Help with extreme binge eating

[Jaela2410]

I need serious help... I know how to lose weight and I have all the tools to do it however every time I see to something bad to eat my mind says “screw it, I’m fine, I’ll start tomorrow” etc etc please help me I don’t know what’s wrong with me or how to stop this

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Hello and welcome, Jaela2410

I hear what you're saying about knowing how to lose weight but I'm going to ask you to question that. It's generally our choice of foods that leads to bingeing: once we can get into a truly healthy way of eating, with good filling meals, home made, natural fats, eating when hungry and stopping when full, it really can put that self-defeating behaviour in the past.

Please read these which explain better than I can

well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013...

psychologytoday.com/us/blog...

phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

A good way of getting into the forum is by joining a weekly weigh-in on the day of your choice, and sharing your meal plans on the Daily Diary. They, and A Welcome Newbies post, are in Pinned Posts and this is where you’ll find them healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

The forum is set up for sharing information and support so, wherever you go, please chat, ask questions and encourage others: that way, we share the support around. You’ll meet some wonderful people along the way who will be happy to share their successes and struggles😊

[TheAwfulToad Visitor]

There are a lot of daft ideas about how to lose weight, and unfortunately they've been repeated so often that we've just accepted them as "common sense". The thing is this: if what you're doing drives you to binge, then it isn't a good way to lose weight. It doesn't matter how great it sounds in theory. If it doesn't actually work, it's useless.

Losing weight is not difficult or unpleasant, and when you eat the right things you won't feel driven to eat rubbish. Keeping it simple:

- You should be eating homecooked meals made from fresh veg, meat, eggs, dairy.

- You should have very few packets, boxes, and tins in your cupboards - these are invariably made from stuff that makes you fat. In particular, get rid of sugar, white bread, breakfast cereals, and "snacks".

- Don't buy anything that says "low fat" on it. Don't be afraid of butter, cheese, and meat with the skin/fat on it.

- Don't base you meals on a pile of rice, potatoes, pasta or bread. Instead, start with vegetables, and add meat/eggs/dairy to taste.

- Eat when you're hungry, and stop when you're full.

Copy that out, stick it on your fridge, and you'll lose weight without craving a whole tin of Quality Street every evening.

[Lilaclady24 Restart Sept 2023]

Jaela, I very much agree with what others have said. You should think and believe that this time will be different as this time you have the support and companionship of everyone on this forum—all experts in our own way! We are here to listen to you and to reply too. There is nothing wrong with you! I fully understand the procrastination, “there’s always tomorrow” mentality but there can be a new leaf turned. I’ve done it! I share your feelings and your desperation exactly and yet I stopped junk food one week ago with only one slip up earlier this week. I forgave myself (didn’t go all out and continue gorging for the rest of the day), and carried on abstaining. It’s a bit easier already. Besides, I now feel that I can’t possibly let down all the good people on this site who have taken the time to write me an encouraging note! I have to keep on eating healthily and swearing off junk food! No choice! Good luck and we are with you in spirit! Do read the articles suggested by Bridgegirl and do as she and the Awful Toad advise.

[Philfran Visitor]

Similar. In addition, periodically, I will stand in the kitchen & eat & eat. Very often it is something that I don’t particularly like (eg biscuits) or positively dislike (eg peanut butter) but it is also often things that are to hand (dried fruit, leftovers). I find that this happens if I’m stressed, which I understand, but also when I’m losing weight & making progress (which I don’t understand).

[Icandoit2019]

Hi I’m a binger too, so you’re not alone I’m interested to know what tools you have to help you lose weight.

In all honesty I think we are know what we should be doing but it’s implementing on it that’s the problem!

I have posted about binging a couple of times and how can you stay motivated etc. people give me advice but there many times I don’t act on it.

So what I learnt is, it honestly does just simply come down to you. No one else can lose the weight for you. I don’t rely on motivation or will power as Mines not that strong 😂

I have to use old fashion habits just putting in new habits slowly. Change of diet new recipes. Exercise a major one. Down loaded the couch25k and actually became a runner who would have thought and joined the gym and loving the classes.

Be kind to yourself, if you do binge and accept there will be times on the journey you will binge. It’s fine brush yourself off and start again.

Be realistic with your weight loss. I count in 0.5lbs so anything over is a bonus. They soon all add up.

There is lots of support here and you be glad you joined.

Wish you all the best and good luck

[S11m]

Hi, Jaela2410 , welcome.

Eating plenty of good food, including fat, at mealtimes deceases the need to binge or snack.

If you "slim smart" weight loss is not so hard! It is not all about motivation and masochism.

Some of us here find that what works is a combination of The Low Carbohydrate, High-Fat (LCHF) diet (see the forum here on Health Unlocked) and Not Snacking All Day AKA Intermittent Fasting (IF). See:

healthunlocked.com/fasting-...

[Bigmomma2020]

Hi Jaela, I know exactly how you feel. I'm in the same boat. I just feel I'm getting bigger and bigger and don't really know how to stop myself eating. I've tried different things but only really lasted a day or two and then just reverted to the same old diet of eating junk in the evening/to reward myself, or to console myself. I know what my triggers are but it's easy just to say I'll start again tomorrow or that this one time doesn't count. This week I'm trying the method of if it's not in the cupboard I can't eat it. Also when I go to the shops I put junk food in my basket but before I get to the till I take it out and say I don't want it! Crazy, yes, but at least I get to walk around the shop with it and it makes me feel more in control by putting it back. We can do it and beat this, just have to take it hour by hour at first x

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Bigmomma2020]

Hi and welcome, Bigmomma2020

I hope you'll take advantage of all the information that has been provided for Jaela2410 and will also become regular and supportive membe of our community.

Wishing you all the best for 2020

[ChubbieChops Visitor]

I have given up trying to lose weight by following the usual 'guidelines' and have become a recent convert to LCHF which several others have already referred to. This article convinced me of the 'rightness' of this way of eating.

nhs.uk/news/heart-and-lungs...