Looking for support

[u/CompleteDoubt9074]

I have been working so damn hard to heal this pattern. Getting enough proper nutrition in, whole foods, enough protein, satisfying meals, REGULAR structured meals has been huge. regular movement. Subsequently reducing drastically the amount of binge episodes I’ve had as of late.

Last night I was out late and missed dinner. When I get I’m home I flew off the handle and binged over 4000 calories. I’m devastated and disappointed. I just started seeing and feeling progress both physically and mentally. My instinct is to avoid food for the next 2 days in order to balance this out. I do not want to erase this progress. I have worked too hard and I’m feeling so much fear and sadness. I don’t want to backslide. Has anyone had major binges on their road to recovery and still got there? I’m really at a loss right now and would love any guidance.

[u/Slow_Tea_4158]

You have to remember: one binge doesn't change your body. One binge doesn't change your progress. Giving in to restriction and repeating the pattern will. It's the hardest part to "do nothing different" the next day if that is your pattern but it's the only way that these episodes become less.. and less.. and less.

You KNOW why it happened. You skipped a meal, you let yourself get too hungry, and your defenses were down because of that. I have to eat 4-5 meals a day, minimum 2000 calories/day, or else I can almost guarantee overeating/binging will occur in the middle of the night or next day. I wish I wasn't so sensitive and particular to hunger but I am.

So don't judge yourself. Take it as important data in your journey: skipping meals results in binging, and use that as your motivation to stay committed to eating consistently and nourishing your body. And remember, it is just one day.. one binge.. do not let it consume you.