Dietary issues and binge eating....

by Anonymous
(Australia)

Hi - I suffer from chronic constipation when I eat anything that contains starch and sugar in it... I know I shouldn't eat starch so I try to avoid it but then end up having a bit which leads to a binge thinking that I'm going to be constipated now I may as well eat as much of this as I want because it will be the last time... and sure enough I will do it again and again... this has lead to me becoming dependent on laxatives and therefore almost giving me an excuse to binge... I binge and crave these things when I get stressed, bored or upset...

I have gained 6kg since the beginning of the year (last year I constantly exercised so I didn't put the weight on) I feel uncomfortable but just can't stop and finding my restrictive diet hard to follow but don't seem to have a choice because otherwise I'm constipated all the time... It's hard because I can't even eat healthy snack alternatives like nuts as they cause even more constipation than anything....

Please help...

ANSWER

I think you already know the answer of what you need to do. Its obvious to anyone... stick to the diet that is most beneficial for your health.

But both you and I know that isn't the PERMANENT solution.

Yes, you do need to make some adjustments to your food plan and wean yourself off the laxatives. You and your doctor can create a food plan that will help you achieve that.

But you also need to have the mental and emotional support to back those actions. Otherwise you will continue to revert back to eating everything that causes your chronic constipation.

Start Keeping a Journal/Food Log

When you begin having the emotions that usually lead to a binge; pull out your journal. It may help to express your emotions and create a proactive plan to alleviate the problem.You can learn more here.

You will also find it helpful to begin a food log. You will able to see which foods help you feel good and which foods cause problems. You can use this food log to track the emotions you are feeling when you eat. This just helps your awareness of the difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger.

I thought I had IBS

I know what you are going through. When I was still in my binging cycle. I thought I had IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)... but after doing my food log and journal; I realized that the reason my body went from diarrhea to constipation was simply because of my food intake.

But Just knowing that wasn't the answer. I used my journal to be proactive about the triggers that would normally push me into binge mode. I focused on loving myself and being proactive about my life.

If you are honest with yourself and fully commit to this process; you will see dramatic changes.

You may also find my free mini e-course and e book helpful.


All my Best,

Stefanie