Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diets

Question by Katie: I think I have a problem?
I think I have a problem with compulsive eating. Over the past few days, I’ve been researching it, because this problems been with me for a few years now. I exercise everyday, running track and horseback riding. I’m not overweight yet, (I’m 16, 5’1″, 116lbs) but I’m extremely afraid that if I keep up with this behavior I will be soon. During the school day I can control myself since our meals are at set times. But, when I’m home, I just feel like eating and eating until I get so full. Then I have to consciously distract myself from eating. For example, this is what my diet today has been:
Breakfast- grapefruit, banana, yogurt
Lunch- peanut butter on rice cake, 2 egg whites and piece of cheese
Snacks- almost a whole bag of just born jelly beans, a couple pieces of chocolate, an apple, a handful or two of tortilla chips and dip

I know, it doesn’t look awful, but that’s alot of food for a small person. I’m full now. I don’t need to eat that much. I can usually go through the morning without any major problems, but after lunch I feel out of control. I always say to myself, “oh, I’ll start my diet tomorrow” and continue eating, trying to push aside the guilt. But then I remember that’s what I said yesterday or whatever. If I work really hard, I can have 2 good days where I eat like a normal person, but the third day, it’s all over. I keep track of what I eat and try to plan it out every day so I can try to have some control. I’ve been attempting to slim down so that I’m faster for track but it’s not happening. I also feel like I’d look better if I were thinner. I do have very low self esteem, but I try to cover it up as best I can. People tell me I’m pretty, “tiny”, and boys tell me I’m hot (not to brag, just telling the truth) because I’m “curvy and skinny” apparently. I hate my body though. I try to like it, but I can’t. My best friend’s pretty small so she makes me look curvy I guess. I feel like she can wear anything, but I can’t wear tight shirts because they’ll show my stomach fat when I sit down.

Does it sound like I have a problem? Does everyone go through these problems? I’m afraid to tell my Mom about my over-eating because she’ll just tell me it’s not that bad.
I’m just scared of what it’ll turn into in the future. This problem is really getting out of hand. I’m always thinking about food when I’m at home. I should also mention that yesterday I was tested positive for celiac disease and I’m probably lactose intolerant too. Will this behavior get better as I eat gluten free foods? Should I talk to a doctor about this? Again, I’d prefer not to tell my Mom about it. I have to talk to a dietitian soon about my diet with celiac disease so maybe I could mention my problem then?

Or if I don’t want to talk to a doctor, is the only way to get rid of this habit to strictly control what I eat? Will it go away if I plan out all my meals and stick to it?

Best answer:

Answer by krispy
That actually works out pretty well for you that you have celiac disease because it’s mostly carbs like pasta, bread, rice that make people fat. I don’t think it sounds like you are fat at all and I think that the world and media portray a normal weight to be too specific. The foods that you’re eating are not bad at all and I’m positive that even if you continued to eat like that, you will not be gaining much weight. Just try to avoid soft drinks and ice cream as those two things can really add on the sugar and calories. If you have to have those, just limit yourself to moderate amounts. Also, it’s good that you eat breakfast because that’s the most important meal. If you eat a good full breakfast, you’ll feel less hungry throughout the day. To stay leaner, it’s always best to eat less carbs (pasta, bread, rice, potatoes), and focus more on protein (meat, eggs, fish), fruits and veggies, and lots of water. For carbs, try to go with brown stuff instead of white stuff.. like whole wheat pasta, bread, brown rice, etc or whatever you’ll have to eat that’s gluten-free.

Try yoga as well. It’s great in tightening up all the muscles of the body.

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