Diet Obsessed

by Anon
(Australia)

I feel as though I'm stuck in a vicious cycle.

My binge eating came about, ironically, as a result of a diet. I have previously been overweight, and in a diet plan I used I was permitted a 'day off' each week to eat whatever I wanted. This started off well enough, but soon spiraled into a cycle of constantly denying and struggling with myself to build up to my one 'day off'.

Each week which would turn into an out of control binge.

Although I am no longer following that particular diet, I still binge after restricting myself for a week, or sometimes just a few days.I'm no longer overweight but I'm terrified of putting the weight back on as a result of binging, and at the same time feel helpless to stop. I've tried 'eating naturally' according to my hunger cues, and stopping counting calories, but I find that I can't stop thinking about and planning my meals, and if I have anything sweet it often tends to send me into 'binge mode'.

I'll often binge to the point of feeling physically sick and don't even want to think about food ever again, only to do it all over again in only a matter of time. I'd love to clear out the cupboards of all the junk food in the house, but I still live with my parents and
siblings, and I can't ask them to change their diets, because no one else in my family has binge eating problems.

One of the worst things is due to the diet I was on, I'll often plan a binge for the end of the week. I know this is completely destructive behavior but its the only way I feel I can keep going. Its been a long time now since I've gone more than a week or two without binging, I find that I run into 'diet fatigue' far too easily these days.

For about six months my weight has been yo-yo-ing between 143-150lbs. I'm 5"8' and would really love to reach my goal weight of 130lbs. I have completely adequate knowledge of diet and exercise to get there, but I feel as though my binge eating will prevent me from ever achieving it.



ANSWER

For some people who suffer from binge eating it does originate from starting a restrictive diet.

When calories are restricted too far; our bodies literally scream "Eat Now". But there is also an emotional aspect to it. Even after you have satisfied the physical push for food... your emotions are now tied up in the process.

Odds are that after that first binge it felt so good; that emotionally you saw binging as a solution... a way to feel good. Hence the cycle you find yourself in.

They key is to focus on the emotional aspect of the binging; especially since you feel you have the knowledge required for the eating and exercise portion;
the problem has to lie with the emotional side.

You may be in a destructive cycle right now. But that doesn't mean that you are permanently stuck there.

One thing you may find helpful is to remember that your behaviors are not Who You Are. They are simply behaviors; not your identity. And behaviors can be changed.

Here are some suggestions....

1. Whenever you find yourself obsessively thinking about food; pull out your journal.
   
   Using a tool like writing can help you identify what the trigger was and from there you can
   proactively pursue a solution. The reason you may be thinking about food so often is that your brain has now associated food with solutions or comfort. So when you feel stressed or are facing a problem... the first thing that comes to your mind as a solution is food.
   
   Once you have identified the problem then you can begin to brainstorm possible solutions and ACT on them. If you practice this enough; your brain will begin to automatically bypass the food and look for ways to address the problem directly.
   



2. Tell your family about your struggles and ask for their support.
   
   If this means cleaning out the house, and they are willing to support you in that way.... awesome. If that is not possible; then at least ask for their emotional support. Having a good support system and people that are aware of your struggle will help keep you be accountable and committed to the process of making permanent changes.
   



3. Lay off the diets.
   
   Yes it is important to eat a balanced diet; and I hope you are doing so. You need let go of the diet mentality and instead focus on being healthy; this may alleviate some of your 'diet fatigue'.
   



4. Rethink your BMI
   
   Now I don't know what your body frame is like or what your body fat percentage is... so I am answering this blind.
   
   @ 5'8" and 143-150.... that is VERY healthy. It may or may not be detrimental to slip down to 130.
   BUT this is your choice. You know your body better than ANYONE else does. If this is a reasonable goal for you; then shoot for it.
   
   But remember that right now with the cycle you're in; the best way to reach your goal is to first focus on building a healthy emotional balance, solving stress and problems in a direct fashion, and putting food in it's rightful place.
   
   As long as you are doing this the healthy way,
   maintaining your muscle and focusing on fat loss... then go for it!
   

Last but not least...

Believe in Yourself. You are not your behaviors. You have a power within yourself to live the life you want and create happiness, not only for you, but for those around you as well.

Just remember to be patient with yourself and never give up! You can do this.

Keep me updated on your progress...


All my Best,

Stefanie