Tips compulsive eating

[Lee Francis]

Hi friends,

I've started binge eating the last couple months and I can't seem to stop. It's proper compulsive eating, not just a matter of eating too much.

I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or success stories?

I think I know why it started. I just moved to a different country after living with my parents for 30 years and I'm feeling very isolated. I'm having so much fun, but I guess I'm not ok either.

Thanks

[geoff]

Hello Lee, thanks for posting your comment.

From what you've told us you're worried about your binge eating, having some fun but feel isolated if I'm correct.

I can't diagnose you but only offer some suggestions, where you maybe eating when you’re not hungry and continue eating after you’re full or you may find that this is comforting you and helping to ease your unpleasant thoughts.

Now that you're living away from your parents, I wonder whether they contacting you too much or still a major factor in your life because if this isn't what you want, could be causing the problem.

If you feel bad about yourself and how you look, then you may use food to cope so it's catch-22 eating to feel better, feeling even worse, and then turning back to food for relief.

Can I ask whether your working and whether you're living with other people.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Lee Francis,

Thanks for your post.

I think the biggest thing I've learned about compulsive eating - or stress/binge eating, is that it's not the eating that's the problem. It's actually kind of clever technique, because it's been able to help you in some way - whether it's dealing with feelings of stress, worry or isolation. Maybe eating has become a bit of a comfort for you? Could I be right in saying that?

In terms of being able to tackle it, I think it's important to find out why it's become a way of coping, so then you can find another way of coping that feels a bit better in your body.

What is it that you look for when you start to compulsively eat? How are you feeling and how do you want to feel? I really encourage you to start to get curious about it.

I know that you kind of asked for tips/success stories, but I'm not sure that I really have any today. I think because compulsive eating can be such a complex kind of issue there's not really any quick fixes to it.

[geoff]

Hi Lee, I'm pleased that romantic_thi3f has mentioned 'dealing with feelings of stress, worry or isolation' as I've just said `in my reply 'causing the problem' meaning exactly the same.

My concern is whether or not you have been diagnosed by a doctor or a psych as the you have mentioned the word compulsive.

For me, I have compulsions as well as obsessions as I have OCD so eating disorders are similar to that seen in OCD.

As I've said, I can't say what you have, but I know from my own anxieties compulsions start.

I'd like you to get back to us when you are able to.

Geoff.

[Lee Francis]

Hi Geoff,

I work full time and I live with two others. I don't see them very much, we're pretty independent.

I'm eating way beyond when I'm full and I feel really sick sometimes after eating too much. I'm definitely using food to comfort myself.

Thanks for replying.

[white knight]

Hi Lee Francis

I have eating issues also, in fact my whole family has it and one, my sister recently had Gastric sleeve surgery that has been an enormous success.

I find the only true thing that works for me is distraction in the form of hobbies, sports or interests. They are the things that I can involve myself in and a few hours pass before I actually feel hungry.

distractions can even be as simple as a large jigsaw permanently set up in your room.

The rest is up to you I'm afraid and a dietician..

TonyWK

[Lilly18]

Hi Lee Francis,

I have been struggling with this also the last 6 months.

I have one idea that may help, up your water intake. It will not solve the problem but could delay the eating. Drink more water through out the day and have a glass of water when you feel the urge to eat (when your over eating) it will make you feel a bit full.

My eating happens when the kids are in bed of a night.. 😒