Overcoming Binge Eating
I understand. I have been there. During my darkest hour, I was drinking 18 to 24 cans of Dr. Pepper a day and chewing 100 pieces of gum a day. I was totally addicted to sugar. It was not unusual for me to consume 20,000 to 30,000 calories in a 24-hour period, and I literally ate until I passed out on several occasions. I finally came to the end of myself on July 4, 2003, wrote a letter to the Lord surrendering food and my weight to Him, carefully tied it to a bouquet of helium balloons, and released it. Indeed, it was Independence Day! I have never been the same. I have walked in victory over compulsive binge eating for over 3 years now, so freedom is possible.
There are no easy answers. You cannot fight this on a purely physical level. I believe it is critical to deal with the spiritual and emotional reasons you are turning to food for comfort. Counseling can be very beneficial. As a believer, I have experienced freedom through Bible study (especially Beth Moore’s Breaking Free) and prayer. Journaling is a very powerful tool as well. It will help you discover the reasons why you binge and so much more. I cannot find words to describe how this simple exercise has radically transformed my life.
The way I deal with temptation varies because there are different reasons for eating when not hungry. If I am tempted to eat because I am bored, reading a book or watching a movie or finding a project to do helps. If I am tempted to eat because I am sad or upset, writing in my journal or calling a friend to talk through it helps. I have an extremely stressful job. When I am feeling stressed and anxious, I take a walk or do a fun cardio workout. When I am feeling stressed and exhausted, I take a nap or light some candles and enjoy a warm bubble bath. Some binges are triggered as a result of deprivation or trying to follow a strict diet. I agree with Nancy that deprivation leads to disaster. Avoiding legalistic diets and learning to eat intuitively has been very freeing. I also believe it is important to deal with the root issues. This will take some digging, and this is where it helps to have a counselor who has experience with binge eating.
Based on your post, it sounds like you are a stress eater. Carbs are natural anti-depressants. I personally avoid low-carb diets. A plain baked potato is the best natural anti-depressant I know. I have been through seasons of severe depression when I was in a funk and could not even motivate myself to get out of bed to go to church or go out with friends. I have been able to recover from depression by eating plain baked potatoes. I know that I am vulnerable to seasonal depression. When I feel that tidal wave of depression washing over me, I limit or eliminate animal protein and start eating more plain baked potatoes and plenty of fresh fruit. This has kept me from needing drugs to treat depression. This is most effective when the baked potato is eaten alone with no protein or fat. In general, I like to eat a good balance of carbs and protein every few hours. When an emotional crisis hits, I focus on eating more plant foods and more raw foods. I also have food allergies and sensitivities. Eating something like MSG triggers horrible cravings. It is critical for me to avoid processed junk. I agree with Nancy’s suggestion to eat cleaner versions of what you are craving.
I encourage you to get to bed as early as possible, bless your body with restful sleep, enjoy fun workouts that bring you joy, and find some ways to cope with stress that do not involve emotional eating. Fuel your body with clean and simple foods. Eat when you are hungry until you are satisfied. Avoid processed junk. Eat more whole grains, potatoes, fresh fruits, and veggies. Remember that carbohydrates raise serotonin levels. Protein and fat does the opposite. If you are binge eating because you are sensitive to carbs, you may need more fiber or a little more protein as Nancy suggested. If you are like I was and are attempting to self-medicate depression, eating more protein may backfire on you. I suggest keeping a journal to discover how different food combinations influence your mood.
I am a big believer in a whole person approach to health and fitness. Find a good counselor, but do not underestimate the healing power of nutrition. Finding the right ratio of carbs and protein will take some experimenting because everyone’s body is different. My body thrives on 60 percent carbs, 20 percent protein, and 20 percent fat. Dropping my carbs much lower than 60 percent is a recipe for depression. Here is an article on food and mood:
http://depression.about.com/cs/diet/a/foodandmood.htm
Breaking free from the hell of binge eating is hard work, but it is worth it. You are worth it. I will keep you in my prayers.
Blessings,
Heather B.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).
