Is calorie counting causing me to binge eat?

[Anonymous]

I have had a binge eating problem for the pat 1.5 years. I have gained weight which was probably good for me. I still am very slim though... However, thats not the problem. My binge eating issue has gotten a lot better but it stills happens 1-2 times a week. I usually count my calories because Im scared of putting on weight... if I go over my limmit which is usually around 1600, I just freak out and binge! This is so stupid and I have now idea how to stop. Im also scared of undereating and ruining my matabolism... thats why I count.
If I stop calories counting, will I stop binge eating? I remeber the few years ago I never even thought about calorie counting and never had a binge eating issue.

[BeeStinger]

I'm in the EXACT same boat as you. I started counting calories 2 years ago and around 1 year into it, I started binging like crazy. Even going 1 calorie above 1600 would be enough to trigger a binge. The guilt after going up to 3000 calories over my limit is overwhelming. I really wish I could offer you some helpful advice, but I'm still struggling with the same issue. Try to keep a diary of the times you binged so you can identify the triggers. It may be related to stress, boredom, being deprived of certain nutrients and sometimes it just happens for no reason. Avoid any foods that increase your cravings and keep them out of the house. This would be something like chocolate or peanut butter for me. If you do binge, try to stop yourself in the middle of it all. If this is difficult, try binging on healthy food. I always keep a bag of baby carrots around just to help with cravings. You never hear about people binging on bowls of broccoli or vegetables.. You may want to look into intuitive eating if you believe you're better off not counting calories. It's really helped quite a few people overcome their unhealthy food habits. We'll find a solution to this sooner later. Just know you're not alone.. Hope I helped :)

[Anonymous]

It could be. I've gone through phases with counting calories before and it never ends well (almost became anorexic once. I'm a dancer though so it could've been a combo). It's SUPER hard to stop counting calories, but try as best you can. It'll take awhile and you'll probably go through phases, but try really really hard to just focus on eating healthy foods. Repeat mantras to yourself like "this is healthy for me, my body needs this" and if you do binge, tell yourself "I made a mistake but I'm moving on it won't happen again." It might happen again but keep saying that to yourself. Instead of researching calories in the Internet, look up things like "top ten healthiest fruits." Sometimes apps like MyFitnessPal (which are calorie counting apps) are okay because you can look at the nutrician info. For me they were terrible, it really depends on the person. Also, exercise. Exercising releases some sort of hormone or something (lol real scientific explanation right there... not) but it boosts self-confidence :) also if it gets serious, PLEASE seek help. Please. Best of luck!

[Dagrath]

Binging is when you eat to the point you're sick. If you just eat until you're full and then wait around four-five hours. You'll be fine to eat another meal. I think the more you think about the calories and etc. The more you'll worry and eventually could binge.

[far2gud4u]

1600 calories is not enough every day to maintain your weight it is too low.

May I suggest you allow yourself a treat each day? this may stop the binge eating. Or maybe a treat every other day. I tend to have a fat day where i eat what i want just in controlled portions and it helps :)