Expert: Joanne - 6/22/2007

Question
Hi, due to stressful exam situations and other things in my life not going so well recently, I've gotten myself into a binge/purge/fast cycle, with more bingeing than anything. My exams finish tomorrow, and I have a week until an important athletics meet. I would appreciate any advice on how to help my body recover really quickly, so that I can still perform well even though I'm currently drained from b/p etc. Ideally I'd like to lose a few pounds before then too, but the most important thing is to stop the destructive eating cycles and get back in shape on time.

Answer
Hi Madeleine

You need to try to stop the binging intitially - without that, there is unlikely going to be any purging!

You need to try to find something to occupy yourself with at times when you are likely to binge.  Why do you find yourself binging?  Are you eating enough the rest of the day, or are you starving yourself, making your very hungry when you do come to eat?

I would try to follow a well-balanced diet and find something to do with your time that does not revolve around food or situations that are likely to stress you out enough for you to turn to binging!

This should sort itself out in time!  Speak to your parents, Dr or coach if you feel you need more help with this.  They should have somewhere that yuo can go in your area to get more advice!

As for losing more weight - I would only attempt that with proper diet and exercise, and if you feel that it is unachievable, I would stop trying for the time being as it will keep leading you towards these behaviours.

All the best
Holly
Holly