Posts by therapeuticrunner

She should go to a therapist.  I had post-anorexial bingeing and it is the worst thing that I have ever experienced.  Only a therapist at foreverfamily has been able to help me.  You must resolve the root problems.

I was abused when I was seven so I understand some of your pain.  I am currently going to a therapist because I bingeeat.  I have struggled with my self-esteem for 13 years now.  Here are some things he told me to do:

Everyday where the color that you think of when you think of being strong.

Say "I am incredible now."  You must say now so that it reprograms your brain.  (I have been working on brainwashing myself with this and it works!:)

Now please don't freak out about this part.  I am not trying to preach to you, but this is what works for me.  I get down and say a prayer, crying my eyes out and begging for help.  I tell Him how I feel and why I feel that way.  No matter your religious beliefs, I hope that you will at least try it.  You are a beautiful daughter of God and NO ONE can ever dispute that.  He loves you and there is nothing else that matters.   

I just steamed a whole bunch of vegetables in case I cannot resist the urge to binge.  Drink tons of water, especially when you feel a binge coming on.  Grab the food you want and GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!!  This worked for me one time when I wanted a little bit of something, but knew I was prone to eat the whole thing.  I  chew sugar-free gum also.

Hey! I wrote the above, but couldn't remember my password since I wrote it late at night so I had to make a new account.  I am seeing a therapist that is amazing and he taught me something that is really helping.  Everyday say "I am incredible now."  It is very important to say "now," because it reprograms your brain, which then looks for evidence of the affirmation.  You have to believe it though.  I have been saying this and have begun saying "I read when I am stressed now" and then proceed to do so to tell my brain that this is what I do now.  I also say "I would rather eat steamed carrots now" everytime I think of something sweet, which as I stated last time always sets me off on a binge.  Pressure cooked carrots are sweet and if I eat them plain it helps with my sweet cravings.  If I end up bingeing on them it is not nearly as bad as on unhealthing things, even though I should not binge at all.  Also, when I have the urge to binge I try to calm myself down and think about what my real need is.  Do I feel lonely?  Hurt?  Today was VERY difficult for me, but I kept saying "I am strong enough now"  so I did not binge.  Yeah!!  I had been struggling with my affirmations earlier this week, but I am incredible now, so I am back on track and will stay that way:)  I bought a Jillian Michaels book and it says to ask yourself if what you are about to do will help you reach your goal.  If not, then find something else to do.  I am working on not thinking about food at all except for at meal times.  That 5 second rule is great advice!  I plan on using it!!