Is this a binge or just a party?

[lauren170]

I consider it a binge, but in reality maybe it's not that bad??

At our office's St. Patrick's day potluck I had:
 
-one pastry with cream in the middle - probably about the size of my palm

-one fairly large chocolate cupcake with frosting

one decent sized slice of chocolate caramel cake

...I consider it a "binge" because I intended to have nothing and I just couldn't stop at 1 piece of something. Once I taste sugar I can't stop, still, to this day.

So, thoughts?

[texassmith]

I think it's somewhere in between. It's a lot of sugar to eat at once, but don't feel too bad about it. It's OK to do that every once in a while. It sounds delicious!

[Deleted]

This is what happens to me if I try to restrict my sugar for a while, I will go crazycakes. Usually I'm good about eating it in small doses, but it's hard at these types of work parties where there are a gazillion desserts.

[Susie]

My mom is an RD, and she has two food-related mantras that I've grown up with:

1.  It's ok if it's not habit-forming, and
2.  Everything in moderation.

So maybe you ran a little afoul of #2 today, but not #1.  Don't beat yourself up!

[gnomesweetgnome]

This sounds like what happens to me at office parties. I figure as long as it's not an every day thing, it's probably OK. I would probably classify it as a binge, but one binging session isn't going to set back all the work you've accomplished - I hope you enjoyed your treats, and I know you'll make better choices later today/tomorrow/etc.

[juliahenry]

Hmm, I would consider that to be three full desserts and you hadn't planned on any of them. In my world that's, if not an actual binge, then definitely a warning sign. How are you doing now?

[amesmarie]

I don't know I would go as far as saying its a binge. I think anyone who has struggled with weight and taken it off has had these mishaps. I think the important thing is what you do after it. We all stumble from time to time. The important thing is to recognize what is was and avoid the same mistake in the future. Its also I good idea not to beat yourself up about it. It happened, it will probably happen again. As long as it is the exception and not the rule, I don't see the point in making it to into a big deal.

[ckinla]

Sort of? I do the same thing, without meaning to (at Christmas parties and such), and end up feeling like crap about it. But since it only happens once or twice a year? NBD. I wouldn't worry unless it becomes a regular thing.

[grk2012]

If it were a true binge, I think you'd have grabbed a few things for later. A cupcake to have at your desk, another piece of cake to have after dinner. This sounds like an overload, but not a relapse of old habits entirely IMO. I like to indulge in things "I don't make or have that often" when I'm in a situation like that. Then the way I feel that evening/the next day remind me why more than one indulgence isn't a good idea. (Got any Pepto handy?)

[katinthehat]

I like Kate's use of the word overload. I think as long as you don't repeat it tonight, you're okay.

PS - totally would do the same thing myself.

[taratru]

It's a party.  I'm the same way...I started with a cookie, had two cookies, a cupcake and some kind of lemon tart thing.  I finally had to take my ass OUTSIDE from the building to stop.

Even if it were a binge, tomorrow is a new day.  Try not to beat yourself up about it.

[enfuego23]

I'm the same way too. If there are lots of desserts at a party, I like to try a few of them. If they are good, I'll eat the whole thing. I try not to come down on myself because it's a party and I don't do it every day.

[foundmylazybum]

www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3800/3822.asp


This is one of the leading eating disorder clinics in the country. This is what they have to say on this topic.


It sometimes seems like you have a lot of anxiety and stress that is related to control in relationship to your body. PERSONALLY, I can tell you I wouldn't have eaten ALL those deserts, but I also would NEVER have classified it as a "BINGE" either...but I also know the facts of what binge eating is and looks like.....It seems like you have a lot of questions about stuff like this---and if it were ME I'd ask a professional..because it would help ME reduce anxiety to have facts, and management techniques from someone in the know...but again, that's just me--and you asked.

[foundmylazybum]

Mar 15, 2013 20:29:51 GMT -5 enfuego23 said:

I'm the same way too. If there are lots of desserts at a party, I like to try a few of them. If they are good, I'll eat the whole thing. I try not to come down on myself because it's a party and I don't do it every day.

Actually, I'll rephrase. I'm a "sampler" so I could see myself totally doing this...and loving every minute of it.

[MrsE]

Honestly, I would do the same thing. While its certainly not good if it were a daily habit, if it is a rare - occasional occurrence that happens no more than once a month, it's not the worst thing ever.

[lauren170]

Thanks for the article. I feel a lot better that I just went a little overboard and that it was not a binge. I could probably go down that road, but 99% of the time i know how to prevent these situations. I should have eaten a better lunch before the party. The good news is i don't really fit any of the criteria in the article and have really healthy habits so much of the time.