I am 4 1/2 months, binge-free. To be honest, I can't really imagine binging anymore. Strange how much can change, in such a short period. I've also lost 10 pounds. I still have at least 25 more pounds to loose, but this is an encouraging start.

At first, I didn't try to diet. I figure it's too much to expect of myself - stopping binging, and starting dieting, all at the same time is waaaay to much to start all in one day. So I spent a few months just trying to eat normal, before I started to diet.

I have failed so many times before, so, I ask myself, why am I succeeding this time???

Here is what I think: because, this time, my only real rule was NEVER GIVE UP.

Because, let's face it, giving up will never work. End of story. Every time we "screw up" our "perfect" diet (as if such a thing exists), we give up, because we have this (incorrect) belief that the way we eat either has to be perfect, or, if it's not perfect, then it doesn't matter what we do.

Our problem isn't food, really, it's our attitude about food. It DOES matter what we do, and there is no such thing as the perfect diet.

So, all I did was never give up. If I messed up in any way, I didn't give up.

I'm telling you, this works. It stops the entire, vicious cycle in it's tracks.

And, like anything else, it gets to be a habit. That vicious cycle used to be my habit, now counting calories (but being reasonable, and un-perfect, and allowing treats) is my habit.

I have stopped binging before, and fallen off the wagon, but, this time, I hope this way, for good.

And one last thing: we focus so much on food, I think, and, now, 4 1/2 months later, I notice that I think less about it. At the start, I thought of it all the time! But, as I gradually learn new habits, the addiction looses it's grip.