[PennyD]

Hi all,

I basically either binge-eat or try not to and end up starving myself because my appetite disappears.

Why does my body react like this?
Aren't normal people supposed to just get hungry, eat a normal amount and repeat the process?
What is wrong with me?

Please let me know what your thoughts are, Thanks.

-Penny

[breakmystride]

I've gone from one set of disordered behaviors to another, but when I was the sickest, I was in a binge/fast cycle. I'd starve myself to the point that my hunger would make me lose control, I'd binge, and then the guilt and fear of weight gain would lead me to starve myself again.

I had to go to therapy to break out of the cycle, and I was put on a meal plan where I had to eat a controlled amount each meal to avoid starving or over-eating (Exchange System). It worked really well for the short time I was on it.

[psychword]

Hi Penny,

I have similar symptoms. But I usually just starve myself. My anxiety doesnt help the situration eather. I think my body has just gotten used to my eathing/binging habits. Thank you for posting this. I would like to see what others think about it to. I pretty much just accepted that this is how I am and live day to day.

-PW

[angelicgoldfish05]

Hi Penny,

I can totally relate to this. I think a lot of people do this, because of different reasons. Some people are just too busy to eat during the day and then they get home from work and totally gorge themselves. Some people aim for starving themselves and can't do it so they binge (this one is me). Some people are doing it as a lifestyle - it is called 'intermittent fasting" (Intermittent fasting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

What are the reasons you believe you are doing this? Are you trying to or not trying to and it just happens like this?

[PennyD]

Originally Posted by breakmystride

I've gone from one set of disordered behaviors to another, but when I was the sickest, I was in a binge/fast cycle. I'd starve myself to the point that my hunger would make me lose control, I'd binge, and then the guilt and fear of weight gain would lead me to starve myself again.

I had to go to therapy to break out of the cycle, and I was put on a meal plan where I had to eat a controlled amount each meal to avoid starving or over-eating (Exchange System). It worked really well for the short time I was on it.

Originally Posted by breakmystride

I've gone from one set of disordered behaviors to another, but when I was the sickest, I was in a binge/fast cycle. I'd starve myself to the point that my hunger would make me lose control, I'd binge, and then the guilt and fear of weight gain would lead me to starve myself again.

I had to go to therapy to break out of the cycle, and I was put on a meal plan where I had to eat a controlled amount each meal to avoid starving or over-eating (Exchange System). It worked really well for the short time I was on it.

Wow, this is an incredibly helpful response. Firstly, thanks for the reply.
The motive of losing control and then shaming myself into starvation is very accurate. I feel like this cycle is self-perpetuating as the starvation often leads into more binging unhealthy foods. Who wants kale after 16 hours with no food, after all?

Has the therapy continued to help you in the long-run? Do you still notice tendencies or have occasional instances of these eating habits?

Much appreciated, breakmystride!

-Penny D

[PennyD]

Originally Posted by angelicgoldfish05

Hi Penny,

I can totally relate to this. I think a lot of people do this, because of different reasons. Some people are just too busy to eat during the day and then they get home from work and totally gorge themselves. Some people aim for starving themselves and can't do it so they binge (this one is me). Some people are doing it as a lifestyle - it is called 'intermittent fasting" (Intermittent fasting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

What are the reasons you believe you are doing this? Are you trying to or not trying to and it just happens like this?

Hi Angelicgoldfish,

Sounds like myself..
Everything is fine until around 5pm
For me, it's all a result of poor routine and lack of will power.
If I had healthy snacks to munch on routinely, the probability of a fast food run would drop significantly. After the damage is done, then the guilt sets in and queue more starving.

Maybe a strict routine and frequent snacking might fix the problem.
What are your thoughts?

[PennyD]

Originally Posted by psychword

Hi Penny,

I have similar symptoms. But I usually just starve myself. My anxiety doesnt help the situration eather. I think my body has just gotten used to my eathing/binging habits. Thank you for posting this. I would like to see what others think about it to. I pretty much just accepted that this is how I am and live day to day.

-PW

Thank you for mentioning your anxiety. I suffer from mild anxiety and binging often makes me feel very psychologically comfortable. Do you find that your anxiety has an effect on your will power or appetite?

Thanks PW!!

-Penny D