Comments on: Six Elements of Recovery from Binge Eating

By: Leora Fulvio

Leora Fulvio — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:25:24 +0000

In reply to Confused. I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this right now. But given the situation that you described, you have a very, very serious eating disorder. I would ask your therapist to refer you to a higher level of care, either an IOP or an inpatient treatment center. Given your very low weight with your self-harming thoughts, it's very important that you get yourself in treatment with more than just an outpatient therapist. Where are you located? Have you seen a doctor who specializes in eating disorders? Or a therapist who does? Please look on Ed Referral for an appropriate care provider.

By: Confused

Confused — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 04:34:07 +0000

Hi Leora,
I have been unable to see that I have an eating disorder re-surfacing for the past few years. Maybe its been always, as I’ve binged and felt guilt and shame since I can remember. Today, I ate a bowl of cereal for lunch, and for dinner carrots with light vegie dip, and two thick slices of french bread. Then I totally lost control, which I sometimes do with sweets and ate a york peppermint pattie, two hersheys hugs chocolates, and a candy mint, all in less than 5 minutes. I have only purged once in the past year, but I feel so disgusted for eating this much today. It feels like shame for eating, and total loss of control and my legs feel like they are 3 inches wider, and I’m scared of the weight increasing. I am 5’5″. A year ago I weighed 115. I dropped to 100, then 95, then 90, then 85, then within the past two months I go between 90-95 and I am totally uncomfortable. I feel I could be happy if I stayed at 85. My therapist thinks I’m irrational, and is worried she can’t help me. I don’t understand why I feel so good when I go a day or a week, or longer without eating, and I don’t even get hungry. But when I have an appetite and I eat I want to take a knife and carve the fat off my legs and stomach. No matter how much or how little I eat, its too much. Its frustrating. I want to eat normally because I’m having chest pressure/pain and back pain and no energy or motivation other than to sleep. I don’t know what help I need, not sure if I’m a binge eater or anorexic, or what? Where do I even begin because I don’t want to gain weight, I don’t want to eat more and I HATE myself when I eat as much as I did tonight. I’m doing my best to avoid purging. I can’t believe I’m admitting this. Its just I’ve tried so many things to work on self-acceptance, love, etc, and no matter what, I can’t rid myself of this shame when I eat. Any suggestions?

By: Leora Fulvio

Leora Fulvio — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:53:54 +0000

Hi Sunshine, I think that what’s most important is being mindful of your hunger. That said, it can be very, very difficult to do that in the beginning of recovery. Sometimes it just has to be eating by the clock at the beginning. I do actually recommend scheduling in light snacks between breakfast and lunch and between lunch and dinner. A light snack can be an apple and a string cheese, or some almonds (10-12) and a fruit, or some cottage cheese or yogurt with some fruit or nuts.

By: sunshine

sunshine — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:00:22 +0000

I was just going to post a question about how I should be eating and then I seen this great post that you had written! At one time I did eat 3 meals a day, no counting cals or carbs and no sweets. I felt awesome and I slept better and thought clearer. Do you suggest I try to continue this. 3 meals and no snacks? I know its hard but once I get going on it, I’m good. Thanks for your input!