Binge Eating

[Misswren]

I recently found out that a friend of a friend has told them they believe I am a binge eater. Years ago I was very badly bullied and used food as a coping mechanism. It was a an extremely sad, lonely time in my life. I've tried very hard to control my food impulses and do enoy eating healthy food, but I still struggle every day coping with my emotions and not relapsing to relying on junk food when I'm depressed or angry. Hearing what this person thinks of me is disheartening to say the least. I can't say I now have a good relationship with food because I know I don't, there are some days I want to just give in and eat but for the most part I manage to keep my indulging in check and stop myself from overeating. On those days I give myself a little pat on the back, but on other days it's really hard not to allow myself to give in, especially hearing something negative from someone I thought was a friend. I guess I'm really confused about knowing what is normal eating and what's not.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

I'm not the best to give advice on this topic as I'm overweight, always have been. And thats my first point- we cant help our genes. Look at your parents- is one obese? if so then youre likely to be so too.

The theory is that if you burn more than you eat you'll maintain good body shape, but I know from when I was in the Air Force that my fitness level was superb and my eating better managed...I still didnt look anything like the guy I shared a room with that ate twice as much and was slim.

So my message to you is it is more to do with acceptance than anything else. Sure, try and lose weight as it will make you feel better but losing heaps of weight is often futile and will drag you down further.

Google these

Beyondblue topic The frog and the scorpion

Beyondblue topic switching mindsets

The second one is useful as it is a case of mind control.

TonyWK

[Centaured]

Hello misswren

I'm sorry to hear how the comments of someone else has affected you.


Have you considered seeing a dietician. They can really help with knowing what and how much to eat. My dietician has been a lifesaver to me.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Misswren,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for deciding to join us. I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through and hearing negative things. Binge eating can be so hard and I sadly relate to it as well.

To answer your question about what's normal eating and what's not- I don't think there's an answer to this. I think for me I had to reframe what 'normal' meant, because eating a tub of ice-cream after a breakup isn't abnormal and eating lots of cake on your birthday isn't abnormal, even though they can both be lots of food and both be fuelled by feelings.

I hope that this kinda helps- feel free to check in and talk with us anytime. There's also a free webchat on Butterfly (Butterfly Foundation) as well as a phone number if you want to talk to someone www.butterfly.org.au

rt

[Misswren]

Hello Centaured,

Yes, I see my GP in a couple of weeks for a general checkup and I'm planning on asking him for a referal at my next appointment. I think seeing a dietician would be good idea, might help clear up some of the confusion in my own head about over-eating and portion sizes etc, things where I need some help. Not sure if dieticians where I am bulk bill, but even if I have to spend money out of my own pocket I'm hoping the results will be well worth it.

Cheers!

[Centaured]

I hope it works out for you.