HOW TO OVERCOME BINGE EATING
So, I am out for a run yesterday morning with Hannah, my favorite canine girl and loyal companion and certainly the love of my life. My body as well as mind were craving a good heart pumping, sweating and invigorating workout and what better place to get a workout outside than the East River Drive? I love it there and can always get into my zone while enjoying the scenery. There were a lot of runners, rowers and cyclists and the place was packed. I was really motivated to get moving and to get my day started. I was ready for the challenge. I warmed up and set my goal at 4-5 miles. The sun was shining and I felt great.
As I got into the 2nd or 3rd mile, the strangest thing began to happen to me. As I was running along, minding my own business my mind switched gears and thoughts of eating began to overwhelm me. Not just some food, BUT LOTS OF FOOD. Yes, I was having thoughts of binge eating happening between my ears. What was this all about? I just had these intense cravings and that was that. Where the heck did this come from? Gosh, I did not even have my morning coffee yet. Thats my treat after the morning run. I was taken aback as this feeling came over me. I immediately began to trace what could have possibly triggered this. Those old feelings of wanting to Binge and Eat thousands of calories was right in front of me and overwhelming me at that very moment.
I kept thinking – What is this? I lost my weight. I dont binge anymore. It has been a long time since this toxic behavior had its grip on me. But this was real and I needed to get in gear to handle it. As I continued to get to the finish area the desire was getting worse. I began to negotiate with myself. I made all kinds of excuses to binge – the best being TOMORROW IS MONDAY. It was then I had to stop and really use my knowledge and skills to lick this thing before it took me over again, as it had many years ago. Back then I would have given in. But today I know better. I thought to myself, I have the power to change this. Its what I teach all my clients. You have the power to create change. It is the first step of the MAZDA METHOD motivational program. It is part of my soul.
Honestly, I was almost in a panic. Once those feelings come over you it is so hard to get out of their grip. But as I done so many times before I was able to switch gears. I took a step back and told myself that this is only a temporary issue. It will pass. If you give into it you have no power. You will feel helpless and accomplish nothing that will move you forward. That would be a step in the wrong direction. Plus I probably would have been so sick to my stomach. That thought alone began to help me to get over this morning catastrophe. I kept thinking my face might puff up, my knees would hurt and that none of my low rise jeans would fit, Was it worth it? NO! The fact is this; I made a commitment to myself many years ago and that alone stopped me in my tracks. I promised myself that I would never feel that horrible or look as bad as I did 25 years ago ever again. My life today is happy, motivated and I have never felt as good as I do today at 53. In the short amount of time it took for those OLD, NEGATIVE, TOXIC feelings to surface, it was an even shorter time to get rid of them.
Tonight as I sit here writing this I realize that at any time those feelings can come back to haunt me. I need to make sure I am ready for the attack. Listen, go out and have a great week. And start today and do not wait for the Monday that may never come. Make every day count.
Debra