Thisclose To Binging

Posted: May 31, 2011 at 5:27 pm

I did not want to go to the gym this morning. In fact, my biggest motivation for going was to keep myself from giving in to emotional eating. A combination of things played together last night, which I won’t get into for personal reasons, and I knew if I skipped out on my workout I would end up in old patterns easily. Also, before I move further, I want to acknowledge that I feel MUCH better already but still wanted to be real with you all on my recent emotional roller coaster. 😉

I’ve mentioned before that my journey to overcoming binge eating never fully ends. Using food to compensate for stress and other emotions is a natural tendency for me. However, every healthy habit I choose to make reinforces my desire to keep on a healthier, happier path…so gym it was!

I have my first 10K race this Saturday (holy cow!) and had one last speed session on my training plan before the race. Once I got going on the treadmill, I knew that the original plan that included only 1/4 mile recovery periods simply would not fly with me this morning. I always strive to complete my planned workouts (remember my spaztastic plan needs), but I also know the vitality of putting my body’s needs first. I ended up forming a compromise and kept the speed work but upped the recovery time between each interval. I ended up with this:

Mile Speed Interval
0.0 – 1.0 6.0 – 6.5 mph warm - up
1.0 – 1.5 7.8 mph speed work
1.5 – 2.0 6.3 mph recovery
2.0 – 2.5 7.8 mph speed work
2.5 – 3.0 6.3 mph recovery
3.0 – 3.5 7.5 mph speed work
3.5- 4.0 6.5 mph final stretch

I finished my 4 mile run in 35:35…which is an 8:53 pace! Even lengthening my recoveries and dropping the speed a smidge on my last speed interval, I banged out the best pace I’ve ever seen for a 4 miler. Goes to show…modifications don’t have to lessen the effectiveness of a workout!

And even though my legs felt like jello, I went on to finish up the weights portion of today’s workout. I have to have my strength training!

Move Reps Weight
stationary barbell lunge 15, 15, 15 45 #
narrow grip lat pulldown 12, 12, 12 75 #
step - ups 15, 15, 12 10 # per hand
overhand barbell row 12, 10, 10 50 #
rear delt shoulder raise 10, 10, 10 10 # per hand
dumbbell bicep curl 10, 10, 10 15 # per hand

I left the gym a new woman with my frustrations and sadness left behind in a puddle of sweat! I then continued my healthy decisions the remainder of the day to keep that feel good momentum going. Delicious, healthy eats included. Get a load of lunch!

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That wrap is no ordinary wrap. It’s an explosion of flavah! I spread a whole wheat tortilla with a Laughing Cow blue cheese wedge. Then, I topped it off with mashed sweet potato, 1/2 cup black beans, and a drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce.

 IMGP1545

Three words. Yuuu. Uuuuuu. MMMMMM!!!!!!!! This savory combo even outdid my snack du’jour – an entire mango and Chobani pineapple yogurt. Bring on paradise!

 IMGP1549

As I ate this snack, I felt at peace again and also so proud that I had not succumbed to the pull to turn to food for comfort. Today challenged me more than any time I can remember in recent history. I was literally *thisclose* to binging. Only by the grace of God did I have the strength to turn away. Little did I know the quote from my devotional would hold so true for me today. “It doesn’t matter what you’re trying to accomplish. It’s all a matter of self-discipline”. Every decision brings us one step closer or one step further from the life we hope to lead. Today, trusting God gave me the strength to choose wisely.

  • What healthy decision did you make today?
  • PLEASE read this woman’s story and her display of hope and zest for life. Consider donating, as EVERY small act can add up to something amazing!

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70 Comments to “Thisclose To Binging”
  1. Tina I’m so glad you found a healthy alternative! your honesty speaks volumes and it’s so brave of you to talk about 🙂

  2. Shannon says:

    I feel like this post was meant for me!! Thank you so much for sharing and being so open and honest about your struggles. I’ve spoken with you thru email about my own struggles with binge eating/emotional eating and it is so hard to slow down and stop it. GREAT JOB!!! You definitely motivate me!

    That wrap looks crazy good!! Which wraps do you use? I can’t seem to find one that doesn’t fall apart on me.

    Good luck with your 10K! I know you’re going to ROCK it! 🙂

    • Tina says:

      It’s a Kroger store brand high fiber whole wheat wrap. And I keep it from falling apart by using whatever “sauce” (hummus, laughing cow, mustard, etc) as a “glue” of sorts to get the wrap to tuck in and stick together. If that makes any sense. LOL

  3. Karolina says:

    The struggle never fully goes away, so it’s all about finding healthy coping strategies for when the triggers occur. Great job for choosing healthy alternatives!

  4. Tina, I love that you shared this, because I think we can all relate to it. It is so encouraging to see one healthy decision turn into a series of healthy decisions, and culminating in a healthy lifestyle. Love, love love this post, and you! 🙂

  5. […] though it was initially uncomfortable, Tina said NO to binging and YES to releasing her emotions through a powerful, tiring run and […]

  6. […] It also keeps getting better and better. Things keep turning out better than expected. Like my speed work run on Tuesday. Or getting lots of things accomplished which I expected to cause a ton of stress. Or […]

  7. I am soooooo proud of you, Tina! As a former binge-eater myself, I understand just how truly hard it is to turn away from the strong desire to make the emotions go away w/yummy treats. Hugs!

  8. I’m really struggling with this right now…being injured and emotionally eating. Im packing on the pounds and cant seem to muster any self control.

    • Tina says:

      I can imagine how hard that is and know I would likely face the same emotional eating struggles in your situation. I would probably end up finding any other way to distract myself…and pray…a LOT.

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