What is Reddit's opinion of Goal Tracker & Habit List - for living a good life?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I'm using Goal Tracker by Intrasoft. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

I think it's only for android but any other goal tracking app is also worth looking! This has been a huge motivator for me.

The gist is that you pick a daily goal and check off calendar days for each time you're successful in meeting that daily goal. The goal can be anything. Many people have several at once. For example, I have a goal to floss every day. I use a goal tracking app to log each day I floss. This way, I can easily see my current streak and this helps me maintain the habit.

Edit: this is the app I use. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

Day 1 for me. My plan:

• Refill a clear 1 gallon jug from my Alexapure filtered water every night so it's ready to go for the next day. Add a pinch of sea salt for minerals/electrolytes.
• First thing in the morning will be progress photo and weight/impedance data on my Wyze scale
• Most days I will knock out the reading early in the day so I'm not playing catch up in the evening
• Following Whole30 for the first 30 days, unsure after that. Mixing in 16:8 - 18:6 IF every few days
• Exercise will include a mix of Dan John's KB Swing challenge, trail running, yoga, BJJ, lifting, HIIT, and walks/hikes with my kids. I'm going to be very mindful of recovery during this process.
• I'm using a simple customizable habit tracker for Android as a checklist (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker)

Feedback welcome!

I really like the app Goal Tracker. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker&hl=en_US It's free, and you can create a widget for one of your phone screens and have a row of goals you're working on, then you can check them off once you do them.

There's a number of free goal tracking apps, you can look at them on playstore and see what you like.

Don't track more than 5-6 habits. Also group some small habits into a ritual habit.

This is one of the questions i was going to ask the community as well.

Also i think it becomes overwhelming to see the whole year at once. A simple app like Goal Tracker & Habit List can do the job as you only think of today. And can later analyze the data.

What about goal tracker https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker&hl=en_US

or keeptrack https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zagalaga.keeptrack&hl=en_US

One app tracks when you have and haven't tugged and the other app keeps track of measurements that can be graphed over time.

Doesn't seem necessary for a foreskin specific app.

This is the app I use. Simple, no frills. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

I like the goal tracker. You can't easily see how many days you are on but that's fine with me, i'm not really counting days. It also reminds me of doing other healthy habits every day like exercising, reading and meditating

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

You feel like you need a rapid change to jump start things, you may even feel desperate for change. That's normal, and a common reaction to the frustration of being overweight. I'm a results oriented kind of person, I don't discourage fasting or huge deficits because of safety reasons (though there are safety reasons), I discourage this kind of diet because there is a better way with a much higher success rate. I've been here for a long time and I've seen countless people fail by attempting extreme diets, I've also seen countless people succeed by following the quick start guide. I advocate for the method that gets results.

This may help you with your hunger, addiction, and bingeing:

 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

I started where you're at (444 pounds). Below are my tips:

First place to start: https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/wiki/quick_start_guide The /r/loseit guide really does work, it's how I lost over 250 pounds. Don't try to rush it, don't try to be smarter than the guide, just follow the guide as it's written.

• Stop trying harder. I always thought the reason I failed at losing weight was because I didn’t try hard enough. Each time I tried to lose weight, I tried harder, added more restrictions, more rules. Success finally came when I simplified things, eliminating rules and restrictions, following only the most basic principles of weight loss.
  
• Desperate times, do not call for desperate measures. Base your actions upon education, not desperation. We make foolish choices when we’re desperate, take a step back and act with reason.
  
• Each day is a new start. Don’t punish yourself today for a slip-up you had yesterday. Learning consistency is a skill that takes practice. Every day you get another chance to follow your plan.
  
• Over eating and under eating are both the same problem. They both originate from a mentality of extremes. “All or nothing” is a hard habit to break.
  
• "If you take care of the small things, the big things take care of themselves." - Emily Dickenson. Focus on your small daily goals, and the pounds will take care of themselves.
  

 

When my belly says, “I’m full!” my brain says, “That’s a good start, keep going.”

 
This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

Habit trackers and streak-counters typically got the features you asked for. Try:

Goal tracker (closest to what you asked for)

Rewire

Habit bull

Try Goal Tracker.

I use a "don't break the chain"goal tracker which I like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker&hl=en&gl=US and a pomodoro timer and binaural beats like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z77ikRecGI
and a to do list for every day.. sometimes if I get lost I make one for the hour
and sometimes I log what I do daily to see where I eat the time

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

Here you go!

I'm just using one called Goal Tracker. It's super basic and awesome.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

I believe this fits your criteria Goal Tracker & Habit List & Workout Calendar Free

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker&hl=en\_US&gl=US

Its called Goal Tracker, looked like the simplest of them all in Play store. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

Here it is for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

Not sure if it's in Apple Store.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

This post is for those who struggle with:
- Always being hungry.
- Binge eating.
- Stress eating.
- Always thinking about food.
- Emotional eating.
 
The origin of hunger: The hypothalamus, sometimes called the “lizard brain” or “animal brain” or “lower brain”. The hypothalamus controls hunger (among other things). This is the greedy selfish part of the brain that wants you to over eat, it wants you to eat junk food, it wants you to binge eat, it wants instant gratification. If you’re someone who’s always hungry, even when you shouldn’t be, it’s your lizard brain telling the rest of your brain to put food in your mouth because the lizard brain loves it when you eat, and it hates discipline.

The lizard brain will try to rationalize bad decisions. It will tell you things like: “You’ve been so good, you deserve a treat.” “Your day is already ruined, you may as well keep eating.” “You’re stressed out, your favorite food will make you happy.” “You can wait until Monday to start eating healthy again.” It’s your brain, it knows your weaknesses and will exploit them.

Here’s the thing about the lizard brain, it can’t control motor movements on its own, it must convince the rest of your brain to do things for it. The lizard brain can’t make you pick up food and it can’t make you put food in your mouth, it has to convince the rest of your brain to do those things. Because the lizard brain can’t physically make you eat, it becomes very skilled at manipulating you into eating.

 
So how do you stop the urge? How do you strip the hypothalamus of its control, and return control to the rational part of your brain?

 
Step 1: Make sure it’s not true hunger. Don’t under eat! Under eating makes the urge to over eat much worse. Learning the difference between real hunger and fake hunger won’t be possible if you’re putting yourself in a constant state of real hunger. Read this post about why women should eat at least 1200 calories per day, and men should eat at least 1500 calories per day.

 
Step 2: Recognize that your desire to binge is coming from the irrational part of your brain, and that part of your brain can not control motor functions. It can not make you walk to the fridge, it can not make you go through a drive thru, it can not put food in your mouth.

 
Step 3: Choose to let the rational part of your brain say “No.” You get to choose which side wins this internal struggle. The rational part of your brain CAN override the lizard brain.

 

FAQ
 
Q: I want to binge, AND I want to not binge at the same time. How can I want two opposite things at the same time? Am I broken?
A: You are not broken, this is normal. Frustrating, but normal. The irrational part of your brain wants the binge, while the rational part of your brain knows it’s wrong.

 

Q: I was always told that binge eating was a psychological problem that requires therapy. Are you saying I don’t need therapy?
A: If you have problems that require therapy, get therapy! Not everyone who binge eats needs therapy, therapy isn’t useful for all binge eaters, and this method can be used in conjunction with therapy.

 
Q: Are there any apps to help?
A: I use Goal Tracker & Habit List for android. It has a calendar widget that lets you check off successful days. There are lots of goal tracking apps, find one that works for you.

 
Q: Where can I read more about this method to stop bingeing?
A:

• Taming the Feast Beast by Jack and Lois Trimpey. This book is derived from their “Rational Recovery” program, which is a popular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

• Brain Over Binge by Kathryn Hansen. This book is based on the Trimpey “Rational Recovery” program, but is easier to read and tells the author’s personal struggle with binge eating.

 
Q: Will I ever be able to eat my “trigger foods” again?
A: Depends on the individual. With enough practice, you will probably be able to eat trigger foods in a responsible way. However, there’s a good chance you’ll lose interest in these foods all together because many of these foods won’t be a part of achieving your fitness goals. Trigger foods often lose their magical powers once you understand how to control your urges.

• Goal Tracker & Habit List
  
• MFP
  
• Strava
  
• Tabata Timer
  
• JEFIT
  
• Garmin Connect
  

I like this one for the visual aspect. It has a widget, too.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

Hey! I have similar lists. I recommed these tools:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.intrasoft.habitgoaltracker

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sickmartian.calendartracker

In the first one I track daily/weekly routines (like reading a book that day -> check a checkbox) and in the second one I track progress for activities (log exercise minutes every day).

You can place these on your homescreens so that when you swipe back and forth it's in your face.

edit:

I also use a daily checklist I prepare each night before: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stuff.todo

I make it ordered and have assigned minute ranges. For example Get Up And Clean Room, Excersise 30-60min, Breakfast, Write 30-60min 3-5pages, and if something fails you can place that task tomorrow or reduce the time. And at the end of each day you can take a screenshot of what you did today. Feels pretty good.

Oh and try doing probiotics as supplements, a lot of recent science in that area.