50 day binge free challenge!

Why are you doing the 50 day binge free challenge?
Post a recent picture of yourself! Don’t body-shame, name two things you like about yourself in this picture.
What do you define as a binge?
A picture of one snack you had today that you felt was a good portion size.
What do you usually binge on? Do you have certain trigger foods?
Do you have any fear foods? If so, post a picture of them here. Yep, have the picture on your blog, and try to stop being scared of these foods.
Are there specific times of day that you have trouble avoiding a binge? How are you working around that now? (Congratulations on making it one week!)
A picture of something that makes you smile.
What inspires you?
A picture of a time in your life you remembering being really happy. How much does binging affect your mood?
What is the hardest thing you’ve had to do? It can be fitness, social, mental, etc.
Why do you think you binge? Be honest with yourself.
What are you doing to make sure you’re drinking enough water? (This is key!)
Do you think your binging is emotional?
You’ve lasted over two weeks! How does that feel?
Picture of a non-food reward that you enjoy.
What have you done so far to keep yourself going?
Do a hand-stand (or anything else cool you can do physically) and add a photo of it!
What is your favorite way to work out?
Picture after an intense workout! (Doesn’t have to be from today, but it should be!)
Post your intake today. Are you happy with it?
Give us a picture of your favorite breakfast!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Talk about something you did for you today – emotionally, physically, etc.
Congratulations, you’re half way through! How are you feeling?
What has been the hardest part about this so far?
Does anyone know about your issues with binging?
Picture (if you’re comfortable) of something you’re insecure of, and 5 reasons why you shouldn’t be insecure.
What is the best compliment you have received/can remember?
One month in! Way to go! Think you can make it 20 more days? List 3 reasons you want to keep going.
Who in your life makes you really happy?
Do you strength train/lift weights at all? (You should!)
Detailed account of a binge you remember having. Try analyzing your feelings before and after it happened.
A picture of some item of clothing you want to buy for yourself.
When did your binging start? Why do you think it started?
A picture of a time in your life that you didn’t feel good about your body. List two things that you like about this picture now.
Do you think it’s possible to be 100% happy with your body? Why or why not?
What calms you down when you’re stressed out?
A picture of your favorite book.
Ten more days left! Name an accomplishment in your life that you’re really proud of.
Favorite actress or singer and why? Do you look up to this person?
A picture of what your pantry/dorm room looks like after 42 days of no binging! Are there foods you’ve been able to keep around that you couldn’t before?
List five things that you love about yourself.
Do you see yourself as a happy person? Do you think others see you as a happy person?
What’s your biggest fear? How can you overcome it?
When did you make your tumblr? How has it changed since you first started it?
A picture of something you ate today that would have once made you feel guilty, but today you have no guilt.
The challenge is almost over! List 5 things you’re looking forward to coming up.
Hey, remember that picture you took at the beginning on day 2? Post another one in the exact same pose. Notice any differences? What was your mindset on day two vs. today?
Congratulations! You’re amazing :) What are your goals now? Go after them!

Guilty as charged

I just ate three hotdogs. I feel absolutely nauseated and disgusted with myself.

So…

I want to talk about binge eating disorder

The key features of binge eating disorder are:

Frequent episodes of uncontrollable binge eating.
Feeling extremely distressed or upset during or after bingeing.
Unlike bulimia, there are no regular attempts to “make up” for the binges through vomiting, fasting, or over-exercising

It becomes a vicious cycle: eating to feel better, feeling even worse, and then turning back to food for relief.

Behavioral symptoms of binge eating and compulsive overeating

Inability to stop eating or control what you’re eating
Rapidly eating large amounts of food
Eating even when you’re full
Hiding or stockpiling food to eat later in secret
Eating normally around others, but gorging when you’re alone
Eating continuously throughout the day, with no planned mealtimes

Emotional symptoms of binge eating and compulsive overeating

Feeling stress or tension that is only relieved by eating
Embarrassment over how much you’re eating
Feeling numb while bingeing
Never feeling satisfied, no matter how much you eat
Feeling guilty, disgusted, or depressed after overeating
Desperation to control weight and eating habits

10 strategies for overcoming binge eating

Manage stress. One of the most important aspects of controlling binge eating is to find alternate ways to handle stress and other overwhelming feelings without using food. These may include exercising, meditating, using sensory relaxation strategies, and practicing simple breathing exercises.
Eat 3 meals a day plus healthy snacks. Eating breakfast jump starts your metabolism in the morning. Follow breakfast with a balanced lunch and dinner, and healthy snacks in between. Stick to scheduled mealtimes, as skipping meals often leads to binge eating later in the day.
Avoid temptation. You’re much more likely to overeat if you have junk food, desserts, and unhealthy snacks in the house. Remove the temptation by clearing your fridge and cupboards of your favorite binge foods.
Stop dieting. The deprivation and hunger of strict dieting can trigger food cravings and the urge to overeat. Instead of dieting, focus on eating in moderation. Find nutritious foods that you enjoy and eat only until you feel content, not uncomfortably stuffed. Avoid banning certain foods as this can make you crave them even more.
Exercise. Not only will exercise help you lose weight in a healthy way, but it also lifts depression, improves overall health, and reduces stress. The natural mood-boosting effects of exercise can help put a stop to emotional eating.
Fight boredom. Instead of snacking when you’re bored, distract yourself. Take a walk, call a friend, read, or take up a hobby such as painting or gardening.
Get enough sleep. If you’re tired, you may want to keep eating in order to boost your energy. Take a nap or go to bed earlier instead.
Listen to your body. Learn to distinguish between physical and emotional hunger. If you ate recently and don’t have a rumbling stomach, you’re probably not really hungry. Give the craving time to pass.
Keep a food diary. Write down what you eat, when, how much, and how you’re feeling when you eat. You may see patterns emerge that reveal the connection between your moods and binge eating.
Get support. You’re more likely to succumb to binge eating triggers if you lack a solid support network. Talking helps, even if it’s not with a professional. Lean on family and friends, join a support group, and if possible consult a therapist.

Thus… I’m working on this. Because I want to get better. Is there anybody out there who is looking to overcome this problem?

Let’s help each other! Contact me.

(Source: helpguide.org)

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