Support for those who overeat...

[Purple*Lotus]

I apologize if there is already a thread about this here. I did a search and did not come up with anything

Are there any other compulsive overeaters around? I could really use some support. The OA group in my area folded and I have never been able to get any of the OA chat sessions to work on my computer.

I struggle every day. Anyone else?

[lil_earthmomma]

Well, struggle with disordered eating, ranging from anorexia to binge eating (overeating) and purging, so some bulimic issues.

I haven't purged in a long time but swing from anorexic behavior to binging or overeating.

The primal lifestyle http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-101/

has really helped with the binging. As long as I stay away from sugar I do really well, because it's a lot harder to mindlessly eat and overeat on foods that are fat and protein heavy.

Other things I do when feeling bingy:

Eat VERY slowly and mindfully. Even if in between each bite I have to say

something like, "this food is nourishing my body." to keep myself present. I drink a lot of water inbetween bites.

I don't keep easy to eat food in the house. So, if I'm craving something sweet, I have to make something. Some days that's enough to deter me, but if not, I still have to gather up all of the supplies, make the treat, let it cool and by that time I'm somehow calmed and lulled by the process, and eat much less than I would have if I'd just started shovelling. It really works for me. Even something as simple as sauteing pecans in butter and vanilla and a drizzle of maple syrup takes time, and the aromas and process really seem to do something...

Take a bath. I like taking a bath because then I look in the mirror and remind myself why I'm working so hard.

And finally, be kind to yourself.

[ellairiesmom]

hmmmm...i have been struggling with my relationship with food for years & most recently trying to define it...is it emotional eating, boredom eating or actually compulsive eating????

I think maybe it could be all of the above-or has been one of each at different stages of my life. But one thing I know for sure is that food in my family & friendships is the focus of celebrating, socializing etc. I want it to be more about survival for me, fuel for my body, but don't know how to break out of the thinking that it is something more.

In my 20's I gained 80 lbs or so...I was a partier...drinking, smoking pot & eating late at night. But even when I did try & be good, losing weight was very difficult. By 29, a Dr identified PCOS/Insulin Res & I changed my lifestyle, started metformin & lost it all & more. So my early 30's were amazing-I felt great, looked good & most importantly felt soooo in control.

I met DH & gained 10 lbs or so just because of dating & relaxing a little about what I ate. But then I got pregnant w/ DD1 & have had an impossible time of getting back in control while being a sahm. But I want to get back to that place again soooo bad-I have 40 lbs to lose to get there, 30 lbs would be "ok" though. Losing it is half the battle-maintaining it-the other half.

Anyway-thx for posting this. I would love to hear more advice, ideas & techniques...

[babygrant]

I'm there. Thankfully I haven't purged in a couple of years....but I still overeat on a daily basis for the most part. Quite often I overeat to the point that I feel physically ill. No advice sinc ei Havne't conquored it yet....but I will someday!!

[texmati]

me, me me... want to come back and write more later.

[JayGee]

Yup. I've been bingeing on and off since I was 18. I'm now 42. I want it to end.

[nj's_mom]

Me.

Depending on the weather- my mood- my living situation- it can be manageable or out of control- but at least 50% of the time, I'm headlong into a binge of sugary carbs. And then the fog that follows- and the "plan" to make up for it.

Sometime's it's scary how little control I have.

[Purple*Lotus]

I wish I could find a way to control it. Even for a short time would be nice!

[ithappened]

I've been looking for some online support of OA for my sister. . has anyone found chat rooms or support forums?

[melanyh]

me. no purging, just binging -- right now, in fact.

[lil_earthmomma]

Originally Posted by melanyh

me. no purging, just binging -- right now, in fact.

[Happiestever]

Hey we can help each other. I know I need the support.
I started overeatng when I was 9 years old and was being molested by my step father. That stopped when I was 14, but the overeating hasn't. I cannot believe I just shared that info, but it's when I remember as my downfall. I am trying to be more in tune with what goes into my body and why I am eating. I never heard of a OA meeting until someone said they had a friend who went to one here. I would love to make it to a meeting, but for now I will work it out on my own.

I have been definitely improving in my choices. I will keep checking here to see how to help myself and everyone else.

Take Care Bunnyflakes, I'm with you

[lil_earthmomma]

I too am a survivor of sexual abuse.

Apparently many eating disorders stem from abuse.

[treeoflife3]

I'm a food addict. It is extremely frustrating. I've been actively trying to change it for a few months now but some hard stuff has come up for me to deal with AND I've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism so I just keep eating and keep gaining. Its like the harder I try to get better, the worse it gets.

[eclipse]

The only thing that has EVER helped me with binge eating is wellbutrin. I know it's not marketed for that, and I didn't start taking it for that reason (I needed an anti-depressant that didn't kill my sex drive), but it has really worked. I would guess it works similarly to the way it helps people quit smoking. . .and I don't know exactly how that works either . Anyhow, I've lost 60 lbs since I started taking it in September, and it's due in a large part to pretty much eliminating my binge eating. I can't remember the last time I binged.

I'm also a sexual abuse/assault survivor, and I have no doubt there's a connection for me.

[ps4624]

I am in the middle of a 2 week binge right now that is out of control. I know what's causing it - anxiety and fear of an upcoming event but I don't know how to stop it. I feel sick and guilty, I don't even want to eat the stuff I'm eating and I'm causing damage to myself and my nursling. It's awful.

[nj's_mom]

Yep. Middle of a binge myself. I won't say what it's consisted of. Disgusting.

[JayGee]

I just finished reading Geneen Roth's Women Food and God and WOW! She will be on Oprah this afternoon and even though I NEVER watch Oprah, I'm definitely tuning in today. The book was amazing and insightful and really speaks to the reason we use food to numb ourselves. We can heal. I am sure of it .

I'm happy to say that I did not binge yesterday. I've been dividing the day into 4 6 hour segments and seeing if I can be binge free for a 6 hour time frame. It's not as daunting as being binge free for an entire 24 hours, and the time I'm sleeping (and not eating) is like free success! Mind games, but if it works.....

[ellairiesmom]

watching oprah now here...

[texmati]

s: I'm so sorry for all of you who have survived abuse.

I missed the oprah, but it sounds interesting.

I eat when I'm stressed. way more than I should, and it has to be junk. I even know I"m doing it, but in the moment, it feels like a choice between eating, and something worse, crying all night, loosing control, or even worse. I always feel better after eating-- like chatting with an old friend.