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 😞

[manuelad]

Binging is my biggest problem as is late night eating. I enjoy working out - Well  - mostly when the workout is completed  I eat healthy foods - but I binge on those too - not good. I'm a work in progress 🙂 Hoping I will find some good ideas on here. I love my fitbit and this program - so I feel I am heading in the right direction.

[SunsetRunner]

keep the food as far away as possible and as hard to get as you can

if you have a local store that is open 24/7, then only buy the ingredients you need to cook, and when you want a nibble, then you have to go to the local store and when you do, only buy a little, so if you want to nibble later, you have to pop out again

[Fit_]

Six months ago I made up my mind to lose weight. I did (32 lbs so far, 15 more go to). I also told myself that I was going to get there and nothing would stop me from doing it. It's a firm belief, a firm goal, and this sustains me. You have to want it badly and mentally prepare for it. I hope it helps.

[Alison_D]

There are a few 12 Step based support group options.  You could try Overeaters Anonymous, Food Addicts Anonymous and if you are really, really struggling try Greysheeters Anonymous http://www.greysheet.org  

Bingeing is a common problem and there is no quick fix.  I think it's important not to feel guilty about the binge.  Accept yourself and what happened and start over in the next moment.   I hope this helps.

[SunsetRunner]

My advice for bingers....

WATER

drink plenty of water. I make it a habit to drink a glass of water prior to each meal. I drink an extra glass after dinner. It helps my craving after 9pm...

Also, if really crave.. i drink a cup of coffee. Have it with 4 oz of 1% milk and 2 sugars...

[HelenaFitbit]

As @Alison_D has mentioned, there are plenty of support groups who can guide you through this.

NEDA has a pen-pal like system where you can talk to other members who have gone through the same as you have, you can get information about them here: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

OA has a search option to the nearest meeting place in your area, I went to some meetings and you really feel comfortable sharing your experiences with other people, check their page here: http://www.oa.org/

I know how impossible it feels to stop a binge, so what I've done is distract myself; I take a hot shower, go for a walk or call a friend. 

Stay strong! 

[EdinburghLass]

Thanks for all your replies everyone. 2015 is a new year and I'm gonna get this weight off!!!!! Had enough!!!

[laddybug3]

I started journaling. It has help a lot. What I learned is that I tend to eat more when I am home alone, or I there is just something that is too tempting. Mainly chocolate. Not helping that Christmas has  brought back more chocolate than I need. 

Now I really want those stupid chocolate fruit, or those cookies on the conter even as I am typing this. Runing, boxing, walking, kickboxing, and wieghtlifting has helped a lot. I tend to spend more time at the gym now. No social eating for me.

[SunsetRunner]

From ur lips to god's ear

[heartnurseva]

I feel your pain, so well. I too need to lose about 80 lbs, but I am a food addict, and am worried I need to deal with it possibly as O.A.(Overeaters Anon.  I have done low carb, Atkins, weight watchers, slim fast and on and on, I have probably lost and gained the same 20 lbs ten times over.  I wish I had a solution, but just adding my acknowledgement to the  thread. I will follow along and apprecaite otehrs suggestions.

[EdinburghLass]

Thanks x its good to know I'm not alone with this x

[amykins514]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but there's a great group on Facebook that I love and really helps. It's called "Binge Eating Disorder" and it has 3,341 members currently. It's completely private, and none of your FB friends will be able to see that you are a member of it, or that you've posted there. It's helped me immensely, I highly recommend joining it.

[TiaMariaKC]

I strongly urge you to get in touch with OA (Overeaters Annonymous) or another food addiction group. There are face to face meetings, online meetings, email threads, facebook private groupts, etc. You have to get to the bottom of the emotional issues that lead to your overeating/binging/purging. Trying to beat this with willpower and self control will not work long term. Peace 

[heartnurseva]

Thank you. Will look it up.

[HelenaFitbit]

OA has plenty of resources for you to get if you can't find a meeting close to your hometown. I've been to a couple and they are a life-changing experience. 

I wish the very best for you 

[EdinburghLass]

Thanks x I'll have a look. Not sure how many groups are in UK but I will do some research x

Sent from Louisa's iPhone

[yusra90]

Look I totally get it.. it's hard. BUt psychology plays a huge part in emotional and binge eating. I would suggest that the first thing you do is first of all change your mindset and throw out the diet mentality because it only adds the need to binge all the time when you have created a rule that you wish to rebel against. Listen to your hunger levels and try and set structured meal times - again this is something I find challenging and when I don't eat my meals at structured times of the day, I feel that I am forever nibbling all day long! Lastly, if need be there is no harm in seeing your GP and asking for a referral to a psychologist to talk about any underlying anxiety that may be behind the need to binge eat. Best of luck!

[yusra90]

Planning treats is one thing that helped me deal with bingeing because it's something you look forward to all week and most importantly, no need to feel guilty about it!!

[yusra90]

thanks for saying it as it is. You are right.. the drive must be innate. You can get support from other but only you must do whatever it takes to achieve the goal!!

[RF_GeoGirl]

OA is global!   You can find meetings all over.  I am grateful to have found it.  

If you cannot get to a meeting.. this might help but it might be an akward place to start:  http://www.avision4you.info/