Cookie Binge
I had a major cookie binge last night. 
Those Sweet Potato Oatmeal Raisin Cookies were so delicious, I could not stop eat them! I actually lost count of how many I ate!
With the upcoming holidays and Turkey Day just a week away, I thought over-doing-it like this tied in perfectly with how to deal with overindulging. (Binges happen to me too!)
Here’s how I deal:
- Get back on track at the very next meal: I don’t wait until Monday or even the next day, I get on track immediately with whole grains, lots of fruits and veggies, and plenty of water. I eat normally and don’t restrict calories.
- Sweat it out. After a major splurge, I make sure to fit in a good workout to help balance-out any extra calories. Plus, exercising always makes me feel better.
- Make a mental note and move on: Every time I binge, I make a mental note about what triggered my my overindulgence, so I am conscious of it the next time I am faced with a similar situation.
- I don’t beat myself up. If I indulge too much, I get over it. I don’t let myself feel guilty about it. What’s the point, right? I get back on track and just keep truckin’!
I hope these tips are helpful to you, especially when faced with all of the delicious treats around the holidays. Also remember, that the holidays are a time to splurge a little bit, so make sure you do! Just don’t go overboard!
If you’d like more ideas and tips for healthy eating check out my Balanced Eating page. There’s lots of info!
Breakfast
My appetite has been really weird lately. I don’t want to eat “real” food; I just want eat sweet carby goodies. Perhaps it’s hormonal?
Breakfast this morning was 2 slices of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and banana on one side and Crofter’s Fruit Spread and banana on the other.
This meal was nice and filling. 
And, as usual, I also had some iced coffee. I guess I won’t be switching over to hot coffee this year?
NuVal Buzz
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Question of the Day
How do you deal with over-indulgences?
Posted by: Tina 102 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
Tags: cookie binge, how to deal with binges, how to deal with overindulging
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Great suggestions. I’m definitely an all or nothing person and I struggle with not just saying “I blew it, now I can eat what ever I want…” I don’t recommend that attitude. I do find that when I exercise more it inspires me to eat more healthily. I’m not good with too many days off.
Also, to be honest, even though I love baking, I don’t do it unless I have an event to go to. I used to live in a house with 4 guys (including 3 football players.) That was a perfect house to bake in. My treats were appreciated and gone in one evening.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 8:57 am
I get like that with my appetite – where I don’t want to eat ANY protein, just lots of carbs…like comfort food. It is weird!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:06 am
You really have to just forgive yourself – no matter how many cookies or whatever you just ate – never the end of the world. I do try to eat as many fruits and veggies as I can during the day – especially during the holidays – cookies,etc seem to show up around dinner time. At least I know I have had some healthy stuff too.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:10 am
I think that with indulgence, you have to see it as a one-off and move on, don’t dwell on it. I deal with it by eating more healthfully the next meal, and listening to my body’s hunger cues at the next meal as well. If I’m not very hungry, the meal will be light, or I won’t eat as much as I might if I were very hungry.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I feel the same way lately…all I want to eat is carbs! I don’t restrict carbs, but i’ve definitely been over doing it. I do fine at breakfast and lunch, but as soon as I walk into my house at night I just want to eat everything..even with planned snacks. I need to figure out a good way to plan dinner ahead of time so i’m not cooking late and will stick to a healthy dinner.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:15 am
This is my #1 problem when it comes to food. I can’t even keep certain foods in my house because I know I will just eat it all in one serving. It’s a constant struggle of self-control. When I used to over-indulge, I would compensate it by over-exercising…and we all know that just leads to an awful cycle of over- everything! Now, I’ve been focusing on trying to just be “normal” after an indulgence.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:18 am
I feel that way sometimes too, a loaf of bread and some pretzels sounds like a good meal to me.. lol.
If I happen to overindulge, I like to simply drink a lot of water and take nice long walks.. the more active I am, the better I feel!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Thank you for the advice of the “after binge” treatment…I just binged some almonds last night…should get moving today!
it is freezing here!
btw, don’t u feel cold having ice coffee in the morning
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Hey Tina,
This could not have come at a better time– I made some pomegranate/coconut/banana bread yesterday, and then proceeded to eat about half the loaf as the night went on!!
I definitely just share your philosophy of just moving on– the more you dwell on it, the worse you’ll feel.
Going for a good, long run doesn’t hurt either
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:30 am
This is great advice. When it comes to the Holidays, I have a slightly different attitude. Food is food. Sure, there are certain things that just aren’t available year round and I will splurge occasionally. However, my feeling is that most of these things, if I really wanted them, I could always go out and get them. The food will always be there. It really helped me to change my mentality and realize that I don’t have to eat just because the food is there and only there for the Holiday. That’s just what works for me.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:31 am
It looks like you and I take the same approach! I like to call it the “keep calm and carry on” approach. Up the water, work out, move on with my life.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Great posts with great tips, Tina. So many people binge, than throw everything out the window, and it’s so sad! It’s just one “meal” and you can get right back on track!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Thanks for your tips. I deal with indulgences the same way — realize that it’s not an everyday thing, don’t beat myself up over it, and get back on track. Not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things.
You’d better believe I want a (small) slice of pumpkin AND pecan pie next week — and I’m gonna eat it!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I deal with overindulgences in much of the same way. I just keep going. I tryyyy not to beat myself up, but that is the hardest part. I hate “messing up” but one big meal IS NOT going to effect my overall weight, and I try to remind myself of that. I basically use all of these tricks. I work out, eat really well the next day, and try to do things that make me happy that dont center around food to stop obsessing!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:47 am
whenever i bake i inevitably eat TONS of batter & then multiple cookies or brownies… there’s just something about freshly baked goodies that makes me weak at the knees! .;) i appreciate your attitude about binges & i agree that it’s 100% okay to indulge every once in a while – especially during holiday time of year.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I quickly forgive and move on! No sense in getting all upset and dwelling on it! I get back in the gym and eat extra clean for the next few days
The reason we work out and eat so healthy is so that these indulgences don’t really matter! (in the grand scheme of things
)
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:48 am
blahh sometimes i get in the mood for about a week of just wanting to eat pretzels and bread and crackers.. so weird! it’s been such a warm november in new england that iced coffee is still acceptable
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Over-indulging happens to everyone at one point or another!
I refuse to beat myself up over it, and usually I’ll just satisfy my sweet tooth with fresh fruit the next day, drink more water, and eat more bulky and delicious salads. Walking, running, or just moving in general tends to make my body feel more “normal” again too. 
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:50 am
I feel like I’ve been the same lately with real food! I feel like I’m just eating dinner to get to dessert–SO not me!
Thanks for the holiday tips; I ALWAYS ooooverindulge… and I’ve been thinking about how to best prevent that this year. Doesn’t mean sweet potato pie & stuffing won’t be had
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:50 am
You are definitely right in saying that it’s important to get back on track right away. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. There is nothing wrong with over indulging from time to time, as long as it’s not at every meal!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:50 am
I think you dealt very well with it and honestly, that’s how it should be for everybody.
Oh well, it’s ok as long as I don’t overeat.
And I’ve been feeling exactly like that lately, craving carbs like hell
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:51 am
It’s nice to know that you are human.
I splurge WAY too much!! With increase exercise I find myself splurging! I def try to recoup the next day with my diet to handle those splurges!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Consider it pregaming for next week and move on.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Yesterday was a terrible binge day for me too! I ate a cupcake, about 3 (or 4?) muffins I made, a bowl of cereal and countless other snacks.
Today I’m getting back on track though!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:57 am
My appetite is always all over the place. It’s never consistent…
Have a great day!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:58 am
mmm that carbie goodness looks delicious! crofters jam is so tasty!!
with overindulgences, I always make sure to work extra hard in the gym the next day or the day of if I know at night I will be indulging in something (such as on thanksgiving!!)
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Ahh I totally understand the craving carby goodies instead of meals thing. I do think it’s hormonal. I went on a brief kick where all I wanted to eat was toast with peanut butter. I mean, you really can’t go wrong.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Cookies looked good and Congrats Kim…great post!
Enjoy!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Your post could not have come at a better time. I bought a bag of Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Ginger Snaps, and proceeded to eat the whole bag my myself over the course of 2 nights. They were just soooo good. Thanks for reminding me that it’s normal to go overboard every now & then….
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I’m right there with you. I don’t find it useful or healthy to beat myself up. Instead I make sure I get back on track with less processed, healthy foods and exercise!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Dealing with over-eating is hard! I’m a perfectionist so when I eat too much, I get frustrated! But I do the same things as you with getting RIGHT back on track and don’t just keep eating unhealthtly/too much. Lots of people just throw up their hands and say “oh well, my day is already ruined” but it’s never too late to eat healthy(-ier)!! I also make sure to get a good workout in… Usually the next day I’ll try to get 2 workouts in hopes to balance my intake with my output of calories!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:08 am
I heart you, Tina! Just for posts like this. You never make excuses or justify what you eat. You just do it with such balance and enjoyment. I appreciate that.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:09 am
gah i totally overindulged in magic bars and pumpkin pie last night (we had a faux thanksgiving dinner in my dorm). i’m going to try and get in a nice hour long sweaty run or elliptical sesh tonight to get back in the right mindset/physical feeling. i hate bloat!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Aren’t you COLLLD! I am drinking hot tea and I am still frigid today!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Other than high fructose corn syrup & other fake foods, I don’t have anything that’s off limits but I do try to eat healthy food every day. If I fill up on veggies and whole grains and good protein I’m not as likely to over indulge. I agree with lots of other comments that moderation is key. We all need something sweet – I might try adding some chocoalte chips to your sweet potato cookies!!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Thanks for posting this! Sometimes I read food/healthy living blogs and feel like I’m the only one who ever overindulges. Nice to know I am not alone
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Those are good tips for when you over indulge! And MEIJER!!!! There used to me Meijer’s back home where I used to live, but there isn’t any here. Funny how a regional grocery store can make you miss home.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:30 am
great holiday tips tina!! i can’t wait to make these sweet potato oatmeal rasin cookies–i think i may bake and bring some for Thanksgiving dessert! thanks for the recipe. Have a wonderful Thursday
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Those cookies look so good, I see why you ate too many:) I try not to worry about indulging too much. I don’t do it often, so when I do I just recognize it was a treat/splurge and get back to my daily healthy habits. It is ok to treat yourself every once in awhile. Great tips!!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Water. Water. Water.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:39 am
I am making your cookies today…I can’t wait!
I had an overindulgence on Sat night when we went out for our anniversary. Our dinners came with salad, entree & dessert. While I wasn’t stuffed when dessert (creme brulee) showed up, I proceeded to eat the whole thing by myself and should have stopped halfway through. I felt a little stuffed and started in with the negative talk – being hard on myself. I quickly stopped, chalked it up to a special occasion and moved on. I had my normal breakfast the next day & never stressed about it again.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:39 am
If I overindulge, I try not to sweat it too much. Stressing about it only makes me feel worse. I know I’ll have great days and then some not so great days. I try to drink lots of water if I’ve had a indulgent day and make sure I work in some good cardio either that day or the day after.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Maybe once there is snow and ice on the ground you’ll want to make the switch to hot coffee
I like your tips, too – especially making the mental note. If I know I’m going to be in a situation that will set me up for binging, I can prepare myself for it or avoid it.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I do the same things as you. I actually had quite the bread binge last night because I was starving by the time I ate dinner! But I just said oh well, it was good and had a healthy breakfast today and plans to exercise this afternoon. And next time I will eat a snack to avoid the overeating at dinner. It’s all about balance!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I deal with it the exact same way you do.
I’ve been craving sweet, carby goodness lately, too. I suspect it is a combination of the weather changing/days getting shorter and making me crave more “comfort food” and being pretty strict with my diet. I think my body finally said Enough! and decided that it must have more carbs.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Thanks for sharing that with us Tina. Sometimes, I feel that we all think the people of the blogworld are “perfect” and don’t binge. It’s good to know that everyone has been in those shoes. Great tips! I’m the same way. And usually if I do have a significant binge, I’m actually not very hungry the next day for breakfast. Trying to balance out I guess!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:49 am
First of all, I appreciate you sharing your struggles! I was a major binger for a long time in my life (started around 10 years old) & while I’m so much healthier today, I still struggle sometimes!
Second, totally random question. What kind of bread are you using? It just looks much thicker than my usual loaf & I think I’m jealous! lol
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I do the same things!
First, get over it. I used to beat myself up for things like that, and it just doesn’t make anything better!
Second, make the next snack/meal a healthy, balanced one.
cookies happen
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:03 am
This is great and I think we can all relate. I am contstantly trying to control my portions and have one cookie instead of 3! I try to exercise the day after I splurge and eat lighter meals. The triggers for me are holidays, dining out and weekends so it’s definitely something I need to get a handle on in order to enjoy those things. When I keep things in check I feel so much better!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:05 am
I like to just go on living the next day like normal. In the long run, or even a week or say you can hardly do enough damage in one night that won’t be leveled out over time
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:06 am
I think it’s this time of year! It’s getting cooler and cooler and the days are short. All I want is bread, too! Bread and peanut butter. Or bread and cheese!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:17 am
When I overindulge I just look at why I did it and consciously decide to accept it and then put it out of my mind. I tell myself that the next day I will be better, and I am. I don’t feel guilty. I just move on. As long as I know what triggered the binge, I am on the right track.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Just want to second (third, fourth) everyone else here and say thanks for posting this! I think it would have been easy to keep this private, as I have heard people with food blogs say sometimes they feel pressured to be on their “best behavior” when it comes to eating. I really appreciate that you posted this and shared it with us! I know you are always honest with your readers, but the tips were very helpful!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:18 am
I am tempted to cut back after an indulgence… but I know that just going back to a clean diet and a good workout schedule will be the most helpful.
I have been feeling like carb-y goodness as well! Mmmm carby goodness
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:19 am
My process is the same as yours. I don’t restrict myself, calorie wise, the next day… I just go back to my normal, healthy eating habits.
Splurges are important – they keep us sane! Having an overindulgence every now in then is what makes it good to be alive!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:20 am
I agree about sweating it out and moving on, at least when an overindulgence takes you by surprise. However I find that my overindulgences generally happen when I KNOW they’ll happen, like at a wedding or party or the holidays. In that case, I’ll just plan to eat light, drinks load of water and exercise a little extra for a few days before and after, and just enjoy myself. I figure it’ll all balance out over time.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:20 am
I agree with everyone else, appreciate the honesty on your blog. Thanks for “keeping it real”.
I have a HUGE Costco box of Sweet potatoes so I gave your recipe a go last night, I didn’t have raisins so I substituted choc chips. Yeah, I’m a genius, I mixed the still warm SP with the choc chips so they melted. Oops, they came out tasting like a chocolate coconut macaroon. Not necessarily a bad thing, I wolfed down 2.5 of them.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:28 am
I used to totally beat myself up with the you suck or are a loser. Now, I just try to think what sparked it and be aware of my food issues.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:31 am
I really try not to beat myself up about over indulging. I just move on and and go back to healthy eating at the next meal.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Somehow oatmeal cookies seem to be easier to eat a million of than other kinds- this is fact.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Timely post with the holidays coming up.
I find when I eat a good balance of protein/fat/carbs and lots of veggies I am much less likely to overdo. Your diet seems very refined carb heavy maybe more of a balance would help?
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Hey tina, I tried emailing you about possible internship at NuVal (I emailed them, and they told me to contact them, but my email has been acting up) and if you could just look for my name, that would be much appreciated!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:44 am
fabulous tips for getting over binges. man ive been there! guilt just doesnt accomplish anything. sweating it out at the gym always feels better for me.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:46 am
This is a very timely post! I do just what you do, get back on track straight away. A few years ago, I used to say, oh well I blew it so I’ll start over tomorrow. Now I know I need to “start over” immediately! No need to keep going downhill for an entire day.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:47 am
i haven’t had a binge in a long time, thankfully; i’m curious to see how i’d react to it now since my ways of dealing with them in the past wasn’t the healthiest. thank you for your tips!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:52 am
I went through that carb thing last week, actually! All I wanted was toast with pb/pumpkin butter/reg butter, around the clock. I think maybe it is hormonal..
Thank you for this post.. I often overindulge when I bake cookies, and it’s hard sometimes not get down on yourself. Your tips are wonderful, esp the one you wrote about keeping a mental note for next time.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
@Lara: Is it? Maybe I just don’t realize?
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I always want carbs in the morning! Bagels and pancakes and waffles, oh my!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I always find that when I go on binges it typically is because I have been too restrictive with my diet. So if I go crazy on carbohydrates it is usually because I haven’t “allowed” (for lack of a better word) myself to enjoy them as often as I should. I usually just get back on track and try to be less restrictive with my food and focus on enjoying it more. I think everyone has to remind themselves that all foods are good foods in moderation. And when I binge is it usually because I have forgotten that little rule and have exiled a certain food into the “off-limits category” which only makes you want it more!
Reading your post and the other comments, though, helps me feel like I am perhaps…do I dare say it…normal! haha…thanks everyone!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I like taking a mental note of what triggered the binge, that’s a good idea I need to adopt.
I actually haven’t been handling binges quite well recently! I’m re-reading intuitive eating and really trying to soak up the info more this time around so I can have a healthy relationship with food once and for all.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I made a batch of cookies last week and ate 5. Even though they were healthy (as a cookie gets I guess) and not huge, I still felt like I overindulged. The next morning however, I was happy I had since we had our early morning trail run (15 miles) and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t get any energy low during the run. So in a way it helped pre-fuel me.
My appetite has been weird lately too. I just feel like I am starving all the time even though I am eating large portions. I think it is back to back racing that is doing me in. But I still have a hard time when I am absolutely ravenous! I go through Carby phases. I also find that when I indulge in them too much then the cravings continue, if I step back for a few days from the carby-goodness the cravings too go away. I don’t generally eat alot of grains so maybe its easier said than done (not because I don;t like grains, I am just gluten intolerant so more limited).
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I had too many pretzels last night and did not feel good about it afterwards and don’t feel good about it now. The best thing for me to do is keep pretzels out of the house for a while. On the other side of the coin, yesterday while eating lunch out, I chose not to eat the bread that my sandwich came on and that decision left me feeling great! There is a reason we feel good or not-so-good about the decisions we make, regarding food, and otherwise. After years of the weight loss, weight gain cycle, I am now trying to really learn lessons from those feelings and it is working. I didn’t binge on pretzels, but I ate more than I needed and ate them compulsively and that is not something that works for me. So, I will try my best to remember the two examples from yesterday–when I made a good choice for myself, I felt great and when I made a poor choice, I felt not-so-great. Given the option, I prefer the former to the latter.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I deal with my over indulgences in pretty much the same way, getting right back on track and a nice sweaty workout!!!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
thank you for writing this post! i don’t think there is a woman out there who hasn’t overdid it on cookies, cake, or other sweets. last week i baked a batch of pb cup brownies and ate SO much batter, pb cups, and “tastes” that I actually felt nauseaus. sugar coma, for sure. the next day i went for a long sweaty run and drank more water than usual and felt much better. it happens to all of us and the best thing to do is move on. i’ve also found that a walk + brushing my teeth can help!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Good for you with not beating yourself over it!
Our breakfasts look very similar today! I seriously almost added jam and a coffee on the side — how strange!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
That’s the reason I don’t bake unless its for a bake sale so I can’t eat them.
I learn to see them a single instances and figure out what I really was doing in eating them (ie feeding boredom or was I deprived).
I do try to get in some extra time for a workout and get right back on track.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I have felt the same way about food cravings lately, I haven’t wanted many salads or fresh fruit as much, I think it has to do with the season change even though I like in southern california. I just follow my cravings as it seems you do too
Thank you for being so honest and admitting you binge sometimes too. I think everyone does at some point or another. Thanks for the tips and I love your attitude about it. afterall, it IS only one day
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
These tips are awesome. lately when i over indulge in something sweet or salty or what not, i just try to not beat myself up over it, because i feel like thats the worst part of it all. if you go and beat yourself up, i feel like your not even doing yourself any good. Moving on and accepting it is the first step. I usually try get right back on track because more often then not my body will crave fruits and veggies anyway so thats sort of a plus!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
thank you for sharing about your cookie binge. those things happen to me too and its nice to know it happens to everyone.
good job getting back on track immediately, that is hard for me to do
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
At least the recipe only called for 16 cookies — haha! A way I try to deal with cravings is by making myself an equally satisfying, but less “dangerous” (i.e. less likely to cause a binge) alternative. It helps to have healthy foods on hand for this, obviously. I love to heat up a sweet potato or some spaghetti squash, and then top it with a little Olivio (Smart Balance, or even some real butter, etc.), and then spices or herbs of your choice (cinnamon or cocoa are great, as is basil). Or for a salt craving, a SteamFresh bag of veggies with herbs and Bragg’s does the trick for me! Do you have any similar snack/meal ideas that help you to satiate a craving?
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Thank you for your tips on how to get back on track in a healthy and balanced way. I have battled ana/mia for years and whenever I binge, I feel off balance and guilty…since I don’t purge anymore, I beat myself up and feel like I am slipping back. These tips give me a lot of hope and positive ways to get back on track…
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
i think its just the nice weather that you haven’t switched over to hot coffee yet, but i am sure it will get much colder!
jenna
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
i LOVE how honest you are tina!! keep it up!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Tina thank you so much for your candor
I was just curious though-when you do identify the triggers for your binge, what do you do about it? How do you work with yourself on that for the future? I think that identifying feelings-for me, anxiety, or any feeling that I don’t want to have or feel I shouldn’t have, is what would make me eat (or not eat for that matter). Learning to sit with whatever feeling I have, without doing anything about it, is key, and it’s a challenge. I’m a work in progress… 
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
It’s nice to see how honest you are! Love it! Many, including myself, deal with this from time to time!
I don’t usually comment, but there was something that wasn’t sitting well with me, so I just wanted to see what you thought about this.
The word “binge”. As someone who has mostly overcome an eating disorder, the word binge is something that I typically associate with copious amounts of caloric intake in one sitting. And while you did say you ate quite a lot, I feel like using the word “binge” might not be the best word in this scenario. It is also generally associated with the feeling that one cannot stop eating. And while I don’t know how/what you were feeling, I cannot say this is true or not.
I don’t disagree with you using the word, it just makes me uneasy, and I feel that maybe perhaps saying “overate” might be a better word.
Feel free to correct me–I just wanted to put my thoughts out there!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Great tips! When I over indulge I definitely try to not beat up on myself, although this can be hard. Also, when I sometimes have a bit too much dessert at nighttime, I make sure that I still stick to eating a breakfast and keep my next day’s eats healthy.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I think just about all of us over-indulge at some point. I really don’t let it bother me. I know how hard I work out 7 days a week running and practicing Bikram. So if I “accidentally” polish off the ice cream from time to time. Oh well. It’s all good.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I try to keep most trigger foods out of the house, and pre-portion the other ones into the baggies (nuts are a major trigger, I can’t have just a handful!). Too many cookies at home end up in my belly one way or another; sometimes it just takes a few days for me to pick up the container and eat the rest of them. Eek
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Great tips for getting back on track. I think sometimes people tend to either go overboard trying to ‘make up’ after getting side tracked a little OR, if they’re trying to lose weight, they just give up because they think their ‘diet’ is ruined from one instance. It’s an ongoing thing to eat healthy and we’re humans, it’s impossible not to (over)indulge sometimes!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Thank you for being so frank. I feel like such a failure when I’ve let myself binge, these tips are so helpful and I thank you for being such a role model. Have a great rest of the day!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Hi Tina, thanks for your vote. Wow…honour…fame….and no fortune
And super cool tips. I think if you can learn to forgive yourself, then you can recover quicker. That’s the hardest part!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I find that the more I eat of carby/sugary foods the more I want them. I can go a week without any dessert, but then I will have a cookie and after that want one everyday. Instead of a cookie I’d rather grab a kashi granola bar to avoid the whole cycle.
By the way – that combo of bread w/ PB and banana is soooo good, but just cannot hold me over for some reason. I guess it sends my blood sugar soaring and crashing?
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Anne, 84 — I agree but I was too embarassed to bring it up. I don’t think ANYONE was being insensitive, but I really cringe when I see that word. It has such a different meaning for me than for most. It’s not 5 or 10 cookies, it’s 5 or 10,000 calories. So embarrassing to even type that.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Not very well!! But at 46 with a job that requires me to sit-down most of the day – overindulging can mean MANY extra pounds!! It is depressing!!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Sweet carby goodies are delicious! I’d eat them all day, everyday if I could
When I overindulge, I just move on. The past is the past. I don’t try to compensate for it because I think that creates an unhealthy balance. However, your cookies look so good I don’t blame you for eating them!!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Thanks so much for the post about overindulging. I had one myself with some mini pumpkin spice cupcakes I made on Monday. I try to do the same as your advice, but from time to time I do beat myself up pretty badly. I need to remember that if happens from time to time, I overall eat very healthy and the occasional slip up is ok!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Those are really good tips. So many people deal with binge, and its easy forget that EVERYone does it.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Thanks for this post on overindulging. It came at a great time since THanksgiving is just around the corner.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Thanks for the tips. I still need to work on that not beating myself up thing.
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
This could not have come at a better time! I just baked thanksgiving cookies with my suitemates and lets just say I had welllll over a serving of M&M’s…..those huge bags can be dangerous
I will admit that I’m beating myself up about it, but I’m off to have a nice workout with the mindset that it’s perfectly normal to go overboard once in a while 
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I actually work at Meijer (in the pharmacy). Imagine that! Small world…
on Nov 22nd, 2009 at 8:32 pm
whenever I have a sweet binge my mom says to never regret it but to just get back on track with healthy eating, which I personally love. I’ve also learned that if I “accidentally” eat half of the cake I made to just drink some water and exercise a bit once I digest it.
with love and cupcakes,
cookteen!