Binge Eating

I don't binge eat often but when I do I have noticed that my mind goes completely blank as I am eating. It freaks me out that when I am done eating I come "out of it" and truly realize what I have done. I realize how much I have consumed, how many different items and that I actually didn't even enjoy the activity. It freaks me out.

My question is, does anyone know a trick or a trigger I can use to snap myself out of a binge before it goes too far?

Please do not respond by telling me how unhealthy binge eating is. I know and I am trying to change it~ I just could use some pointers and support.

Fri. May 30, 11:41am

My mind does the same thing.
Try stepping outside. The change in environment sometimes snaps me out of it.
Step on the scale as a reality check.

Friday, May 30, 2008, 12:23 PM

I have my scale in the kitchen. If I feel like I want to binge, I hop on the scale. It stopped me from bingeing last night.

Other things you can do: brush your teeth, chew gum, put on some music, go look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself why you want to eat- are you really hungry?

Good luck, I know it's hard. I'm seeing a therapist about this issue.

Friday, May 30, 2008, 12:25 PM

Tape this phrase on your refrigerator: IT'S NOT IN HERE. Whatever emotional need you're trying to satisfy won't be met by anything in the fridge. Maybe this can help you snap out of it in that vulnerable moment.

Friday, May 30, 2008, 3:20 PM

I try to call a friend and make plans to do something active and leave the house right away.

Friday, May 30, 2008, 3:38 PM

I've worked with a lot of patients with eating and other disorders. One trick I recommend (and have used myself) is to wear a rubber band around your wrist, and snap it when you feel a binge coming on (or any time during it). It won't harm you, but it's enough of a shock to distract your brain for a moment and allow you to regroup. I first used this technique with people who cut themselves, a form of self-harm. Binge eating (especially as you described, with your mind going blank) is also a form of self-harm, so I really think this could be useful to you. I hope this helps.

Sunday, June 1, 2008, 12:07 AM

Binge eating

I've found that sometimes drinking a hot drink like a low cal hot chocolate or a cup of tea helps, but also doing something distracting like taking a shower can also help.

Sunday, June 1, 2008, 3:14 PM

As someone who binged and purged for ten years, I think you need to find out what you are blocking out of your mind while you're eating. Mine was related to depression and anxiety, but would always feel worse after binging that I did before. If you're not ready or able to seek treatment or talk to a therapist, I would suggest that you be sure to portion out your food on your plate and put the rest away. Sit at the table and make the meal an event - don't read or watch TV while you eat so you can't be absorbed in something else and try to mindfully eat slowly. Best of luck to you.

Sunday, June 1, 2008, 11:27 PM

Thank You

I really appreciate everyone's ideas and support.
I am going to try all of those techniques to see what works best for me.

I am not against speaking to a therapist but I guess I have always been the type of person who wants to be "strong enough" to fix things on their own.
Since eating the entire contents of my fridge isn't fixing anything, maybe I do have to look elsewhere.

Thank you again.

Monday, June 2, 2008, 10:10 AM

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