Seeing doctor about my binge eating

Don't buy or make cake
Don't buy or make biscuits
Don't buy chocolate, crisps, those horrible pink wafers
Don't buy icecream

Then you can't be tempted
If the rest of the family moan, tell them these things aren't good for them anyway.

It's a bit like giving up smoking - it can be done and cold turkey is better than anything else.

Says she smugly, who is thinking about chocolate as she types .....

I think it's Ratty Thursday - a couple of threads have been affected by it!

Grumpy is the same in English and Welsh (I think)

as in Grumpy Bampy

Have you ever tried just not having this junk food in the house, Antjexix? I'm not being ratty here, btw, just trying to help. If it wasn't there, you couldn't binge on it, could you? I must admit I have my moments, usually when I'm alone in the house, when I can eat for England, and then feel guilty. But at least it's healthy ish stuff that I'm hoovering up, like toast, cheese, yoghurt, nuts, fruit. Apart from the secret stash of Buttons and Freddos that I buy in for the grandchildren, allegedly.....I have been known to get the DH to hide that, if he's going out, to save me from myself. Might it not be a good idea to go cold turkey, as Jalima says, before going to the doctor? Just see how that pans out?

Reading your post, it could be about me.
I am 5'6" and a size 12-14. I don't look overweight to most people but for me I am.
Like you said it's the out of control eating that's the worry...I have put weight on and don't want to put on any more.
Please let us know how you get on at the GPs.

I will do Jane65

There's a difference between binge eating and raiding the biscuit barrel or the kids' Easter Egg stash. It's not like eating because you're bored, where you can distract yourself with activities. It's not the same as overeating either.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a recognised eating disorder just like Anorexia and Bulimia. It needs to be diagnosed by a professional, which is why I agreed with the OP that she should see her GP. Eating disorders mental illnesses and it's usually very difficult for people with eating disorders to get better on their own. They need to find professional help and support as soon as possible and their GP is the first port of call.

Is it any wonder why people are still reluctant to talk about mental illness?

Antjexix - I think you are so brave to come out and say what you have. I couldn't believe my eyes, as last night I was researching via google on exactly the same thing……. having just eaten a whole packet of biscuits, loads of chocolates, ryvitas and pate ….. + + ……… I know exactly how you feel; it is the not being able to stop, and just eating and eating.
Some people on here obviously have no idea of what this problem is like. I can remember even as a teenager, eating all six cakes that mum had bought in a packet from M & S.
A year or so ago I did the 17 Day Diet, where you don't eat any wheat, carbs, or sugar for the first 17 days, and do you know, I lost my need for chocolate, biscuits, cakes etc. and felt really great. I do think sugary/fatty things can be quite addictive. After all, I don't think I would eat a whole packet of ryvitas, but I do with sweet biscuits.
Unfortunately I fell off the wagon, and have put a stone on this last year. But, it is not really the weight, but the problem that is more concerning, you are right.
I wonder sometimes if it comes for me from childhood - when I was ill (and in bed in those days), mum would bring me a chocolate bar home from her shopping trip. Also my dad sometimes brought home chocolate on a Friday evening. These were things that showed they loved me and so I feel that sweet food has very much become a comfort thing for me.
As for those who say don't buy the stuff - well, unfortunately my OH buys biscuits, and I know they are there in the cupboard. Like most binge/comfort eaters, it is a secret so he does not know I eat whole packets.
Triggers - yes, sometimes - like if OH makes me SO annoyed (as they do!) - but not always, maybe habits, like eating when browsing Gransnet, or reading a book.
Someone's suggestion of keeping your hands busy - knitting, sewing etc - is a great idea and it does help.
Also, lots of walking or other exercise, as you get the feel good factor which can help make you feel stronger to deal with your issues.
I do hope your doctor is understanding and can maybe refer you to a group - but maybe we can start one on here, just for us and not for the unhelpful posters!
Good luck and thank you for posting. x

Thank you so,so much wilmaknickersfit and nanabelle.

I think we've all tried to be helpful, even the tough love ones, and don't deserve to have our hands slapped. This is after all posted in the Diet forum, not Health, and the OP presumably wanted others to comment. Best of luck to you, Antjexix.

Help can sometimes be dangerous if it is wrong, however well intentioned.

If Antjexix was an alcoholic many people would react differently I suspect.Having a bad relationship with food is very similar. I have the same problem with food and Ithink it's fair to say that people with this problem want to be able to HAVE the unhealthy food in the house without being compelled to eat it. We'd just like to be normal. it is a mental / emotional problem. I think hypnotherapy or CBT might help. There is also an Overeaters Anonymous group which I might join.

Hi Antjexix. I have had similar problem all my life, well since about 10 years old, so I do understand. I'd get a 6 pack of crisps on way to school and scoff the lot. I wasn't fat then, but had issued with my Mum. I now think i know what started it, but regardless, just wanted to have control now.

I have thought of counselling in past, but doubtful if that would really help me. Whatever caused it years ago, this is me now, and I felt I should be able to move forward.

If you have never experienced this constant compulsion, you can't truly understand. It's really not so easy as having nothing in the house.

I have been trying the Blood Sugar Diet by Michael Mosley, I did this as I think I am well on way to being diabetic + other health issued with being overweight.. Nanabelle has obviously found the same, carbs and sugar are addictive (for me at least)

The weight hasn't dropped off me like some, but still 3 pounds per week is very good for me.

I know you don't need to lose much, but why I suggest you try it, is because I have so far lost the impulse to binge, and even think about food all the time. It is such a relief to feel in control and not constantly berating myself mentally.

I eat low carb highish fat - with roughly 800 cals and 50g carb per day. I eat from about 11 or 12 noon. I don't snack. I have hunger pangs occasionally but cope with them. I drink loads of water. I have never tried a diet before where I wasn't tempted. I have sat with OH while he ate chips or cake, and had a healthy salad. This might not seem impressive to most of you, but for me it is amazing.

I'd suggest you try it for, say 2 weeks, and see how you feel. Perhaps you'd need 1000 instead of 800, but no simple carbs/sugar. I find their forum very helpful. There is a section on Mindfulness that might help. What have you got to lose by giving it 2 weeks? All the very best x

.https://thebloodsugardiet.com/forums/

I have had this problem all my life and it has similarities to alcoholism. It is a secret much misunderstood problem. Have tried everything hypnotism and acupuncture to no avail. My dh has certain things he has to hide in the house. It is not gluttony , I can assure you, and can make one feel very low.

My daughter recently went to her GP with the same problem. She lost 4 stone for her wedding and looked fabulous. Within a year she put it all back on, and more. She has had five miscarriages and I think she eats to compensate. The doctor arranged counciling and she says it is helping. I worry about her a lot.

It actually hasn't got a lot to do with dieting and weight loss in some respects. It is an addiction. Really hard to understand if you don't have it. I tried talking therapy too. The poor young woman ended up getting really ratty because I couldn't change.

I can understand seeking NHS help if weight gain is happening, to the point of danger to health.

Perhaps try to pay for some kind of therapy?

I don't understand eating out of boredom, surely if your are bored you go and do something interesting that does not involve food.
There are no forbidden foods in my house, just everything in moderation.
I don't think size 12-14 is large, would give my right arm to be this size again, so if it is a problem in your eyes then seek a private consultation with an expert. The NHS is struggling as it is and is not really there for nannying.

I think you are brave to speak openly about this and very sensible to seek help. You may be interested to read about Overeaters Anonymous, Great Britain - here is a link:-

www.oagb.org.uk/

Hi Antjexix

I have done Slimming World over the years and believe they actually encourage you to over-eat with all 'the eat as much as you like as long as it's free' mantra and I found it difficult to lose weight. I've switched to eating smaller portions as I've got older but still have the urge to gorge myself now and again! I'm afraid I don't buy any 'goodies' either as they're so tempting. It's so much better to take back control and I love being slim! You sound just right at 5'6" and a size 12 to 14!! Good luck and take care x

I tried Overeaters Anon but it wasn't for me - it requires you to give yourself up to a higher power, and there are prayers, which I struggled with.

Apparently self control can become easier if practised regularly. Prayers or not.

Thank you for ALL your comments. I will sort this out one way or another.

I think this is a more common problem than is admitted. It's not to do with just have healthy food around or keeping a check on what you consume. The root cause for the self-destruct button needs to be addressed. You know what's good for you etc., but it makes no difference! I feel for you - it's a really difficult thing to resolve. All the best to you.

The comment 'The NHS is struggling and not really there for nannying' sadly shows no understanding or knowledge of this mental health disorder.