That sounds like a good coping mechanism. I may try that. I have been bad today. Really depressed. No major binges, just not eating like I should. Maybe tomorrow. And I will try your method. Tomorrow.

It works, up until the point where you have thought that much about your binge food and "allowing" yourself it that you end up eating it the next day whether you are craving it or not!

Something that has helped me on numerous occasions is to "think the binge through" - actually the technique comes from my recovery from drinking - it was referred to as "think the drink through". It allows me to take a big deep breath and actually say to myself "ok, what will be the outcome if I choose to binge?". Another helpful tool for myself was to write a list of all the good things that come from bingine and all the bad things that come from it. When I struggle I pull that list out and read it.

Hi
Great comments, you see you are not alone. I think different coping strategies work at different times - give them all ago lol! For me I try the 15 minute technique - I try to figure out what has triggered the feelings and then I give myself 15 minute. If I am still at the same craving level I know it is a bad one and to be honest I usually give in to a moderate binge, its never as bad as it would have been. If after the 15 minutes my craving has got less I keep on giving myself 15 mins and 9/10times it works. Dont be hard on yourself you are reacting to a trigger in the way you have learnt to over a long period. It may take a bit of time but you can overcome this. x x

I'm struggling today too but your comments have really helped. Thanks for this helpful topic and to all that have replied. I want to make a box full of ideas that I can use to fight off the urge to binge...

Yeah thanks guys. I did end up eating my trigger foods the day after but have been okay since. The thinking thing really is the way to go as so often we just eat and think later. The consequences of which are self-loathing and lower self esteem, not to mention the extra pounds!
x

I had major food & escape thoughts yesterday and I just as some folks have alreay said..Had to play the whole tape...Everytime before when I took that first bite...I ended up feeling like I wanted to just "jump"...My dis-ease was try'en to kill me and it always started with that first bite...Playing the whole tape works for me and like u if I want to get into the food...I have to accept the consequences...Revocery from COEing tastes so much better then not being in recovery...NO AFTER TASTE!!!

((Hugs))
Nicol

I understand about the "binge now, think later" thing. that's how I am, so I think if I stopped to think about it for a while, a lot of binges could be stopped. I haven't been on here in a while and am trying to get back on track, so I'm glad I read this to be reminded of some good ideas!! good luck to everyone. :)