The diet-binge cycle

Posted on July 28, 2014

Food is my kryptonite. I feel great after going to the gym ... but after eating a healthy meal, I just feel deprived and drained. There is nothing to look forward to, nothing to enjoy. I read the same things everyone reads: "You can eat healthy and enjoy it! You will learn to crave fruit for dessert! Veggies as snacks! Celery instead of chips!" Whatever.

Do you know anyone in real life who has gone through this magical transformation? Are there any real-life examples? How long does this swap take? How do you go from craving flour tortilla chips with salsa to wanting celery with salsa? At what point does chocolate mousse become less appetizing than a bowl of berries? Granted, I love berries. But I love them a lot more with chocolate mousse!

I'm trying so hard. I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, and I feel accomplished doing it. I am pushing through with a great deal of determination and willpower. But I also know - somewhere in the back of my mind - that there will be a day when I am breaking down and that bowl of chips and salsa is too great to resist. And like any addict, I am likely to fall head first into a multi-week binge that destroys all my hard work. I'm not sure how to break this cycle.

Right now, I'm doing great. It's better to look at the reality of my cycle when I am in control than when I am not... any ideas? Thoughts? Examples?

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Elizabeth D.

07/28/2014 11:47PM

I'm awful about binge eating and definitely understand where you're coming from. What I'm trying to do is to plan (I use MFP) yumminess into each day - ie: I have a brownie with lunch most days, I eat cheese and wine during sunset on our days off (but I also take fruit and veggies to go with it), etc. If I can find a healthier version (FiberOne Brownie, for example), I'll go for that. That way I don't feel totally deprived.

I've also given myself days here and there where I tell myself I can eat whatever I want. And I do end up eating more than I should, but not as much as I used to, as I know I'm allowing myself to do this and I know how much havoc it can cause the scale. I think 'allowing' it gives one more sense of control, which helps prevent a true binge, when I feel totally out of control.

It's tough and there's a learning curve to figure out what works best and to find that happy middle ground. I'm still trying to figure it out. Best of luck to you!

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wildwindfox

07/28/2014 3:01PM

I have the same problem and thanks for keeping it real. The truth is (for me anyway) that the cycle is inevitable, and the only thing I can do is recognize that its happening or going to happen, and take steps to limit the damage. What helps me is making my home my "haven of health" where I don't bring crap food home under any circumstances, even if they're leftovers from dinner out with friends. If its harder to obtain (like I have to go out to buy the ice cream rather than grab a tub out of my freezer and sit on my couch), then I am less likely to eat it. When I'm out, I order the smallest portions I can and try to really pay attention to how full I am. I also track it. If I don't track it, then my friends don't see it on MyFitnessPal where they can then punish me with 50 burpees, and I pretend it didn't happen and my bad habits re-emerge. I think you're best friends when it comes to this is mostly honesty with yourself, support from those around you, portion control and prevention.

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wildwindfox

*your.... sorry, grammar geek.

Sarah

07/28/2014 1:55PM

I think the key is portion control. Allow yourself one handful of chips or one small serving of chocolate mousse (eat with a very small spoon to make it last), but no more. Have it once a week. Maybe have the treats with a supportive friend who will help you keep to one serving.

It's hard for me to have that kind of thing in the house, but buying individually wrapped servings can help. Make sure you have your healthy meal and a large glass of water prior to the treat. This is hard, and I think we all struggle with it.

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JB Doyle

07/28/2014 1:38PM

Yeah, I absolutely struggle with this. I can go bursts of healthy eating, then I cave to the tortilla chips and salsa. I'm trying to make eating a big healthy breakfast every day a habit, and then using the calories I earn during workouts for foods I like. That way when I am struggling during a workout I know what the workout is for, and I can eat the tortilla chips guilt free (in moderation, which is still a struggle).

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Rachel P.

07/28/2014 1:34PM

How are you with portion control? I don't think there is anything wrong with having chips and salsa once in a while as long as you don't go crazy. If it fits in your calorie range, go for it.

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Beth

07/28/2014 12:56PM

I have the same cycles. I have began journaling everything. I have began drinking over 110 ounces of water a day. When I eat I try really hard to stop and chew everything a lot (30 times each bite) and I also try really hard to give myself credit for what I am doing and allow for a "taste" of whatever here and there. If I am allowed that "taste" it allows me not to need the bucket... Also, I get on the scales daily so I can see that what I am doing is showing in the results on the scales. I am an information gatherer. If I have the info to look at and analyze it helps me to put everything together and make better decisions...Also, this place helps.. Friends, family, being able to share my struggles really helps me let them go and move on... Good luck!!!

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