This question came through annoynmously from my “Ask me Anything” box on the right of the blog.
“How do we fix binging? Am I just permanently broken? My boyfriend's been away on a week's guy vacation and I have been chowing through bags of chips, pints of ice cream, seconds and thirds of everything. I think the only way I usually keep this in chec”
As you probably noticed, the question got cut off. So, if you asked this and want to talk more, please feel free to email me.
First, you are NOT permanently broken. None of us are. No matter what our demons, there is nothing we can't overcome. Like everything else in weight loss and journeying to fitness, there is no easy “fix.” The good thing is that you realize you are binging. Here are a few things you might want to think about that have worked for me.
- Why are you binging? Is it out of boredom, fear, loneliness, etc? All of the above? Try to remember all the recent times you've binged and what the circumstances around the binge were. You should be able to notice and identify a pattern.
- What kind of behavior could you do INSTEAD of binging when this next trigger strikes? If you're eating out of boredom, think about other things you could do. Go to the mall. Chat with friends. Go get a cup of coffee. Read a book. Basically, you want to think about what in the world, OTHER than eating, you can do when you feel a binge coming on. If you have to, make a list of things that you'll have at the ready. I know I personally would temporarily “forget” that I had options OTHER than binging on food. Keep the list close by.
- You know that feeling after a binge? When you feel miserable and sick because you've just consumed so much bad stuff that your body just hates you? Try to remind yourself of that feeling BEFORE reaching for something in a binge. If you are like me and would go get fast food, put a note on your steering wheel reminding yourself to think before you go. And while your'e at it, keep that list handy of other alternatives to binging. If you have the food at your house, put a note on the refrigerator and on the pantry door. Seeing that note as a physical reminder could be the difference between binging and coping.
- Ask for help. If you really do feel that out of control and don't feel like the steps above will help, I urge you to seek professional attention. There are tons of psychologists that can help you identify the triggers and build coping strategies. There is nothing wrong with seeing someone about a problem. I've done it many times before, and am sure I'll do it again in the future.
Also, please remember my disclaimer:
All the information presented on this blog is for educational, entertainment, and resource purposes only. This blog is NOT a substitute for any advice given to you by your physician. Always consult your physician or health care provider before beginning any weightloss, nutrition or exercise program. Use of the programs, advice, and information contained in this website is at the sole choice and risk of the reader.
I want to ask others here- have you ever binged? How did you cope with it? Any tips?
