Problems with food. Eating disorder?

[georgiamapua]

I'm 14 and I've struggled with my  weight since I was a toddler. It wasn't  because of eating bad food ( well later on it was) though. When I was 10 I suddenly started binging and I'd eat about 1000 calories extra in junk food. But my parents didn't know and they still dont know. I've lessened my binging now and its not really binging anymore but I am a sugar addict! I can eat it by the spoonful. And unfortunately when ever I'm alone I tend to do it.

I also have another really bad habit and I try to eat less than 1000 calories a day and then it leads to binging. And im absolutely obsessed with food/dieting. I research all sorts of diets but only last a day or two on them. It's really depressing. Is there anything I can do? And no mean comments please ;)

[nightgigjo]

Bingeing is, in my experience at least, the body's natural response to starvation. I have been off dieting for five years now, and can see a vast difference in myself.

What I did was let go of all restrictions (besides allergies, of course), and gradually learn to trust my body's own instincts on what it wants. Yes, that meant some weight gain as I started eating enough, and I did binge at the beginning. I have that craving now less and less, as I've come to understand how much I need to eat (it's a lot more than I expected!).  I also used to get a feeling of excitement when I ate something "bad" (usually in hiding), and without any off-limit foods, that is diminished.

Lastly, I'd like to point out that you are still growing and maturing, at age 14, so your body may need extra fuel above even a "normal" appetite! You will ha e to decide whether this is the case, but its worth taking into consideration.

I hope you can find some balance and peace in this.

[Sleepy_Children]

You're on two different ends of the spectrum, I used to be like that. Well neither of them are healthy. If you restrict yourself then you'll just hunger and binge even more than normal, if you binge you'll feel guilty and starve yourself. If you feel you need to change your weight exercise and indulge lightly in the foods you enjoy. Don't count calories but count pleasantries.

[georgiamapua]

Thanks for replying! My parents don't want me to go to a nutritionist/counsellor at the moment, they are trying to help me out with it. They don't know about my binging though. I've been trying to recover by myself and I'm trying to get the binging sorted out first. So id like any tips and if I find it's not working I will go to a nutritionist. Thanks!

[Obsessions]

You need to try and stop before it become an even bigger problem than it is (but that much is obvious). Try getting a nutritionalist and every time you only eat 1000 calories remember that that can actually make you gain weight as your body goes into starvation mode and tries to hold onto calories.

[kelleykc]

I am a restrictive eater which means I restrict myself as to what I eat. I use to go a week without eating and then I would eat something small one day. I have dealt with bulimia but never binging. The healthiest thing is to see a nutristionist so they can give you a meal plan to follow. It'll teach you how to eat consistent meals. Eating under 1000 calories a day is very unhealthy and that will not make you lose weight. Also, diets will not help. Whatever you lose on a diet, you will gain back as soon as you start eating normal again. My advice is to find a nutritionist and talk to them about it. Dealing with an eating disorder is very hard and you can't do it alone