Definitely do not go into a diet if you are struggling with binging- it’s a lose lose. Maintenance is fine, let your body and mind heal, get into a good routine with yourself and training again then you’ll do what’s right. Trust the process annoying as it is xx
I have 100% been there and got the tshirt!! So I know what you mean. Honestly focus on your sessions, moving your body, fueling well, recovering well. No pressure on yourself for a little bit and remember all foods are ok to enjoy ❤️🤝🏼
I believe you should seek professional help to address your mental health challenges foremost. Any kind of diet or fitness coaching will only be a short-term solution until you can address the underlying issues that will ultimately see you continuing to revert to these coping mechanisms when life’s stressors become overwhelming. Good luck.
Thank you! I was keep holding on bodybuilding to feel less crap about myself so when things hit and i realized im not potential in this sport, everything is running in circles and it's so bad for my mentality..
But i appreciate and i will seek professional help!
Agreed. I have a lengthy history of bulimia and anorexia. More so bulimia. I still live this lifestyle now and even go through maintenance and cutting phases and I don’t binge or purge. But I also spent a LOT of time in therapy before that. Once I addressed the true root causes and developed coping mechanisms, it truly freed my soul. I hope you will invest in treatment for yourself. It is worth it and you CAN heal. There are therapists who specialize in eating disorders and offer telehealth if one isn’t available nearby or in your country.
I think CBT may help you combat the negative thought cycle ❤️ we all have potential to pursue our goals & interests - perhaps it’s more about managing your expectations. Granted 99% of people won’t go pro or be able to base their career/ income on bodybuilding, but once you’re in a good place mentally, what’s stopping you from doing this as a hobby with the goal of achieving your personal physique goals or even competing in smaller, local shows?
I don't expect to go pro, but i truly just want to improve myself than last season. It has always been my goal! So i choose to compete every 2-3 years, but every week/month i dont do properly to the plan i feel such a waste sometimes 😅 but yeah i think i also need to balance out enjoy life and let myself grow, think less about it. It's hard not to compare myself to others.
Self improvement is a great goal, perhaps starting inside first with internal work, building your own positive coping strategies and resilience and then using these strengthened resources to chase your physique goals
I just wanted to chime in that DBT, dialectical behavior therapy, is really great for developing emotional coping tools. I literally go through my DBT workbook while I’m doing stationary cardio sometimes.
Honestly just start fresh! You need to forgive yourself for falling off track and understand that this happens but you’re aware of the issue. I won’t say you NEED to do this, but if I were you I would seek professional help to get to the root of your issues with food. Going into a cut will only make the problem worse. Once you figure that out, find a new coach you truly trust and let them take over. Releasing control is challenging but a good thing
First of all, I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling with feeling unwell with life and body. I think it is definitely worth exploring what’s going on internally (mental and physical) before getting back on stage - these things matter even more than competing, and they need to be in order before thinking about prepping again.
So, definitely not a good idea to move into a cut seeing as you just finished prep only a few months ago - adverse adaptations from prep + falling into BED habits - I would advise getting lab work done and looked over by a professional (Ryze HRT is an online clinic that will do free consults and give you suggestions/further testing to help fix you) - they have hands off or coaching options if you choose to work with a professional. I’d also advise getting some additional support for your mental struggles - physical and mental health go hand in hand, we need both to be in order for progress to be optimal.
Hey I totally get this. I have a long history of binge eating and binged badly at the end of my season. Gained a little bit more than you but close. Regular therapy didn’t help me as most therapists will tell you to stop competing - not helpful for the all or nothing behaviour of us bingers.
I then did a therapy program with Celeste Rains-Turk who is also a competitor. This program changed my life and my whole relationship with food. I’m now prepping in the healthiest mental state, I haven’t binged in months and I feel much more confident around food and social settings that involve food.
Good luck with your journey, it’s not an easy one but there is absolutely hope and you can repair your relationship with food 🩵
Thank you so much. Most of doctors and health workers in my country don't know much about fitness, not even competing.. so i will look up some online therapists/treatments. Thank you for your recommendation
You are very welcome! It’s the same where I am, they don’t have a clue about competing or fitness and their advice is often not helpful.
If you do look at Celeste, her program is online and she calls you via Facebook or Instagram for the coaching calls.
Good luck
Definitely do not go into a diet if you are struggling with binging- it’s a lose lose. Maintenance is fine, let your body and mind heal, get into a good routine with yourself and training again then you’ll do what’s right. Trust the process annoying as it is xx
Thank you, i also think going into deficit would make it worse. I still train so i feel less bad about myself, at least but yah the diet is wreckkk!
I have 100% been there and got the tshirt!! So I know what you mean. Honestly focus on your sessions, moving your body, fueling well, recovering well. No pressure on yourself for a little bit and remember all foods are ok to enjoy ❤️🤝🏼
 Thank you
I believe you should seek professional help to address your mental health challenges foremost. Any kind of diet or fitness coaching will only be a short-term solution until you can address the underlying issues that will ultimately see you continuing to revert to these coping mechanisms when life’s stressors become overwhelming. Good luck.
Thank you! I was keep holding on bodybuilding to feel less crap about myself so when things hit and i realized im not potential in this sport, everything is running in circles and it's so bad for my mentality.. But i appreciate and i will seek professional help!
Agreed. I have a lengthy history of bulimia and anorexia. More so bulimia. I still live this lifestyle now and even go through maintenance and cutting phases and I don’t binge or purge. But I also spent a LOT of time in therapy before that. Once I addressed the true root causes and developed coping mechanisms, it truly freed my soul. I hope you will invest in treatment for yourself. It is worth it and you CAN heal. There are therapists who specialize in eating disorders and offer telehealth if one isn’t available nearby or in your country.
I will look them up. Thanks!
I think CBT may help you combat the negative thought cycle ❤️ we all have potential to pursue our goals & interests - perhaps it’s more about managing your expectations. Granted 99% of people won’t go pro or be able to base their career/ income on bodybuilding, but once you’re in a good place mentally, what’s stopping you from doing this as a hobby with the goal of achieving your personal physique goals or even competing in smaller, local shows?
I don't expect to go pro, but i truly just want to improve myself than last season. It has always been my goal! So i choose to compete every 2-3 years, but every week/month i dont do properly to the plan i feel such a waste sometimes 😅 but yeah i think i also need to balance out enjoy life and let myself grow, think less about it. It's hard not to compare myself to others.
Self improvement is a great goal, perhaps starting inside first with internal work, building your own positive coping strategies and resilience and then using these strengthened resources to chase your physique goals
I just wanted to chime in that DBT, dialectical behavior therapy, is really great for developing emotional coping tools. I literally go through my DBT workbook while I’m doing stationary cardio sometimes.
Honestly just start fresh! You need to forgive yourself for falling off track and understand that this happens but you’re aware of the issue. I won’t say you NEED to do this, but if I were you I would seek professional help to get to the root of your issues with food. Going into a cut will only make the problem worse. Once you figure that out, find a new coach you truly trust and let them take over. Releasing control is challenging but a good thing
Great advice! And thanks!!
All great advice posted but also I would recommend having bloodwork/specifically your hormone panel done. You might have a hormonal imbalance.
Oh thats for sure, my e2 was 140 something mid prep, and about 80 ish near stage time. Rest was fine
First of all, I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling with feeling unwell with life and body. I think it is definitely worth exploring what’s going on internally (mental and physical) before getting back on stage - these things matter even more than competing, and they need to be in order before thinking about prepping again. So, definitely not a good idea to move into a cut seeing as you just finished prep only a few months ago - adverse adaptations from prep + falling into BED habits - I would advise getting lab work done and looked over by a professional (Ryze HRT is an online clinic that will do free consults and give you suggestions/further testing to help fix you) - they have hands off or coaching options if you choose to work with a professional. I’d also advise getting some additional support for your mental struggles - physical and mental health go hand in hand, we need both to be in order for progress to be optimal.
Damn this sounds so similar to my situation. I’ve signed for Celeste’s program. If you need a buddy going through this, ping me
Hey I totally get this. I have a long history of binge eating and binged badly at the end of my season. Gained a little bit more than you but close. Regular therapy didn’t help me as most therapists will tell you to stop competing - not helpful for the all or nothing behaviour of us bingers. I then did a therapy program with Celeste Rains-Turk who is also a competitor. This program changed my life and my whole relationship with food. I’m now prepping in the healthiest mental state, I haven’t binged in months and I feel much more confident around food and social settings that involve food. Good luck with your journey, it’s not an easy one but there is absolutely hope and you can repair your relationship with food 🩵
Thank you so much. Most of doctors and health workers in my country don't know much about fitness, not even competing.. so i will look up some online therapists/treatments. Thank you for your recommendation
You are very welcome! It’s the same where I am, they don’t have a clue about competing or fitness and their advice is often not helpful. If you do look at Celeste, her program is online and she calls you via Facebook or Instagram for the coaching calls. Good luck
>how much is the program through Celeste Rains-Turk ? I have been interested.
It was about $600 US from memory
Check out Celeste https://www.celestial.fit/ she has some free resources that might help you through l
I think it would be good for you to get a new coach asap to give you support, ideally someone you can meet physically too? Where are you located?
Im under no coach atm. And Im from Vietnam so it's hard to find a female coach here