Recovery from binge eating disorder?

[Paix et Amour]

im attempting to recover from BED. any suggestions/tips on how to make it easier?

[escape♥]

Hey Sarah!
I don't have BED, but I do have an eating disorder, so I will try to help in any way I can, yeah?
So, I think you should (obviously) try not to binge as much as possible, with me (I'm bulimic, by the way) I have to distract myself, or write/draw out my feelings. Maybe you could do that? As a way of coping instead of just bingeing?
You could work on establishing what triggers you to binge. If you can figure out what triggers you, than you can make a mental note and when you get triggered, you'll now how to deal with it better.
Are you in any sort of therapy? I find therapy very helpful. You might consider it, recovery is NOT easy, in any sense.
I hope I helped you some. You can always PM/VM me if you need to talk.
Stay strong Sarah.
~paula

[Paix et Amour]

well basically i binge with emotion. my mom taught me to eat whenever i was feeling bad and it turned into eating 24/7 with my depression. i dont see a therapist right now but i do want to. thank you for the reply btw

[escape♥]

Your welcome. I do the same exact thing. Sucks, doesn't it?
~paula

[Kindred]

Hey Sarah!

I totally agree with everything Paula has said to you. Binging is something you want to try to do as little as possible, since it's really quite harmful to your physical and emotional health. More on that (and a few extra tips) here.

Recovery is going to be hard, but it's also going to be worth it. We're all here right behind you, and I'll send you a link to the "Recovery Support and Achievements" thread (here). It's nice to know you aren't the only one fighting your eating disorder. If you ever need a word of guidance, or just some support, there's tons of people (me included) who will be happy to help you. <3

I think what is important in early recovery is distraction. Thoughts, urges and cravings are often most intense when you just start fighting- but they're trying to make you think that they are stronger than you are. They're not. You are strong, you are in control, and you can win. Never ever forget that. Distraction wise, I used a lot of the distractions from the "Self ham alternatives" thread (here). In a way, binging is self harm- you're hurting your body, even though that might not be the reason you're binging.

Also taking up an outdoor activity, to get you out into the big wide world and LIVE is a brilliant idea. Life has so much to offer to you, and when you discover that for yourself, you'll see why recovery is worth the fight. I struggled for months before going on holiday with a friend, and seeing why it was all worth it. FUN was my answer, and that's what I hold on to in the bad days.

Keep fighting, and stay strong. Fuck your ED, you're beautiful and a fighter. <3

[Paix et Amour]

thank you so much, that actually helped a lot. its just really hard because whenever im feeling bad/having SH urges, i turn to food. and i mean i will eat a whole box of mac n cheese, quesadillas, a tray of brownies, etc. all in one sitting. and its awful really. its made me obese

[emma01]

Hi! I also don't have BED or bulimia so I don't really know what it feels like but I might be able to help! I think it is best for you to create a meal plan for yourself and include some exercise in it. I think it'd be good for you to have 6+ meals a day if so you can eat quite often, not deprive yourself and get your system and metabolism used to small amounts of food as opposed to a big amount. Seeing a dietician might be a good idea about this because they will know how much you need to lose and your specific calorie needs etc. I think that you will find if you can eat a little amount often, the weight will fall off because of your efficient metabolism which would burn off the large quantity of food you consume!

If you have the meal plan, you will then feel as though you have to stick to it and you will only eat when and what it suggests. If you do this for the first month, say, you might be sick of the same food and routine but by then the cravings/urges to binge should have passed and you could probably try and be a bit flexible. Stay away from trigger foods for example, maybe don't eat mac n cheese for awhile! =)

You should also find a hobby, so that when you are bored or sad you can do that, try and get yourself out the house as often as you can because you are less likely to binge while in town or in company of friends!!

Importantly you should try to do some exercise! Honestly, that could be as small as a 10min walk a day! Your fitness will improve and soon after you will want to go longer, faster (maybe jog a bit!) and you will feel a lot better! Set yourself realistic goals! Enter walking/running races etc!!! There are plenty which cater for people who just want to try!

Hope I could give you a few ideas =) Good luck - hope you feel better soon!!