BINGE EATING DISORDER….. MY STORY
BY: JOSEPHINE CHAMPION
I was a binge eater for 20 years and began this way of eating when I was 8 years old. I would easily eat a whole box of cereal, ice cream bars and basically anything that I could find in the house. I would eat when no one was looking and it became part of my life. Even though I am Italian, everyone just thought it was a growing spurt and was a good eater. My parents always cooked healthy meals, but when guests would come over, there would be desserts, soda, pizza etc. Then I would love to eat any of the left overs.
In 1995, my highest weight was 300 lbs. and was extremely miserable. I ate when I was angry, sad, bored, nervous etc….. my food was my shield against all emotions.
I would start so many diets, but they would never last more than a week or so due to boredom. I felt so ugly, alone and angry that I lost control over my eating habits. Food was my escape from reality by eating large quantities of fatty foods every time my emotions took over. Every day I would wake up thinking that today is the day my new diet begins, but I would never stick to it. I just hated looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person looking back at me. I was very big and unhappy, but that did not seem to stop the cycle of binge eating. On an average day, I would eat the following:
BREAKFAST: 5 large pancakes with lots of syrup or an entire box of dry sugary cereal
LUNCH: Hamburger with Fries and regular soda or 2 sandwiches with lots of mayo and a large bag of chips
DINNER: Pizza or some type of fast food like Taco’s or Fried Rice with Orange Chicken
SNACKS: Ice Cream, candy bars or a full box of cookies
As an adult, if I ate an entire gallon of ice cream, I would replace it before anyone knew it was missing. Food was my addition, just like one being addicted to drugs or alcohol. It was my coping mechanism to all emotions and was repeated 2-3 times a week. Even though I did not feel well after the binge, it didn’t stop me from doing this again. I ate until I was so full, that it was very uncomfortable.
My rock bottom occurred when I was going on a business trip and the seat belt did not fit around my waist. I was too embarrassed to ask for an extension, so I sat the entire flight with my sweater on my lap. I knew at that point, that I had to change my life and take control of my eating and believe in myself.
On July 10th, 1995, I started my new lifestyle and was determined to succeed and do it on my own. The first thing I did was eliminate all junk food and keep a food journal to track my daily calories. In the beginning I lost 2-3 lbs. a week by cutting out fatty foods and eating 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables/ day. In the first 6 months, I had lost 40 lbs. and felt great about my accomplishment. It was still difficult to work out, but I started walking outdoors for 15 minutes a day until I was able to reach 30 minutes without feeling tired. In 22 months, I lost a total of 150 lbs. and decided that I wanted to share my new lifestyle and assist others in achieving their fitness goals.
SYMPTOMS OF BINGE EATING DISORDER: this is a Psychiatric Disorder
Not being able to control the amount of food consumed
Eating when depressed, bored, sad etc.
Eating alone so no one can see what you are eating
The feeling of being disgusted after the binge, which makes one more depressed
Eating until physically uncomfortable
Weight Gain or Obesity occurs
RISKS:
Type 2 Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
High cholesterol levels
Gallbladder disease
Obesity has many more risk factors then the ones listed below. Binge Eating is a vicious cycle and many individuals will need assistance to overcome this disorder by seeking help through the Medical field, whether it be a Family MD or a Phychyatrist.
Due to my obesity, I now have stomach issues (not able to digest many foods properly, GERD, sensitivity to many foods), scoliosis and degenerative arthritis.
My objective is to help others make lifestyle changes for overall wellness.
In 2006, I became a Certified Personal Trainer from National Personal Trainers Institute. I am also an AFAA Certified Fitness Instructor, Licensed Zumba Instructor and Spencer Institute Certified Wellness Coach.
Never did I imagine being in the fitness field and loving every minute of it. It is important to me that I inspire my students and give them hope that you can achieve any goal that you set your heart and soul into.
BELIEVE IT AND ACHIEVE IT………
zumbawithjo28@yahoo.com
