Can You Lose Weight by Binge Eating?

So, I have this bad habit of weighing myself about three times a week. I say that it’s a bad habit because it can be a real buzzkill if you’re attempting to shed a few pounds yet the number on the scale doesn’t budge. I’m currently trying to lose about 5-7 pounds and my current regimen consists of protein, tea, diet soda, and B-complex. I eat once or twice a day because I maintain a very sedentary lifestyle and can survive on just that. Consequently, my weight stays a steady 132lbs (I’m not ashamed to share!) throughout the week.

My best bud James, who happens to be a fitness buff, once advised me that you can actually lose weight by eating a deliciously greasy, carb-y meal every once in a while. I put it to the test over the weekend when we met up at Steak & Shake for a late night breakfast. The Sourdough Breakfast combo was the greasiest thing I’d eaten in a while — so much so that I was still feeling it the next day. It wasn’t a comfortable feeling! Nonetheless, midday the day after our carbfest I stepped on the scale and had actually lost 1.5 pounds. Whether or not that was conclusive of James’ theory, it worked! I couldn’t believe it.

After that I resumed my diet of eating at home (turkey burgers, lean ribs, fruit, etc). Last night James & I had another carbfest at Gameworks and shared potato skins and Tex Mex rolls. Today –sure enough — I stepped on the scale to see that I’d lost another 0.5 pounds.

So, can you lose weight by binge eating? Maybe so. I think the key, if you’re trying to lose or even maintain your weight, is to eat healthy on most days and stay at or below the number of calories it takes for your weight/lifestyle to lose weight.

I have had friends who hit up the gym everyday and complained that they seemed to have stopped losing weight. These same friends were eating takeout everyday and stashing junk food in their desk at work. Despite being a gym rat, you will not lose weight if you’re not eating healthfully on a regular basis. “Cheating” or binge-eating should occur every once in a while, not everyday. If all you eat is sugar/carbohydrates, your body will burn just those calories and not the stubborn fat you’re trying to lose.

What works for you when it comes to weight loss/toning up? I could use more inspiration!