Lately I have been binge eating and it's horrible. I can't seem to stop eating or thinking about food. Most of the time (90%) I'm not hungry but STILL can't seem to get myself to stop. I don't know what's going on...

I've lost about 10pds on this WOE and don't want to sabotage my efforts.

I think I need some encouragement/advice from the lowcarbeating group! Advice?!?!

Shannon
Atkins August 2003
152/142/135

Shannon:
when I get into this binge stuff it is almost always because I am eating over something that is bothering me inside.

If you are eating some of your "trigger foods,' (chocolate, sweets, chips, bread) you will have to clean out your eating with a few days of really low carb eating. You will experience the cravings, but you have to white knuckle throug it.

I've found that I needed to really pay attention to my body. If it is hungry, feed it. If not, don't. It's taken months, but I've finally been able to train it to tell me when it is hungry for food.

Maybe you are hungry for something else? Love, attention, kindness? Only suggesting because trouble in that area often gets me to eat sweets without even knowing that I am doing it. Then, I realize that I am really punishing myself for having those feelings. I hate it when that happens!

This is my 2 cents.
Peace, Peg
1/1/03
205/174/155
5'8"

Peg,

Thanks for the quick response. Coincidentally, I have been craving love and attention. My BF and I of 3 years broke up in December. It's amazing that during the first month, I did GREAT eating-wise and now, I'm feeding my emotions w/ food.

I'm definitely going to go on locarb hardcore for 2 weeks and see. I just want this to pass. I don't like myself when I binge-eat...I feel bloated and disgusting.

Shannon
Atkins August 2003
152/142/135

I can understand how this could happen, especially if you are going through a stressful situation (like I sort of am now).

Something that Dr. Atkins said in the book was that if you are bingeing, try to do it with some high protein food. It is harder to binge on something like steak or chicken than it is with other things such as low carb treats.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I'm definitely going to go on locarb hardcore for 2 weeks and see. I just want this to pass. I don't like myself when I binge-eat...I feel bloated and disgusting.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am guessing here that you mean that you went off plan or over did those low carb treats. Both of these situations can easily lead to binges, just by reactivating your cravings at a biological level. If this happened (and if you are out of ketosis), then you might want to go back to induction for a little while. Doing so should help with your cravings.

Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235--&gt;185; 150 goal

Shannon,

Sometimes when something upsetting happens, at first you are caught up in the moment, then, later on, the depression sets in. This may be the case with your break up. The love and attention you are craving....instead of trying to find it in food...see if upping the exersize can make you feel better. Replace a bad obsession with a good one.

Peace, Joanna
Atkins since 12/3/03
299/262/130

Thank you so much ladies! Your advice is EXACTLY what I need!

Paladin, I'm going to go to Trader Joe's today and buy some chicken strips. Great idea!!

I've been going off plan, not drinking enough water, and eating too much locarb stuff. Actually, last week I ate a whole box of HiLo cereal and a 1/2 gallon of carb countdown milk. Granted it was over the week but in addition to eating it for breakfast, I would have it as a snack...not good.

Shannon
Atkins August 2003
152/142/135

This post has really helped me since I'm kinda going throw the same thing. Right now me an my B/F are a 1000 miles away from each other.I was going back to college but I didnt get in. I have no job right now so I was just sitting here eating myself to death. It seems like sometimes in life you will have a string of back lucky. It will get better.
Then about 2 weeks ago I made the choose to change my WOE. This site has really help me. I feel like I'm not alone anymore. I have something to look forward to everyday. I can get up and read all these post. I feel a lot healthier and happier.
Shannon we are all here for you. I hope it gets better.

Adkins 2/15/04
190/?/135

~~~~~~~*LISA*~~~~~~~

Along with the wonderful advice and encouragement from above, I want to add this... GET MOVING! I used to get in moods and just eat and eat, but have recently learned that when I feel that way I need to head in the opposite direction of my kitchen, and that's to my treadmill. Exercise works out tension and anxieties and you feel so good (physically and mentally) when you're through. It can also take your mind off the stresses of life for a little while, (I "escape" with some favorite music coming thru my headphones.) and then when it's done and you come back to the stresses, they seem a little less overwhelming. This approach may not ALWAYS work, but it's alway worth a try. I know I'm always much prouder of myself for burning 300 calories or more instead of consuming them.

Ta,
Anck-su-Namun
221/206/130ish
5'8" size 16

Ladies,

Thank you so much! Going to stop emotional eating!

Anck-su-Nam, I'm going to the gym tonight!!

Shannon
Atkins August 2003
152/142/135