I’ve found that there are lots of posts on tumblr with people stating that they would like to stop binge eating. I’m not a psychologist or weight loss specialist, but I have personally struggled with this issue. I have to say that it breaks my heart that so many people say how mad they are that they failed themselves and binged. With support and compassion it may make the journey easier.

I’ve seen therapists and have found ways to rewire my older patterns and learned different ways to handle the constant hunger I seem to battle. Like any addiction, it was secret and in someways, still is. I was mindful of my audience and honestly, eating in front of others wasn’t pleasurable. When I started realizing that I was making plans around food (a motivation to do/go somewhere) and wasn’t doing things (an excuse to stay in), I knew it was time to admit I was powerless.

I started attending Overeater’s Anonymous to connect with others. Initially, I was upset that everyone there was small but you don’t have to be a big person to identify with B.E.D. Once I got past my own issues, I found that attending the meetings helped me connect with others. I read CRAVE by Cynthia M. Bulik and truly felt a sense of relief that this epidemic is not only getting the much needed attention it needs, but that the book itself is fragments of realities that I’ve been dealing with for years. Very useful! Then I joined Curves. Curves was amazing for me, because I felt it was super easy. Unlike most the gyms I went to prior to Curves, I didn’t worry about people staring at me. I could pop in, do my thing, which was two rounds around the circuit and then call it a day. I no longer go to Curves, now I prefer to swim and ride my bike.

 I can relate to the guilt/shame/blame that comes with addiction, but know that there is help/hope.  <3