Binge Eating & Dieting

by Sandy
(Indiana)

Everything that I have read about binge eating suggests that dieting is the main cause of this behavior.

Do you think it is possible to overcome a binge eating problem and still lose weight if you have to give up dieting? I noticed you are on the Christmas weight loss challenge on Youtube. How do you lose weight if binge/emotional eating is such a concern?


ANSWER

Sandy,

This is a wonderful question!

Yes, I do believe that it is possible to overcome binge eating, give up dieting, and still lose weight.

This was a question I was concerned about when I first decided that I needed to stop binging. I wondered how it could be possible to stop "dieting" and still lose weight.

The word "diet" is kind of tricky.
The reason is because everyone has a different definition for it!

My definition is any kind of restrictive eating plan, one that goes to extremes in limiting certain food groups or calories.

You're right, this kind of dieting does perpetuate the cycle of binge eating. A person will cycle back and forth between binging and then restricting to "make up for it".

The trick is learning how to eat in a supportive way: to neither diet nor binge. It may take time for a person to learn how to do this. I know that I am still learning new things that work for me and things that don't.

I decided to put my focus on healthy eating.
I wanted to lose weight in such a way that I can support it the rest of my life. I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full. Now... I'm not perfect. Sometime I do still overeat. But the overall picture is what really matters.

I have found that by not focusing on restricting and instead focusing on healthy eating I've been able to avoid the relentless urges to binge on the things that are "forbidden".

The minute a binge eater says, "I can't have donuts, or chocolate!" That is exactly what they eat.

I still enjoy treats. Just not everyday and in moderation when I do have them.

The greatest tool that I still use is my journal. Whenever I have the urge to eat emotionally I pull it out and just start writing. More often than not; I realize that I'd been stressed about something that wasn't in the forefront of my mind.

I hope that answers your question.


All my Best,
Stefanie