Futurus

I had an eating disorder several years back (bulimia). Prior to every purge, I would binge incessantly.
I no longer purge – fortunately – but I indulge in binging every so often. It’s extremely difficult to stop, as I feel an incredible lack of control when my mind desires one thing and one thing only: food! No matter how I attempt to persuade or reason with myself, it feels nearly impossible to defeat the compulsion.
I have improved immensely, though. Several successful tactics I have used:
1) Slowing down the pace of my chewing. This step should not be underestimated.
2) Either removing all unhealthy foods from my kitchen, or making concrete rules I must abide by at all times (e.g. forbidding chocolate). If I absolutely have to binge, I’ll do so with healthy food.
3) Understanding that stress triggers the compulsion. Asking myself upon feeling cravings: “What is causing this anxiety? Is food going to fix the issue? Is food a permanent solution? Am I truly hungry?” Slowing down my thoughts and finding a state of peacefulness is helpful, too.

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