How I did it: I started binge eating when I went to college.  I gained 20 pounds in three months and felt very out of control.  The problem continued further for another 2 years, and my weight and sense of confidence fluctuated dramatically.  I constantly tried to stop myself, but will-power never seemed to help and in fact often made me feel even more guilty and weak after I would binge.  I was often on the verge of seeking professional help.

I didn't receive professional help, however.  In retrospect, it probably would have been a good idea.  However, the two things that really helped me are as follows:

I picked up a book called OVERCOMING BINGE EATING by Christopher G. Fairburn.  This book really helped me understand the psychology behind my eating habits and made me aware of the destructive cycle I was participating in.  His methodologies are very practical and very moderate, which is the key word.

The second thing that really helped me was to focus on the concepts of moderation and acceptance.  It took me a while, but slowly I learned to love myself and my body, EVEN if I did binge eat.  I accepted that maybe my body would never be perfect, maybe I would never be perfect, but I could still love myself.  I know this sounds horribly corny but it worked.  A year after I started the book, I miraculously stopped binge eating.  I also stopped dieting, worrying about my weight, and feeling guilty if I ate an extra cookie.  I can't say I never overeat, because I do.  I can't say I have the perfect body because I don't.  I did, however, lose all the extra pounds the binge eating had put on.  I am back to my HEALTHY self and try to work on accepting myself as I am every day. 

Binge eating is a vicious cycle, but you can stop it!  You really just have to learn that you're OK just the way you are.

Lessons & tips: Work slowly, and work moderately.

Don't expect instant change over night.

Work on changing your state of mind.  It's the most important thing!

Love who you are!

Resources: Overcoming Binge Eating - by Dr. Christopher G. Fairburn

Mar 07, 09:14AM PST | 1 comment | 7 cheers