Can't stop eating

[Freelancer]

I am eating around 2,000-3,800 calories per day. Yes, some of it is me overeating even to the point of upsetting my stomach at times.

My Keto-stix never ever show above "trace" (which is the smallest amount). If they even detect any at all which most times they don't.

I eat less then 10 carbs a day. (tracked in fitday)

Yet I just can't stop eating. I am brought to tears trying to resist eating. I never have a 'taste' prefference when I want to eat. Anything will do. I don't binge on carbs, just fat and protien but I've been trying to follow Atkins for almost 2 months now and I keep doing things wrong or something is not working (probably my calorie intake, right?)

I'm sorry for ranting, I'm just so defeated right now. I'm going to stick with it (I have no other choice unless I want to gain) but I wish that instead of just continuing to read about how great LC is and how many people it has helped that I could actually see it work on me... that is if I can even manage to do it properly some day. :tears:

edit: forgot to mention I do 30 mins of cardio 3 times per week (ellipticle)

[addict1000]

It is great that you are sticking to it. If you are committed, you can solve your problem. :)

Let's get some more information so people here on the board can advise you:

1. Are you losing weight? and at what rate?
2. Are you using any artificial sweetner?
3. What carbs are you eating that makes up that 10 grams?
4. How long have you been low-carbing?
5. How did you lose the 95 lbs that you have lost so far?


6. Are you finding that you are bingeing based on a certain emotional trigger that you can define?



Based only on the information in your post my first thoughts are that you could try the Atkins Fat Fast which is supposed to help people get into strong ketosis if they can't through regular induction.

Another option is that you could just try lowering your carbs as low as possible, even to the point of a meat and egg fast for a bit to see how your body responds. It could be insulin releases causing those cravings...the reduction of carbs should help with that.

The more information you give us, the more ideas people can offer and you can decide on a good course of action.

Don't give up.

[clubsoda]

First, I'm sorry you're struggling. I've had episodes like that and I know it's miserable to feel so out of control. I admire you for avoiding carbs through it- I usually break down and binge on muffins.

Addict's questions are all important, and the answers may clarify a lot for you. I would also ask, how long has the overeating been going on? Has it been the entire two months of Atkins, or did you get on a holiday binging kick and not get off? Also, did you just start/increase the exercise?

I'll tell you what works for me, at the risk of getting attacked and with the caveat that you need to be careful with this approach. I've done this 3-4 times in the past when I feel like my appetite is crazy and I need to basically break the habit of eating and get quickly into ketosis. Simply, I fast for a day (36h total), then break the fast with eggs and coconut oil, which further helps with ketosis and appetite. Obviously don't do this if you have a history of anorexia, and don't go more than 48h without food. A modified approach might be to take Addict's advice on the fat fast, and include coconut oil to help push you into ketosis.

And a few other thoughts. I don't know how tall you are or how much body fat you have, but is it possible that your current weight is ok for your body? Your stats say you've lost a TON of weight; if you did that recently by semi-starvation (i.e. low-cal carbs) your body may be reacting to the weight loss. Wanting to cry could be from hypoglycemia- do you have any other symptoms such as dizzyness, cold, tingly hands? Tell us what you're eating during the day and at what time, perhaps you need to eat more often.

Again, I'm sorry you're having a hard time. Hang in there.

[addict1000]

I'll tell you what works for me, at the risk of getting attacked and with the caveat that you need to be careful with this approach. I've done this 3-4 times in the past when I feel like my appetite is crazy and I need to basically break the habit of eating and get quickly into ketosis. Simply, I fast for a day (36h total), then break the fast with eggs and coconut oil, which further helps with ketosis and appetite. Obviously don't do this if you have a history of anorexia, and don't go more than 48h without food. A modified approach might be to take Addict's advice on the fat fast, and include coconut oil to help push you into ketosis.

.

I agree that some people might not agree, but I also use fasting techniques. Intermittent fasting is a great way to get get appetite under control...You learn that you don't have to eat just because food is available.

Of course any diet technique should be used thoughtfully and carefully.

[jschwab]

Well, based on your height, you are definitely not yet at a weight that is considered optimal, but maybe you have a lot of muscle or things are just slowing down? Your body may be freaking out a bit from the weight loss and you just need more calories right now. When I hit 95 pounds down, I simply had to eat a LOT of calories each day and losing became torture because my body was not adapted yet to my new weight. I feel better now (it's been a couple months) and my appetite has gone down significantly. I would regularly eat half a jar of peanut butter (almost 1000 calories) as a snack! I maintained on probably about 3000 a day. Now I feel better, not like I need to gorge myself all the time. I never considered it a problem that I had to eat that much, though - I just felt like it was hard to keep up with my calorie requirements. I've recently started intermittent fasting now that I'm feeling better. I would lose too fast if I fasted all day, so I just skip lunch and make up the calories at dinner.

[J-lo carb]

I've fasted several times in the past in order to get my appetite under control. It works great, but I always start to feel icky and trippy when I don't eat for a long time.

I saw a post above about eating eggs when breaking a fast. My suggestion for getting your appetite under control is to eat a lot of eggs instead of fasting in the first place. Seriously, eating 4 eggs in a sitting will get rid of my appetite REAL fast and I stay full forever. I'd totally have to agree that the coconut oil helps too.

You shouldn't have to battle the hunger when you're eating 10 g. carbs/day. Could it be a medical problem? Do you take any meds. that might make you extra hungry?

[Freelancer]

1. Are you losing weight? and at what rate?

No, I have never lost not 1 pound with a low carb plan. I always lose the water weight and then just stall out. I've tried more then 3 times at different times in my life. I know some of the times it may have been carb creep, but this time I am writing it all down so I know its not.

2. Are you using any artificial sweetner?

I am.

I have eliminated them in the past (for 2 weeks) but there was no change (I stayed the same weight for 2 weeks) so I figured they were not the problem. I decided this morning to wipe them out again anyway, just to be certain.

3. What carbs are you eating that makes up that 10 grams?

Just by grazing over Fitday for the past 5 days here are my carb foods:

Green Leaf Lettuce
Cream
Sprouts
Shaved Broccoli
Green Onion
Eggs
Olives (max 5 per day)
Mustard
Shredded Cheese (I top my salads with this)
Liverwurst
Mozzarella Cheese (1 oz per day if even)
Liverwurst
Decaf Coffee
Crystal Light
one day I had a "Top Dog Single" hot dog for 1g carbs
and one day I had 0.6 carbs of Soy Sauce on 4oz of Tofu Shirataki (2g net)

Out of those 5 days the lowest fat % per day was 67% and the highest was 74%. My salad dressing is straight Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar.

4. How long have you been low-carbing?
5. How did you lose the 95 lbs that you have lost so far?

3 years ago I heard about it for the first time but I didn't want to try it just yet. About 1 year after that I wanted to quit smoking and at that point I had lost 80 lbs (low fat high carb diet) so I was mortified at the thought that I might regain even 1 little pound. I decided to switch to Atkins and I quit smoking (for all of 3 months).

I lost the water weight and stalled. Which makes sense cause I really was eating a lot. I also wasn't measuring and 'assuming' the carbs in many things at that point and I still didn't gain weight. After 1.5 months I ditched low carb in favor of eating everything in sight for a few days. I got upset with the gains, starved my way down (300 cal/day) 20 lbs in 1 month and then regained all 20lbs within 2 weeks. Sitting right back where I started I figured... might as well put the cherry on top and I started to smoke again.

After that months later I would "try to make Atkins work for me again". All the hype and reading all the stories about how many people it worked for really sold my mind on the idea that this is the diet for me. Even on this forum seeing how many people lose weight and seemingly painlessly I can't help it. I can't go back to eating bird feed. Sometimes I would use Alcohol, or Maltitol or carbs would creep on me. But every time all the little 'extras' seem to get me.

After 1 year of that dramatic nonsense, staying at 180lbs the whole time I went out this summer and exercised off an additional 15lbs. Tennis, Gym, Swimming & Biking. I ate high glycemic food, was always hungry and cried about once a week because of both being sick of being overweight and being sick of not being able to eat.

Now sitting at 161.8 (167 before the water weight came off) on Atkins for the 4rth time. I am tracking my food this time. No Alcohol whatsoever. No Maltitol (but I allowed Aspartame & Splenda which I am banning as of this morning). I'm not even eating the higher glycemic vegetables because I am afraid I might overdo it by accident. Just Lettuce, Sprouts & Broccoli and a Green Onion here or there.

6. Are you finding that you are bingeing based on a certain emotional trigger that you can define?

I can't define it but it is very probable that it is an emotion trigger. I have PTSD and have been working from home for 5 years because I was not emotionally well enough to do otherwise. Just recently (about when I started Atkins) I decided to pick up a full time job outside the home and I think that the stress is not helping. Its not the job itself. Its interacting with people for the first time in years, and being forced to be somewhere even on days that I may not be well enough.

I would also ask, how long has the overeating been going on? Has it been the entire two months of Atkins, or did you get on a holiday binging kick and not get off? Also, did you just start/increase the exercise?

there were days in the past month where I've felt the 'effects' of Atkins quelling my hunger. It was great. Sure, I still wanted the taste and recreational part of food but my body wasn't jittery or emotionally effected by this. I don't know why I only get these days few and far between and its always a surprise when I do. I haven't been on a holiday binging kick. I had a bit of turnips and some gravy which had flour in it on Xmas eve. I didn't think the flour would be an issue but it was.

I've been exercising since May 2008. I started with swimming 5x per week. Then I played Tennis 2-3x per week. Then I added in 15 km bike rides 2x per week. When winter came I couldn't do all that anymore. I got a gym membership and started out going 5x per week but now with my new job I'm down to 3x per week. Sometimes 2x per week. I have very little energy on this diet and its so much more difficult to do exercise so it is discouraging me from going.

My suggestion for getting your appetite under control is to eat a lot of eggs

I try to eat eggs, I like them but they upset my stomach a lot. Is this normal?

You shouldn't have to battle the hunger when you're eating 10 g. carbs/day. Could it be a medical problem? Do you take any meds. that might make you extra hungry?

I am on Welbutrin XL 150mg/day and Lithium 300mg/day. Anyone who knows these meds will know those are low doses of the meds. I tried dropping the Lithium to no avail. At this point I can't drop the Welbutrin.

Wanting to cry could be from hypoglycemia- do you have any other symptoms such as dizzyness, cold, tingly hands?

I don't have dizzyness but I am expiriencing 'confusion' recently. My hands and espessially fingertips are constantly freezing cold. I have tingling in my hands constantly at night time but I think its because I sleep on my arms. As soon as I shake my arms out a bit they return to normal.

Simply, I fast for a day (36h total), then break the fast with eggs and coconut oil,

Thank you for your suggestions on fasting. I appreciate the advice. I am scared of fasting myself because of that month where I ate 300 calories per day. I didn't recognize myself and not eating became a sort of 'power' to me. In the end every pound that came off while I starved myself came right back on anyway. I think that was a way of punishing myself.

I do usually skip lunch. In fact, I thought that my skipping lunch might have been why I cannot stay in ketosis. At one point I found I was eating only chicken and salad which kicked me out of ketosis also (this was before Xmas).

I don't really have 'set' times for meals. I eat breakfast, then 6 or so hours later I'll eat dinner... then I'll eat another dinner an hour after that. Then a snack while watching T.V, then another dinner 2 hours later.


So anyway I think I know what to do next, at least for the next 10 days I will cut out all sweeteners, make sure I get all 3 of my workouts done & go talk to my doctor about the effects of my prescription medication on this WOE. Not that I can do a damn thing about my meds, if I change them I am in for some torment and I'm just not ready to do that right now. But at least if he could provide some information about it, it would be helpful.

[Melesana]

The way it works for me is that the less food I eat during the day, the hungrier I am, and the more food I eat, in the evening. I more than make up the difference of missing food during the day. :) So what I do is eat during the day, at least breakfast and lunch, whether I'm hungry or not. Then by dinner time, I'm not that hungry, and I eat one dinner, and that's that - I don't get hungry again later. Might be something else for you to try.

Meg

[capmikee]

I had a bit of turnips and some gravy which had flour in it on Xmas eve. I didn't think the flour would be an issue but it was.
If the issue is gluten, it won't matter how little flour you have, it will always knock you for a loop. Even secondary contact with wheat can make me miserable for 2 weeks, and I've been recovering from gluten for over 3 years already. Soy sauce has gluten too. Dairy might be an issue as well.

I have a very deep fear of being hungry. When I was eating low-fat with gluten and dairy, I was hungry all the time. All my life. I never dieted before I went on Atkins because the idea was just too horrifying. Even low-carbing I was hungry every few hours, until I started Intermittent Fasting. When I'm in my eating window, I eat as much as I want of the foods that I'm allowed to eat; I don't count anything. Counting carbs or calories would bring on the fear that I might have to stop eating. Nothing is worth that - it just makes it harder to stop eating next time, even if I'm not hungry.

One of the reasons I think I keep on eating sometimes is that I'm not getting the right nutrients. If I need Vitamin D or minerals, no amount of lean cooked meat is going to get me enough. I need to go for the egg yolk in coconut milk, or maybe the salad, garlic, fish roe and lemon juice. Or a spoonful of ghee, or some chicken broth. It's funny - some foods don't fill me up at all, but I stop feeling hungry when I get them.

[addict1000]

ok..

Of course check and see if it your medication...but then

I suggest a modified fat fast. The fat fast is 1000 calories a day. If you feel like you need more then do that ...track everything on a program to make sure your fat levels are at least 80%. You can do it for about 3 days and see if you can get into stronger ketosis.

Since you are at home all day you also might be habit eating. This is a hard thing to break. I have had to deal with it as a stay at home mom. I always have a drink in my hand whether is tea or coffee or water...and I have trained myself to stay out of my kitchen.

Let us know what you decide to do :)

[Freelancer]

I suggest a modified fat fast. The fat fast is 1000 calories a day. If you feel like you need more then do that ...track everything on a program to make sure your fat levels are at least 80%. You can do it for about 3 days and see if you can get into stronger ketosis.

Shredded Lettuce with cheese and olive oil is low calorie yet high fat right? I can try that. I might need to look up other ideas cause I can't imagine what would be more fatty then what I've been eating lately.

I asked my doctor today, I told him I'm following Atkins and he said "thats a high protien diet". I corrected him "High fat, but yeah you eat alot of protien too." Then he seemed annoyed that I corrected him and said gruffly 'yeah... these pills can effect it". But I mean he didn't even listen when I mentioned Ketosis, Insulin etc. He told me to go get a blood test done for my lithium levels so it seemed he was more interested in my medications then my question =/

If the issue is gluten

How can I find out if the issue is gluten?

I have a very deep fear of being hungry

I think I am the same way. I have many childhood triggers for wanting to eat. When I was in grade 4 my parents started me on my first calorie restricted plan. I remember waking up in the morning being excited because I was allowed to eat something, even though it was portioned 'diet' food.

I've never created a meal plan for myself because its just too scary having to wait 2 or more hours in between times where I am 'allowed to eat'. I go hours and hours without eating anyway, but just knowing I'm not allowed makes me think about food constantly.

The psychological part has alot to do with it but in the past 3 years I've lost 98 lbs somehow, so what kills me is why I am stuck NOW of all times? when I am only 32 lbs away from where I want to be. Oh, I quit smoking 5 months ago. Maybe that isn't helping either.

One of the reasons I think I keep on eating sometimes is that I'm not getting the right nutrients.

I picked up the Atkins Vita-Nutrient Solution and will be reading it over the course of the next week or two. Hopefully that will provide some help too.

Already found out that I do probably have some problem with my digestion and bowel health because I only have a bowel movement once every 5 to 6 days and I take 525mg-1050mg of Psyllium husks daily.

As it is I take a multivitamin (One a Day Womens), Vitamin C supplement (600mg) & I just today started Oil of Oregano 50mg daily.

The way it works for me is that the less food I eat during the day, the hungrier I am, and the more food I eat, in the evening. I more than make up the difference of missing food during the day. So what I do is eat during the day, at least breakfast and lunch, whether I'm hungry or not. Then by dinner time, I'm not that hungry, and I eat one dinner, and that's that - I don't get hungry again later. Might be something else for you to try.

Yes, you are right. I need to start making an effort to eat something for 'lunch'. Even if it is something small. I've noticed that this can be an issue for me some days also, I just keep forgetting or taking it for granted until the night time binge sets in.



Thank you everyone for the responses. I appreciate having some support. My husband tries to understand but he is musclebuilding and has to eat so often (he hates to eat) that its pretty obvious how he just can't understand.

[algts]

If eggs bother your stomach, it could be an egg (usually white) allergy. Best of luck figuring out your diet!

[jschwab]

I just wanted to write and let you know I'm sorry you suffer from PTSD - that is a really tough one. I hope you can find something that works for you!

Janine

[clubsoda]

I agree that fasting is probably not a good idea for you given your history, and in fact it sounds like something else is going on. Given what you're eating and how much, you shouldn't be hungry. I wonder whether something (non-dietary) is preventing your body from getting into ketosis and/or using fat for energy. Lithium sounds like a prime suspect. It is well known to cause weight gain, possibly by suppressing glucagon. If your doctor is that brusque and unsupportive, perhaps you need a new one. Wellbutrin generally decreases appetite in a dose-dependent manner (I've taken it and that was definately my experience). Perhaps a higher wellbutrin dose could counteract the lithium somewhat? I know this is done for SSRIs.

Don't blame yourself if your meds are causing weight problems. It's not your fault and it's not about willpower or "bad" behavior. I gained a bunch of weight on antidepressants and it's frustrating and heartbreaking. Keep us posted on how it goes.

[capmikee]

Shredded Lettuce with cheese and olive oil is low calorie yet high fat right? I can try that. I might need to look up other ideas cause I can't imagine what would be more fatty then what I've been eating lately.
If you're eating high-fat, it's hard to also worry about calories because fat does have a high calorie density. Here are some high-fat foods that I like:

Egg yolks
Avocado
Coconut milk
Coconut oil
Macadamia nuts
Fish roe
Raw hamburger (cooked has less, but if you add mayonnaise you can get more)
Bacon
Sausage (not sure of the numbers on bacon & sausage, though)

Olive oil is not bad, but I follow the Weston Price idea that it's still a bit high in polyunsaturates. Better to get most of your fat from animal sources, especially if it's a major part of your diet.

How can I find out if the issue is gluten?
One way is to order a stool test from enterolab.com. But the most reliable way is to completely eliminate gluten from your diet and see how you feel after a couple weeks. Here are some tips on avoiding gluten:

Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. If you're low-carbing, I would suggest that you eat no grains at all.

Soy sauce has wheat.
Most sauces have wheat.
Many processed or prepared foods that have thickeners have wheat.
Most beer has barley.
"Malt" is usually made from barley.
MSG made outside the USA has gluten.
MSG can be labeled "hydrolysed protein" and "natural flavorings."
Sometimes nuts are dusted with wheat flour.
Sometimes frozen french fries are dusted with wheat flour.
Sometimes spices have gluten-containing fillers.
Some yeast is grown on wheat.

Most food products are now labeled if they contain wheat or are produced on shared equipment with wheat. Avoid anything that says that.

The easiest thing to do is buy pure foods with only one ingredient. Get cuts of meat from the butcher, get fresh vegetables, get pure fats or extra virgin oils. It's a lot of work, but I wouldn't give it up for anything.

When I was in grade 4 my parents started me on my first calorie restricted plan. I remember waking up in the morning being excited because I was allowed to eat something, even though it was portioned 'diet' food.
I'm so sorry. That is really horrible.

Already found out that I do probably have some problem with my digestion and bowel health because I only have a bowel movement once every 5 to 6 days and I take 525mg-1050mg of Psyllium husks daily.
I'm not sure I buy into the fiber idea. It never worked for me. I've heard that magnesium can help with constipation. Fat can too.

Good luck! You are taking control of the situation and that's what's important.

[*Sheila*]

I am no expert, but just as low calorie/low fat just doesn't work for me, maybe Low carb isn't your deal. I dont' want to deter you~ but I also know how awful it feels to not know what is going to work. For me, I can't handle the lowfat/low calorie stuff, and was always hungry.

[alsmez]

So sorry you're going through this. The things that jumped out at me from your posts are:

1. Antidepressants. As you obviously know, these can interfere with weight loss in a big way. The fact that you've managed to lose so much weight while on them is extremely impressive, but you may have reached a threshold where your body doesn't want to lose any more because of them.

2. Yo-yo/low-cal dieting. Many people who have done low-cal diets are literally starving internally. Now that you are on low-carb, it may take a few weeks (or more) of refeeding until your body feels comfortable giving up its hard-won fat stores. I would suggest forgetting about losing weight for the next month and just concentrate on eating healthfully, plenty of fat, protein and vitamins, plus a few of the right vegetables.

3. Length of time on Atkins. Many of us stall in weeks 3-4 - once you've lost the initial water weight, real fat loss begins and that takes time. Don't give up - just stick with the plan, eat as much legal food as you like whenever you're hungry (without making yourself sick), and don't let the scale discourage you.

4. Food intolerances. Your sensitivity to eggs suggests that you may have some undiagnosed food allergies. I would try cutting out things that are common allergens and get a test done if you can.

Whatever you do, don't give up! Low-carb really can work, it just takes patience and determination (like any other diet, I guess). Just be glad you never have to be hungry!

[Freelancer]

Thank you for all the support, advice and information everyone.

I am going to try alot of the suggestions one by one and see if I can target the problem.

I already stopped taking my Lithium (don't worry I talked to the doctor first and its a trial basis) and I've managed to lower the calories to about 2,000 per day. I am still not touching the sweeteners (but I suppose now I will never know if they were the culprit or not if I start losing because I also dropped the Lithium).

I'm still sitting at the same weight right now but I've got many things to try so I will keep you posted :) Thanks everyone.

[Nancy LC]

I wouldn't count calories if I were you, or at least, maybe count them at the end of the day if you're curious. It sounds like feeling deprived is part of what causes you to eat so consciously trying to meet some # goal might not work for you.

What I do is just say, "I'm going to just eat a little less". And that usually works to trim back the appetite a bit, and the calories fall. If being hungry is stressful for you, then if you can, always make sure you reassure yourself that there is food available that you can eat should you get too hungry.

[Steady]

Thank you for all the support, advice and information everyone.

I am going to try alot of the suggestions one by one and see if I can target the problem.

I already stopped taking my Lithium (don't worry I talked to the doctor first and its a trial basis) and I've managed to lower the calories to about 2,000 per day. I am still not touching the sweeteners (but I suppose now I will never know if they were the culprit or not if I start losing because I also dropped the Lithium).

I'm still sitting at the same weight right now but I've got many things to try so I will keep you posted :) Thanks everyone.

Sounds like you have emotional eating problems. I too have this problem, I really can binge or eat large quantities of any food---it really doesn't matter to me in terms of trying to fill that void, but I limit my food to protein and fat. IMHO, calories do matter, which is maybe partially why you are not losing weight and no matter how much fat and protein you eat; it will not keep you feeling full if you are eating for other reasons. Best of luck...you have nothing to lose by trying the suggestions.