05/25/2011 02:38
The Hoover Omnivore
When stuck in a binge cycle, it's easy to begin to feel hopeless, and to assume that things will never change, that you "always" do this or that when stressed. Breaking those assumptions and replacing the reactions to them can be difficult after years or performing like Pavlov's dog every time we don't know how to handle the emotions of the moment. Strategy is key in breaking the pattern.
Another technique I have used with some success is repetition. It works for some people and not for others. The ones it works for are people like me, whom I term the "Hoover Omnivores." The Hoover Omnivore moves through the kitchen like a high capacity vacuum cleaner, going from one flavor to the next, anways searching out the next yummy thing to Hoover up. For that person, the repetition technique can work as long as there isn't much choice available (i.e., no bingeables in the house).
Often, bingeing occurs in cycles—we're going through stress at work, grief over the death of a loved one, money worries, hurt feelings, or any other emotional situation that lasts for more than a day or two. The bingeing becomes more frequent, and the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness build with each passing out-of-control day.
I broke one such stubborn binge cycle a few years ago by having the exact same things for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for two weeks. My fruit was all apples, I had one of my milk servings in a latte every morning, and the other in a peach Greek yogurt. My veggies every day were brussels sprouts and my salad was a lettuce salad with grape tomoatoes and balsamic dressing. I did this every day for two weeks, and became calmer and less prone to binge urges with each passing day. When I feel a binge cycle coming on, I revert to this plan and it works to break the binge cycle every time.
Recently, it has worked for me for getting back on track. It's very calming.