Coping With Binge Eating Disorder – WIAW

binge-eating-disorder-430-4

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a What I Ate Wednesday post in it’s regular form, but it’s been especially long time since I’ve written about how I’m doing with Binge Eating Disorder.

Since it’s been so long, I thought it was a good time to revisit. I have lots to share!

I believe that B.E.D. is never something you truly get over. Just like any addiction it is with you forever, you just learn how to cope. Right now, I think I’m in the beginning stages of successfully coping with the disorder and overcoming all the struggles involved with binging.

A few months back, I was in a rough spot, both physically and mentally. I had hurt my back, could barely move, and my mood and feelings toward myself plummeted. I didn’t know how to fix the situation and did not want to go to physical therapy for my back (I had gone before and it made things worse), and for my mood, I knew all I need to do was exercise and eat better. So, I did the one thing that I always turn to in situations like this, I read.

I read everything I could get my hands on in regards to healing a bulging disc naturally without surgery or serious pain meds (I was definitely popping ibuprofen, though). I read books upon books and articles upon articles about B.E.D. I wanted to know everything I could know about the disease itself and I wanted to learn some coping methods that have helped others.

Months went by and my back slowly got better. I stretched like I needed to and should have been doing all along, and slowly the pain lessened. As for the B.E.D., there are three stand out things that have helped me become stronger and better able to say NO to a binge.

binge-eating-disorder-212

The first, is my personal pep talks. Every time I start to crave junk, or am getting the urge to run to McDonald’s for a burger, I talk to myself. Not out loud (but that would be okay too), but to myself. I pause, doesn’t matter what is going on, I stop my thoughts from running towards food and I really think about what is going on with me. Most of the time it is boredom, or some unnecessary craving. Then, once I’ve realized why I am desiring something so bad for me, I tell myself that I don’t eat like that any more. I literally say that. I remind myself that the old me would run to McD’s and buy WAY too much food and eat it all, but that you no longer do that. And you know what? It works! The mind is a very powerful thing and works wonders when it is engaged.

The second, is writing down EVERYTHING that I put into my mouth. Every single bite, lick or taste, goes into my cute little green Moleskin (affliate link). I don’t track calories, I just eat 80% clean whole foods and 10% junk, but I ensure that everything I eat goes in that book. In addition to the food I’ve eaten, I also include the feelings I’m having, or anything else running through my head. It helps keep me focused.

I’m not perfect, there are days when only breakfast gets written down, or I forget about my snack, but I try darn hard to just carry it with me everywhere and to write everything down. It’s working because it is making me very conscious of the food choices I am making.

Finally, is Shakeology. I know I’ve mentioned this a few times, and I know people are still skeptical. I get it, I was too – but there has never been a food or drink before that has helped me curb cravings like Shakeology. So, I will sing its praises from the rooftops. Plus, it really tastes awesome and is like my own little super healthy daily dessert.

I’m not cured. I definitely still have binges and cravings still occur, but they’re smaller, weaker and I’ve set myself up with some great strategies to overcome them.

I am still reading loads and loads of articles and self-help books, because there is almost always more insight that can be gleaned from them. Something that might help me, or may help someone else I love and care about is worth spending the time to find.

If you’re interested in reading all of my binge eating disorder story, you can click here.

Your turn!

Have you ever heard of B.E.D. before?

If you struggle with Binge Eating Disorder, do you have any methods that keep you focused and away from binges?

Looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to get your news? Check-out theSkimm and sign-up for your daily email box delivery of the world’s news, plus if you share your birthday, you get it listed at the bottom of the newsletter on your day. It’s like celebrating with thousands of people!!!!

I’m linking up with Peas and Crayons! Thanks for hosting!

22 Responses to Coping With Binge Eating Disorder – WIAW

  1. Libby says:

    I’ve heard of BED, and I struggle with bingeing. I don’t have a solid way of stopping a binge – if I catch myself thinking about bingeing at the very beginning of having binge thoughts, I can usually stave one off my eating a healthy meal that emphasizes protein… BUT, if the thoughts about bingeing take over my mind, it feels impossible to resist. :/

    • Jillian416 says:

      Hi Libby! Thank you for visiting! When one of your binges is about to start have you paused and tried to figure out where the urge is coming from. Maybe think about what might be going on in your life at that exact moment to cause your body to want to binge? That might be a good place to start to try and control it.

      Have you tried Shakeology? For me, it was the first step to gaining back control. It has helped me beyond measure.

  2. It sounds like you are doing good. Taking it one day at a time.

  3. Good for you! It must be very hard when things go wrong to stay on track! You are doing amazing!
    xoxo
    The Accidental Mama
    http://theaccidentalmama.com

  4. Fatima says:

    I’ve heard of BED and while I don’t know what its like to live with BED. I do know what it’s like to have cravings, and eat things that I know are unhealthy for me. It’s a constant struggle. And you really do have to talk yourself out of it. Thanks for sharing

    • Jillian416 says:

      Cravings are no joke!! It’s really tough to convince yourself to eat healthy once you start thinking about junk. What methods do you use to move past your cravings??

  5. aleshea says:

    Very happy that you are finding ways to cope and get everything under control

  6. Jessica says:

    I have not heard f this before! I’m such a binge eater when i started to feel the need to bringe I drink a bottle of water and force myself to do something: clean, exercise, go for a walk, play with the dog anything to resent my focus. It helps me most of the time but once in a while I fall off the wagon and get ran over completely by my cravings! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!

    • Jillian416 says:

      Thanks Jessica!! I agree, finding something to do, that takes your mind off of the stress, anxiety, food…helps! It has definitely saved me many times over!! Thanks for visiting!

  7. I love your attitude towards dealing with B.E.D. Overcoming any eating disorder is hard work and while I don’t have experience with B.E.D. I know that attitude is everything in that kind of situation…so great job 😀

  8. Congratulations on the progress you’re making! The mind is so powerful and it sounds like you’re finding ways to keep your thoughts and feelings under control.

    • Jillian416 says:

      Thanks!!:) It’s definitely been a journey, but once I’m glad I am on. I’ll heal and be a much stronger person for it!! Thank you for visiting.

  9. I have struggled with binge eating throughout my life too, but thankfully over the past few years it has completely diminished. I have found success in staying away from foods which spike my blood sugar like grains and sugary fruit like bananas. I focus my meals on protein now and it has helped tremendously! Also I do a lot of spiritual and energetic clearing which helped a TON in the emotional department. You are doing really well Jillian, keep up your great work!

    • Jillian416 says:

      Janelle, thank you for stopping by! I am so thrilled that you have been able to heal yourself. When you talk about energetic clearing, what does that refer to?? I’m always looking to learn something new, that helps heal. Thanks for visiting!

  10. […] Coping With Binge Eating Disorder – WIAW […]

  11. Blair says:

    I love this article. I have B.E.D. now, I was anorexic for about 4 or 5 years. Until one day all of a sudden I just started to binge eat. Now I have had this disorder for about 2 years or so. The longest I made with out binging was 3 months. Now i can make it 9 days or 4. I write everything i eat down. I try to stop myself and i know what causes them. It is horrible. But I just want to stop binging for good. I don’t mind if i overeat anymore, but binging is so bad. I cry even when i don’t and i cry when i do binge. It is so hard to stop myself once the binge feeling as started. I am usually feeling guilty about something else in my life, or sad about something. It just sucks because it is hurting me physically, health wise and mentally. I have so many reasons to binge eat, and just one reason not to. and i need more reasons not to binge. I love the article, it is very helpful

    • Jillian416 says:

      Hi Blair – Thank you so much for visiting! I can completely relate to everything you stated. Though, I’ve never been anorexic, the reasons why you binge, and how frequently you do, the emotions, all of that I understand. If you ever need to chat, feel free to email me – I would love to hear from you. And, thank you so deeply for sharing your story. It takes a lot of bravery to do that and I commend you! Take care of yourself!

  12. Hello Jillian, thank you for your helpful, lovely and sincere post. Wanting to help others is admirable. I am currently in recovery from my own eating disorder. Overcoming binge eating disorder can be an incredibly difficult thing to do. Eating disorders are fast becoming a common problem. People of all ages and from any kind of background can be affected. Many people use food as a form of comfort to deal with issues that are going on in their personal lives and have an unhealthy relationship with food and a discomfort with one’s own body.

    My best to you in your endeavors.

Leave a reply

Copyright © 2013 Baby Doodah // Designed By Bumble + Buzz Design