Dangers of 3000+ Calorie Binges

I think what many people don't understand on this thread is that Binge Eating Disorder (BED) IS AN EATING DISORDER, especially when it is accompanied by some sort of compensation (e.g. fasting, vomiting, running more than your training plan calls for to "make up" for the binge).

Binging, especially at night, affects sleep, which in turn affects running. It also can cause constipation or diarrhea, neither of which is good if you have a run the next day.

The first step in getting better is eliminating "compensatory behaviors." The best thing you can do after a binge is eat exactly what you would normally eat. After a binge in the range of 3000 calories (which I have routinely had in the past , as many times as 2-3 times a week), I have found that the best way to get on track was to eat normally the next day, not to eat less.

You also may have another problem that your binge eating is a coping mechanism for. My BED developed as a result of depression from Seasonal Affective Disorder. The best way to figure out what you "triggers" are is to keep a journal of emotions, times of day, and circumstances surrounding both binges and times where you are able to avoid a binge.

I hope that helps, BED, like any eating disorder, is tough, I am only just beginning to get over my own problems which have gone on for years.

If you find someone else who has gone through this, absolutely talk to them about it, it is incredibly helpful to do so.

Another thing I forgot to mention. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BE DISGUSTED WITH YOURSELF. Being "mean" to yourself doesn't work. Think about it like this, you will respond better to a coach that encourages you when you do well rather than one that simply calls you names and criticizes you. I know from experience that my disgust with myself, and the names I called myself in my head were making my problems worse.

I know what you're going through, and it's rough. I've struggled with it off/on for 10 years. For people on here who say it's a self-control issue...seriously? It's an eating disorder, and often people who were anorexic or bulimic (whether via vomit or exercise) at one point will swing this way (unless they've received help).

Anyway. I agree with everything that Trying to Recover said. I also wanted to share this tip that has really helped me recently, just in case it helps you, too. After you binge, continue eating normally (and don't try to undo it, as others have suggested), and absolutely DO NOT get on the scale. Hide it from yourself and set a date when you can step back on it. For example, I last binged on a Thursday, so I told myself I couldn't get back on it until that next Tuesday morning, after I had several days of healthy eating and exercise under my belt. This does two things:

1. It prevents you from freaking out about the damage and eating even more as a result.

2. It keeps you motivated to stay "clean" for X number of days before you get back on the scale.

Just to be clear, this isn't dieting during those days, it's just about not binging during those days.

Not sure if your food issues are tied to weight/body image, but if so, I hope this technique helps.

Sounds like your problem is hypochondria and obsessive-compulsive calorie counting

Gastrointestinal and blood-sugar issues are exacerbated, not caused, by your diet. Unless you are obese, you sound like a normal runner.

I run twice and eat 10,000 calories daily just to sustain the 150 pounds on my 6'3 frame. What you call "binges", I call "breakfast".

This is a great tip, I actually do the same thing! If you feel compelled to weigh yourself after a binge then it is probably better not to.

There's nothing wrong with eating like a pig if you're hungry.

Earlier this week I had 2 large dairy queen blizzards, which is about 2400 calories of icecream. Then the day after I had 40 breaded chicken wings and a deep fried mars bar with icecream for supper. Then 2 days after that I had 3 full racks of ribs at Montana's.

I haven't gained a pound, not that I'm worried about it. I'm obviously not advocating eating like that, but there's nothing wrong with it every once in awhile as long as you don't go overboard and you're actually hungry for what you're eating.