can't stop binging...please help :-(

[EdinburghLass]

I'm sitting here surrounded by chocolate and cake wrappers having binged once again. For the past 2 years I have lost weight and then put it on and then lost it and then put it on....over and over again. The problem is I have 80lbs to lose, I have medical problems and I am also pre-diabetic. I just don't know how to control my eating...I can't do it...I can't stop binging and don't know what to do anymore. I have increased my walking through fitbit but I'm not getting anywhere with weight loss because of the binging. Any advice welcome...I don't know what to do anymore 😞

[EdinburghLass]

Thanks...yeah...I was just thinking the other day that I would never binge on protein or fat...unless it was accompanied by carbs. I love bread and cheese. This evening I had cheese without bread and I stopped after a couple of chunks. Didn't have the urge to binge on it at all. If it was with bread then I could eat loads of it. It's weird but I'm starting to think that carbs really trigger the binging episodes. Worth exploring anyway x

[jleist]

all the above posts are very good advise.. Im glad to hear your more recent posts sounding more positive! In light of your carb discovery, may I make one more small suggestion..   small portion, high protein snacks every 2-3 hours... a few nuts or a cup of nonfat greek yogurt etc... keep that belly full.. oh and lots of water

[EdinburghLass]

thanks for the advice. mushc appreciated. I've also recently stopped my antidepressants (under a doctors advice, of course) and this seems to tp have really cut my desire for sugar/carbs. x

[jleist]

good news!  

if the cravings come back and  you find  yourself in that mindless cycle of driving to get snack food..

try making a sign that says "Where are you going?" laminate it and keep it in your car. Every time you get out of your car put the sign on your steering wheel or in your seat. The simple act of stopping to read the sign might be enough to break the cycle. 

[EdinburghLass]

That's a fab idea...never thought about that one!

[djc114]

How are you doing sweetie?

I've been there with the binging and sometimes I still slip up and have a bad day. But I do not beat myself up over it or punish myself. It is what it is and I move on. 

I find that I tend to binge and just eat to eat when I am bored. I am also an emotional eater.

I keep things that are healthy in the house to snack on - baby cheeses, celery, baby carrots, yogurts, sunflower seeds. I've also taught myself how to crochet and I'm working on several blankets and scarves to fill the boredom. 

You are not alone in this and it is ok. 

[EdinburghLass]

Thanks for the support guys. It's so good knowing that I'm not alone. I'm doing ok. Lost a stone...still 77lb to go though so it's a long journey...I just need see it through this time and not give up 😉

[bunnypuffs]

I would highly suggest discussing your eating disorder with a medical professional. It's a battle to do it alone.

[Intheprocess]

I am on just about the same page as you. I lost a good 40lbs about 1.5-2 years ago. Then I started antidepressant meds, as well as getting lazy and gained about 20lbs back!!! ( hah antiddepressants, ironic right?)

I have about 40-50lbs, and recently have gotten better with eating, but sometimes I just go for it. Nothing is off limits, and I think "hey, you will regret this" but I dont care at the time. Its really mind blowing. Especcially on the weekend when I am home more, and not very busy.

I am sorry, I pretty much vented and did not give advice. What I can say is rid the house of junk, if it isnt there you cant eat it, thats what I find helpful. And keeping busy, but sometimes thats hard because after working all week, I normally just want to do nothing. hah

I hoped fitbit would make it more intresting and getting me moving, even if it is just walking.

Have you asked yourself why is it that you binge? Maybe its an underlying problem.

Best of luck. It is a difficult thing to do.

[Intheprocess]

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@EdinburghLass wrote:

thanks guys...I don't keep junk food in the house. I just grab the car keys and drive to the nearest shop and buy binge food. It's like I'm in a trance, or something takes over me. Don't feel in control at all 😞

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I did not originally see this. I do the same in the middle of the night ( i used to be worse) I would wake up and barelly remember the next moring. It is so embarassing, and disgusting but the only way I could really confirm if I did or not, is if there is a wraper or papertowel or something sort of evidence. smh

[Fit_]

I recently read Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book Eat to Live, and it was tranformational on many levels. It explains the need to binge, suggests foods to eat that will stop the binges (I can attest to this), and the extraordinary research that he references was motivating enough to keep me eating his recommended, healthier, foods. There is no easy solution, and one must be a willing participant. Please take the time to read the book, I believe it will help you. The discussion about toxic hunger (which we all have when we binge) was an eye opener.

Good luck, and let us all know if you have found help with your binges.

[EdinburghLass]

thanks for your reply.Yes, I've found that antidepressents really increase my appetite for carbs/sugar. It's really tough because you dont want to be depressed because you are putting on weight either. I've come off my antidepressant and it has helped with reducing the binges but my mood isn't great. Sounds like we are in a similar situation. All the best

[EdinburghLass]

thanks, I am in therapy at the moment. Still struggling to break the cycle but trying hard!

[Intheprocess]

Thanks for that info. I will defiently look into it!!!!

[Intheprocess]

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@EdinburghLass wrote:

thanks for your reply.Yes, I've found that antidepressents really increase my appetite for carbs/sugar. It's really tough because you dont want to be depressed because you are putting on weight either. I've come off my antidepressant and it has helped with reducing the binges but my mood isn't great. Sounds like we are in a similar situation. All the best

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I was on generic Zoloft, I think it contributed to the weight gain, it also made me lazy. I tried some others hoping they would have lessened weight effects. Now I am on generic Wellbutrin SR, it doesnt seem to increase my appetite that much ( no more than usual) and I actually lost almost 10lbs. If you are still feeling down you should maybe check that one out, if you have not yet.

[EdinburghLass]

Hi, I was also on setraline and managed to gain about 3 stone over several years. I've tried prozac, citalopram but they made me really hungry as well. My GP says that venlafaxine/Duloxetine is really the next choice but I've read that people have gained weight on those too!!

 Wellbutrin isn't available in the UK for depression I don't think. I've heard lots of people from the US say that it's great though..which is a shame 😞

Sertraline really did help with my moodbut I just couldn't stop eating. I'm currently on my 3rd week of no antidepressants and, although my eating is much better, my mood is starting to suffer. Just feel like I'm stuck at the mo xx

[Intheprocess]

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@EdinburghLass wrote:

Hi, I was also on setraline and managed to gain about 3 stone over several years. I've tried prozac, citalopram but they made me really hungry as well. My GP says that venlafaxine/Duloxetine is really the next choice but I've read that people have gained weight on those too!!

 Wellbutrin isn't available in the UK for depression I don't think. I've heard lots of people from the US say that it's great though..which is a shame 😞

Sertraline really did help with my moodbut I just couldn't stop eating. I'm currently on my 3rd week of no antidepressants and, although my eating is much better, my mood is starting to suffer. Just feel like I'm stuck at the mo xx

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I have not heard of venafaxin/duloxetine, but I now see it is Effoxor and cymbalta. I never looked into those. I am not sure if those are SSRI's but I believe any SSRI's may cause weight issue. That in intresting I though setraline was the best ( besides the laziness and weight gain). Too bad it isnt available Uk, I would suggest giving it a try. My psyc. doctor said apparently it is the only one that showed no weight gain side effects.

It's such a terrible feeling, I am pretty greatful I recevied antidepressant. It such a cruddy low feeling Best of luck!!!!!!

[bebe531]

Lass you have gotten into the habit of grazing thats just eating all day.  At this point dont worry about why, really its just one more thing to worry about.  I suggest you eat only at specific time for example 7am, noon, 5pm and try not to eat after 9.  At first you'll be watching the clock but your body will adjust in about 3-4 days.Good Luck

[PeaceLanese]

I know EXACTLY how you feel. After much research trail and error I HAVE THE ANSWER to binging, addictive food behaviors and over consumption of wine. Please download the audio book called KETO-Clarity by Jimmy Moore. It will change your life. It's not your fault- I am positive people who have these types of addictions are MTHFR positive which is a methylation defect in your DNA. Cutting calories will not work for us initially but only eventually. Follow Keto- Clarity by the book and your gonna have that Ah-ha moment. (I have no financial or have never met this author by the way)!! I would love to hear back from you though!!

[PeaceLanese]

It is all about your blood sugar levels. Its low carb- Hight fat!! Keto-Clarity by Jimmy Moore