Help!

[irisflower]

Got myself into a terrible cycle of binging when i come home from work and can't stop. Have a few personal issues so the comfort of food is the only way through it. I know the damage I'm doing as i've put on 2st in the last 9mths. Really desperatly don't know which way to turn anymore :-((

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello irisflower 😊

Knowing what to eat or not eat is only part of the answer, I think maybe you need to get to the bottom of the underlying reasons for the comfort eating. I see from past posts you have had a lot to deal with, bereavement and becoming a grandparent. Stress, anxiety and grief are all known triggers for comfort eating.

I'm sorry I don't have any words of wisdom but please know you are not alone.

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Ps I found this which may be of help

thebestofhealth.co.uk/healt...

[irisflower in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you, it helps to know I'm not alone

[irisflower in reply to irisflower]

Very helpful, need to direct some energy into caring for myself more. Thank you

[benwl]

I've recently started cooking a weeks batch of meals at the weekend - and noticed it makes a real difference as when I get home I can have a large and satisfying but very healthy meal ready in a few minutes, avoiding the temptation to load up on bread, go out for pizza etc.

[irisflower in reply to benwl]

Thank you, good advice but i don't have the capacity in my extra small freeze box at the top of my fridge.

[benwl in reply to irisflower]

Hmm, I take your point - I do keep the first few days worth just in the fridge but it's probably not wise to keep more than that.

I've been trying to think what I would do if I had to put something together really quickly from scratch - maybe a salad with microwaved peas and sweetcorn (they do need freezer space though) or quick cook brown rice.

[Troisdorf25 in reply to benwl]

Brilliant idea. The weekend is always a tough one for me too.

[irisflower]

Just your reply helps, so thank you :-))

[suige]

Try the happiness challenge it will help the site will give you the support to get through it

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to suige]

Excellent idea suige 😊

Definitely worth thinking about irisflower 😊

[Lizzie1977]

Hi Irisflower, I read your post and am exactly the same. I have got into the habit of binging when I get back from work, as I drive home I'm thinking of what to eat... Not good! I've started to try and make changes to my routine as I know this is a habit I've gotten into. I now purposely don't go into the kitchen for the first 15minutes when I get home as I know I will start eating . Sometimes I try and sit and watch TV or read my list of why I wanted to lose weight, I listen to music or if possible go and walk the dog for 10mins. Anything that can distract me from eating. I don't do these things for long just to get me over the wave of feelings that I have to eat. That wave will crash and the feeling of wanting to binge does go away you just have to ride it out. After a really stressful day I still struggle but one day at a time is all we can do.

[Ceals]

I tend to nibble whatever it is I am cooking for tea, as that is usually lean meat and vegetables it is not so bad. It would have been crisps etc but now they are not in the house. So the temptation is not there.

Something I turn to is an apple sliced and cored and a tbsp of any of the nut butters. If you sit down with this rather than eat on the hoof you can do it consciously and count the calories. Sitting down helps you to eat mindfully. I also think that planning something like this, or celery sticks and humous, on the way home helps you to rehearse what you will be doing so you - well me - are more likely to stick to it.

Good luck.

[Clover-patch 2 stone]

Dear irisflower it seems hopeless doesn't it? I've been there, I know how it feels (and that was only 6 weeks ago for me) but now I'm free of it and you can be too.

Firstly I think as others have suggested try to find either a counsellor or just someone to off-load your troubles to but just as importantly - it's time for some self-love (and if you're cringing right now you need it even more!). Start small, buy yourself a gift each and every week (non food) a bunch of lovely bright daffodils costs just £1 so start by doing this or something similar (the psychological effects of this are extremely powerful once it becomes a weekly habit). Also when you wake up each morning list 3 things you're grateful for and try to do it before bed too if you can- so simple to do yet life changing- trust me.

Now for the binge eating- I was bingeing on 3500- 6000+ a day just 5-6 weeks ago this is what was recommended to me-

Plan x3 healthy filling meals per day for 1 week- make sure they contain a good protein source and some slow release carbs.

Next plan x3 healthy filling snacks per day into your 7 day plan.

...and finally when you've done that then plan how to reduce your daily binges so buy your evening treats early in the day so you're not buying anything at all at night but you still give yourself that crutch if you need it by having the junk food waiting for you at night time. Start by planning 3 junk food items (doesn't matter if they're big boxes- the main thing is you stick to your 3 items and give yourself permission to have them. This will give you your control back and if you wish to reduce your evening eating you then have a stable platform from which to do that but the self care must come first along with the permission to eat otherwise you'll be left with an empty space and a desire to binge.

I hope this all makes sense? I know how desperate it feels when you feel out of control but I'm living proof that it's possible to get out of the misery and so are many others here. I've gone from 3500-6000+ calorie binges daily to 1 chunk of chocolate on a Sunday night ( which incidentally tastes better than any binge ever did!) but more importantly I now have self respect and feel I'm in control.

You're a strong woman "that can" and don't forget it 😊😊😊

[geniii in reply to Clover-patch]

This is wise, irisflower. I'm glad clover-patch wrote this for you.

Rooting for you.

Geniii

[IndigoBlue61]

Some lovely supportive answers from our members ❤️ Thank you all

[irisflower]

Thank you all so much for your kind replies, i don't feel so alone. I have to address my issues and make a plan to help myself through a really hellish time. I will use all the ideas everyone has suggested, such good, geniune and supportive replies. Thank you very much

[Clover-patch 2 stone in reply to irisflower]

You can do this irisflower ...regardless of what life throws at you, you really are much, much stronger than you think.

🌻🌻🌻

[irisflower in reply to Clover-patch]

Thank you Clover-patch, you are inspirational and a great credit to this helpful site

[Clover-patch 2 stone in reply to irisflower]

Oh irisflower thank you😊 but really I'm just passing on what has been passed to me.

You're precious, you're special and you matter- and don't forget it😊