sardines. Its AFTER my dinner I've been binging. Well tonight is just cold in parsley sauce some spinach and sweetcorn.
Please at some point let me know if you are starting to lose weight. If it's working for you many thanks for that. As I said I rarely eat bread as it constipated me even wholegrain seeded. I've tried brown rice cakes with some peanut butter but now I'm making a note of what I eat as I bloat out terribly...😄
My weak point is late afternoon. I now save up 2 snacks to keep me going as we normally don't eat dinner until 7pm-ish. I have to watch portions at dinner. My husband is slim and stops eating when he feels satisfied. I can't stop until my plate is empty so I'm going to get a smaller plate in the hope that will help with portion control.
I'm restricting going on the scales to once per week, otherwise I get obsessive. Next weigh in will be Sunday morning when I will have been in my new routine for a week.
I find the first thing to help myself is to understand how I shop. I buy most of my food from the fresh section of the store and don’t even go near the cookie aisle. If chips aren’t in the house I can’t eat them as easily.
I've not lost anything. Not even one little pound. Don't know what's gone wrong, must be portion sizes at dinner. I normally lose more weight during first couple of weeks, then it slows down.
I've tried keto but couldn't stick to it - too restrictive. It triggered a massive carb binge. It's easier to lose weight quickly if you go keto, but not a diet I could stick to for life.
If you're struggling to lose weight despite restricting, it might be time to look beyond your plate. There are many other factors that play into weight management: hormone imbalances, enzyme deficiencies, nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D is a good example), poor gut health, thyroid, blood sugar issues.
Weight loss advocates have us believe it all boils down to calories, and that if you aren't losing, you must be doing it wrong. It does nothing but make us feel like failures, and make us more likely to binge out of misplaced guilt.
Start looking at your overall health: do you suffer other issues like brain fog, fatigue, IBS etc? If so see your doctor and mention your inability to lose weight as a symptom alongside these.
Thanks for the suggestion. I've struggled with my weight since hitting puberty and so has my sister. My father's side of the family also had issues with weight gain.
I was told on a previous blood test that I was showing early signs of underactive thyroid but at that stage there was no need for treatment. I'm due for another blood test soon to check my liver function, so will ask them to do thyroid as well. I certainly feel lethargic and I really have to make myself go for a walk, also had trouble with depression but I put that down to the lockdown effect. In the meantime I will persevere and see how it goes this week re weight loss.
Oh yes that could be the problem. It sounds like a genetic disposition hormones etc too. Yes keep at it and ask for thyroid test. Let's know how you get on.
Ah that's a real shame. I'm going for bloods on Tuesday to check if pre or diabetic. I have read and read and read re keto but as I have bad acid reflux it says fir that cut out fats!! So I dont see how I can do keto either. Also they say if you do keto after 7 days you can feel like crap ie tired lethargic then your body adapts.
I can understand then you binge. Try to cut down the bread maybe. I wish I could advise more. I'm always hungry but am not going full keto just cutting out the spuds pasta rice etc and not too much fruit. I am going to have to try too. It's so hard . My medication also hadn't helped as that has added to my weight gain. I feel like I'm goibg round in circles. Dont give up.
Hi basten. I have the same problem. It may be stress or boredom. Believe it or not, food can also be an addiction. We can live without smoking, drinking and gambling, but unfortunately, we can't stop eating.
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