Thanks for this. I remember trying to explain to my girlfriend that sometimes I eat so much that the only thing I think will make me feel better is eating more, she looked at me like I was a lunatic. Reassuring to hear I'm not alone.

No movie clips, no fancy edits, not even that many laughs! But I got asked the same questions a lot so thought I'd knock this out to address them. Feel free to skip if donuts are not your cup of tea. (mmmmmmmm tea flavoured donuts! 🍩 ) oh, and binging was 100% vegan - as a few people have asked! No animals harmed in the gluttony.

Wow, I’ve never heard a description of my habits so spot on before. I don’t overeat when I’m sad, it’s when I’m feeling good. And I eat until the food is gone, not till I’m full. I’m only full and don’t feel like eating more about half an hour after I’ve stopped eating.

I'm a 28-year-old guy with a 7-8 year history of eating disorders. I really admire your ability to talk about this with such confidence, conviction, openness and honesty. It took me a long time, although I've found it much easier to discuss since I told everyone how much I was struggling. I think we, in this fitness community, are at especially high risk. For me, everything started with tracking my calories. For a long time, it worked well. After a while, it became unhealthy. I demonised certain foods, ate others in crazy quantities, often under-ate and then found myself on an uncontrolled binge. (A detail, but my binges were usually huge quantities of healthy foods rather than ever going for the naughty treats.) To be completely honest, part of the reason why I started training for triathlons was probably so I could eat more! Now I love my training and my eating habits are reasonably OK, but I still sometimes feel like I'm not totally in control. It's those unintended, unanticipated, unplanned raids of the fridge and cupboards that really frustrate me. Like you say so accurately: I don't want it, I don't need it, I don't even really enjoy it... but there I am eating handfuls of cornflakes and a dipping breadsticks in peanut butter. Anyway, to the point I wanted to add: good basic habits have really helped me. Setting simple guiding rules. I try to always eat sitting down, at the table or maybe on the sofa, so that I'm not just grazing around the kitchen. Eat from a plate, not direct from the container. Keep meals light enough that I do have spare calories for lots of snacking. I know I'll want to snack around meals. I'll allow myself to do so. Everyone has a different way and it's not easy, but I hope this video and the positive comments help others. I am certainly always happy to help anyone I can. Thanks as always, Mark.

Your combo of Dad Humour and common sense advise is walked to absolute perfection. Wish more people were like you

As someone who has lost many family and friends to addiction, this helped me understand what they were feeling... "The core of addiction is about not wanting to be present in your life, because your life is too painful a place to be, this is also the core of suicide"...

Thanks Mark, you completely described my relationship with food and binge eating over the past 20 years. I find myself a 39 year old who really just started running again in Nov. I was over 260 pounds before Christmas, im down 45 pounds. Just finished my first race of the year, did 10k in 52.10. Your videos have been hugely helpful for my own motivation. Keep it up.

I can't really effectively communicate how much this struck a note with me. It's basically my life, from the 3am "that's it no more" conversations with myself, to ordering kettlebells while waiting for Dominos. It's fucking heartbreaking. I'm at the other end of the spectrum to you, as I am now 7lbs away from being so large I qualify for my own postcode, on all manner of pills and banging my head against the wall of wanting to go back to the me that worked out 4 times a week and tracked every calorie, from breakfast to air sniffed outside a kebab shop. You've given me hope. Which, as we know, you can have as much as you like and not exceed your daily allowance.

I got way too lean 1 year ago, basically starving without realizing it. Then I started doing weekly cheat days followed by 6 days of extreme restriction which basically gave me a binge eating disorder. I managed to maintain my weight for another 8 months while still binging every couple weeks and subsequently restricting again. However these last three months it has been at least one massive binge per week and I’m not trying to restrict anymore because I know that’s a huge part of the problem. I’ve averaged about a pint of ice cream every two days for the last two months among many, many other things; it’s almost frightening the amount of food I can eat in a day. Gained about 30 pounds but I was so lean that I’m still in a healthy range. Doesn’t help that I’m an ice cream maker as well. It’s a nasty habit that started as a physical need then turned into a psychological one. I recommend the book Brain Over Binge, it helped me see some of my unhealthy habits. I believe we can make binge eating something of the past and not something that we have to work around and feel powerless about.

Getting hooked on these videos. I like having someone with a lot of the same thought processes as I do. I'm 64 and have lost 75 lbs over the last 6 months. Diet, biking and not giving up because I fail off the wagon. Was nice hearing how you are human like the rest of us.

Yep!! Cant even remember how many times I've started to regret the binge during the binging. Then throw the food away and decide to stop this and after a hour or so come back to see the trash bin for something to eat. Yes.. that is how low you can go with this. Seems to be more common then I've realized after reading some comments. Now at the age of 43 I've realized that it is something I'll have to live with the rest of my life. Good video! Thanx for sharing these things with all of us!

This resonates so well with me. I'm fit, I run, cycle do triathlons etc and I look healthy. When I tell people I eat too much sweet food, they probably think I eat a regular sized chocolate bar every other day. In fact, I'm more likely to sit down and binge eat a whole family trifle to myself, following by the whole pack of chocolate biscuits that were meant for later in the week simply because they are there. I've just lost about 10 pounds in a week due to feeling unwell (not diet related). Not the best way to lose weight, but now that I'm here and my appetite is suppressed, I want to control my eating a bit better. Your comments will hopefully give me a new outlook and encourage me to stay motivated after I inevitably fall off the wagon next time.

For me the brain over binge method works the best. I am unable to accept these kinds of binges anymore as they affect my health and wellbeing. The day after I feel worse than a hangover. I sincerely believe this is a habit pattern that is possible to break, eventhough in the beginning it feels impossible! Trust me I know that feeling!

Yeah man. I feel you. 3 years ago I was in the shape of my life running 30 miles a week. Then I slipped. For the next year and a half plus I did nothing but binge eat and drink, all while not getting a single lick of exercise. I gained 20 pounds. Destroyed my lungs smoking cigarettes while drinking. The bottom of my stomach is basically now one giant stretch mark because of how quickly I gained weight. And that depressed me even further. But I've gotten back on that horse nearly 2 months ago and I'm fighting for my fucking life against the binge eating and drinking. Thanks for this.

Amazing honesty Mark - really love your channel.

I resonate with this so much. Thank you for sharing your struggles and triumphs. It really helps.

Great inciteful video as usual, this one hit home with me as everything you described is what I've been doing since adulthood, a constant battle with good and bad days. Thanks Mark, keep up the good work.

Mark, came across your channel last week and I just have to say your videos are so good! Loving all your content. Learning loads. Thank you!

I love the way you put these vids together and tell the story - great way to get the message across to us men (we love a story we can relate to).

Thank you so much for letting us learn more about your journey, it means a lot

Thank you for this. Thanks for the open honesty. It's definitely left me thinking.

Ah man, glad you can talk about this, you could literally be describing my life - except I'm so far from being in shape its depressing. Since becoming a dad nearly 3 years ago I've gained back the 20kgs I worked so hard to loose in my mid-20's - all through repeated episodes of stress related binges. Parenthood, pandemic, forced homeworking and constant low self esteem as a result of making such bad choices are one hell of a cocktail for making more seemingly involuntary bad choices. Its like an autopilot seems to take over and you have no ability to switch it off, you know its wrong, you know the right thing to do but its just impossible to pull the ejector seat. I recently opened up with my wife last week, it was difficult and scary to admit to her just how bad it had got but it was such a liberating experience and hoping this will be the start of the recovery back to where I want to be but as you say, the beast will always be there, just need to accept it and develop ways to not let it take you down. Cheers Mark - great honest content

Mark Lewis thanks a million for this. I totally get it !! This really hits home for me. I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work. 😁👍

I love that you talk about this topic. I think this happens more often among athletes than actually gets talked about. I think you nailed it with these 3 things though.

Love the preentation and vibe of these videos, top stuff, Mark! An above average video for sure 😊😊😊😊😊

knowing and accepting oneself is one of the amazing developments of aging into the wisdom. control is then part of the flow. excellent video, once again.

Had to send this to my fiance. I have been unable to communicate my binges. This hits the nail on the head.

Thank you so very much for this! I have felt like this for 8 years. I’m lucky to be in a place like you where I exercise, not overweight but I get these exact urges once a week/fortnight. To look at you and hear this makes me feel so much better that not all is lost when these uncontrollable times happen. Thank you

Fortunately, the only thing I’ve binged on lately have been your videos. Great presentation here as always. Thank you sir.

Another fantastic video, Mark - you specialise in giving me and others lightbulb moments of insight on what makes you tick and, in a lot of cases, make us tick too. This one really resonated for me personally.

Thank you for this video and for sharing your thoughts and your 3 steps! I will definitely give it a try, because steps 2 and are/were always those where I fail/failed the hardest. Thank you 🙏🏻

You continue to make a LOT of sense, Mark. Not only can I relate this to my binge eating but also my binge drinking. This video doesn’t excuse my poor drinking/eating habits but it does help me keep them in context of the bigger picture ie the many days of good nutrition, exercise and not drinking myself into mess.

Thanks Mark. You’ve helped one of those people. 👍🇨🇦

I come back to this video every now and then when things go sideways, and II find it insightful. Thank you, Mark!

Great honest info Mark.. and excellent ways to mentally deal with these feelings

The part about thinking about how much I haven't enjoyed the food and how bad I feel, before then going and grabbing more food is so spot on. Great video as usual!

I really appreciate this! I’m in the process of trying to reach the next level in my weight loss. Diet has been the biggest thing so I appreciate that you’ve been through this and shared your input.

This is a brilliant video. You have articulated your understanding and perspective so very well. The description of hidding in the bushes with a pair of binoculars and accepting , calmly, what you see while planning ahead is a great mind set.

I appreciate this a lot. I struggled and still sometimes struggle with binge eating. Glad to hear someone else has been through this. Coach Greg's meals have been killer for making those binges low calorie when they happen

Thank you I really needed to hear this.

Fantastic explanation, Mark. I really like the polarisation of behaviour idea combined with the proactive response to the acceptance that there will be binges. Dealing with what you can do rather than wallowing in 'I've failed' is just so positive and, more importantly, productive. Thank you.

Some of the clearest, no bs, insightful advice on KZfaq. Excellent content.

I love the honesty.

Appreciate the honest conversation!

Excellent perspective. You bare your burden honorably, keep striving to be your best. Great improvements have been made, great example for us watching.

Thanks Mark - videos like this are really helpful as they reflect a lot of my own eating challenges

Thanks for this video Mark! I just recently found your channel (the Rowing video piqued my interest as a former rower myself it was fun watching you battle my nemesis the 2K ) I am a similar build to you (6’7” sitting around 250 lbs) and this video hit home. The frustration at being unable to keep myself from polishing off an entire box of my kids Oatmeal Cream pies, whole boxes of Oreos, a pizza and then a few too many beers and the dealing with the self hatred is something I’ve struggled with for a while. I was almost 300 lbs a couple of years ago but dropped down right before the pandemic but never got enough control on my CICO to get where I wanted to be. I really appreciate your content and am excited to have a great resource and inspiration to watch. Keep it up and thanks for all the content!

Thanks so much for all your clips, I can totally hear you describing myself, I lost ten stone 15 years ago and have given up being normal and just go wi the flow like you. Thanks again

Great vlog. Sums up my last 30 years of cyclical training and binges. Great advice regarding not beating yourself up or setting unrealistic goals 👍🙌

Great description on binging. I too try to offset the bad days with long distance runs. Something that helps me is recognizing when i've ordered too much and throw items in the trash. Money is already spent, but better for my body if it's gone.

Been following for a while now. Very informative & Great content. Been on a similar journey. Was 24stone at peak now between 12.5 - 13. Cycling changed my life. Love it. VAMOS!

so glad to have someone come out and honestly speak up on the matter. Helps deal with the guilt and self loathing. Respect. 🙏

This is one of the best videos I've seen on the subject. I found your videos based on your zwift content as I'm just starting. Thank you for talking about this, I'm going to try your sets and see if I can stop going backwards.

A very interesting insight and perspective! The addicts description of what it's like to not be able to "just say no" was also fascinating. Thanks for sharing!

Serious topic, handled with sensitivity and humour. Bravo.

Super useful, inspirational, and informative. Thank you for talking about this.

I’ve been waiting for this video for a long time. Awesome, I’ve been struggling with food binges for buns and chocolate, I’m sooo depressed with it.

What a totally realistic approach! Thanks for sharing. I think this could apply to many areas of our lives. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for this honesty. Like many others watching and commenting, I've gone through my own cycles of binging and purging. Hearing it from others is always so helpful. A few years back, I discovered a chap called David Clark and his book 'Out There'. He was an ultra runner who pulled himself back from the brink of death due to his alcohol and food consumption. Well worth a read. He has done a few Rich Roll podcasts too that are with a listen. Thanks again.

I can totally relate to this. Thanks for posting. There are times I have an iron will, only to lose it in just a few minutes or an hour. I am not unhealthy overall, but I hate how my bingeing thwarts my ambitious athletic goals. I will replay this video several times.

I have exactly the same habits, frenzied eating, hiding my eating,etc. You explain it perfectly. But I have times when things are in control, exercising keeps my sanity. However, I keep moving forward.

Thank you for sharing. Very well said. I relate to this completely.

Really good vid bud. It has put perspective on the thought of a binge. Great channel.

Great combination of honesty and humour 👍🏻

Ooo, bond strap? Love this video too, very articulate and well explained. Thanks!

I love the realness of this content. Probably one of the best fitness channels on the whole internet.

Holy sh*t, so much of this resonated with me. Exactly matches so much if the ridiculous food binging I've done for years. Particularly the part about still being triggered when You're happy a d things are going well. I managed to drop 16lbs over the last couple of months after getting back up near my heaviest and the last week has been slipping back to disorderd eating. So hard to explain but this video goes a long way! Thanks.

Ive never been able to properly communicate what this kind of binge feeling is to other people and this nails it.

This was a amazing video! Thanks for the serious addressing of eating problems!

Like you've mentioned before about fitness influencers, it's easy to feel that anything less than perfection is a failure. I struggle too with binge eating and it can lead to my whole week being ruined. Thanks for the perspective it helps!

This hit home. The way you described binge eating is where I am. The mentality after a bad day of I'll start Monday. Finally a fitness influencer that gets it. Thank you

Thank you. Very useful for me. Accepting our limitations & weaknesses, and focus on what we can do when we are in control. That is my take.

Thanks for the great content! At 47 l, recently got back to park run and loving getting fit again… it’s both refreshing and entertaining!

Thanks for this! Really hope this helps me as I have struggled with binge eating for a few years now. Thankfully I've been slowly making progress.

Excellent work as always Mark. I see myself in this video and it's something I've struggled with all my life. I used to beat myself up for my lack of control, or for being weak. I severely restricted food until my hair started falling out and I was too tired to stand. I've eaten so much so often that I topped out close to 23 stone. I still battle daily. I can sail along for a month then end up in a car wreck of junk food and sugar. It's an addiction to a substance we must take in small doses daily. Learning to live with that reality and working to ring-fence these episodes is the only way forward.

Very well put. Thank you!

Had some struggles with my own eating and this is pretty much the concept that I have taken to heart recently to try to make my health and weight change for the better. If I have a bad weekend, that's fine, but I still get up and workout on Monday and do what I can from there. The extra cookie or pizza Saturday night is not worth throwing my whole week away, recognize I stepped back a bit and then just keep going in the direction I intended.

This is me and you have described it perfectly. Great video.

Love this! Perfect timing!

I've been binge eating for 55 years and I still lapse. Your definition of binge eating is excellent.

One of the best descriptions and most sensible approaches to binge eating I've come across. And it's been at least three weeks since I've inhaled a bag of licorice allsorts.

Your description of compulsion is really great and helpful in conveying the reality to people that don't have whatever compulsion is being talked about. Another one I use sometimes is "Sit down in a chair for one hour without touching your face".

This is spot on. I'm at a point where I'm addressing this issue properly. Change is hard but it'll be worth it.

Thanks Mark - nailed it exactly and describes exactly how I feel with my bad days and how I get over them. Can you do a video on dealing with plateau?

Hello Mark. I stumbled upon your channel about a week ago and have been enjoying so much of your content. I am 56 and so much of what you’re presenting resonates with me. I am trying to create some habits that hopefully will lead me to being more fit and happily healthy. A bit like you, I changed careers to follow a heartfelt passion. I was an attorney for 26 years, and left that all behind about 4 years ago to focus on my guiding restorative yoga classes and guided meditation. I made the right decision with my vocation. I would like to complement this change with leaving behind long-established dietary choices and inconsistent (if not non-existent) fitness habits. So….all that to say, Thank you! I have been sharing your channel with a number of friends. Peace ✌🏽

Thank you for this video! You've put into words a feeling that I am all to familiar with. I started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago and they have inspired me to try getting healthier. I'm already seeing positive results!

Thanks for the video Mark!

8:40 - This! Binging explained to a 't' - I've been down this path as well. I've run multiple marathons and tend to extremity when trying to fix an issue. In retrospect, I think I was trying to outrun a food addiction in the same way a lot of people try and out earn really poor spending discipline. That doesn't apply to all, but did to me. Appreciate the real talk, Mark. Big fan of the channel.

Love your work as always. What I appreciate most is where you've come from. Over my life from the UK, to South Africa where I grew up, to Australia, from boarding school, to the military, to a sedentary career in IT, my purely anecdotal experience is that Personal and Fitness Trainers all come from a background as a sporty kid. They simply can't relate, and whether consciously or unconsciously, judge the overweight, unfit lump as lazy, low in self-control, undisciplined. Personally when I was at Boarding School at 7, you were punished if you didn't finish your food. As in caned. And punished psychologically if you didn't finish fast (last one clears the dishes). My family wasn't well off either, so there was a constant calculation as to how to get the most (food) for the least (money). In the Air Force, food was fuel. Again, quantity and speed were prioritised. So as an adult I found it almost impossibly difficult not to: order the largest meal on the menu (always the best value), or take the most my plate could hold; And eat it as quickly as possible, finishing (to my dog's disappointment) every last scrap. I'm not lazy, and I'd say not really stupid either. There are simply deep seated psychological triggers that drive my behaviour. And as you so eloquently put it, nothing is stopping the eating when it happens. I'm aware of the triggers, but have no more power over them than not breathing. It's been a journey. I love your principles - certainly for maintaining weight. I'm still in the losing weight camp, and I find fasting is what works for me (I'm also not a doctor, nor nutritionist so don't take my advice and YMMV). I just find it easier to not eat than to reduce my plate size. I also choose to enjoy food when I am eating. I plan it. I socialise. I also know that I can't eat too much on the days I break my fast, because I'll be ill. And weighing myself every morning allows me to manage my eating over the day.

Got it bang in there mate, I've tried to explain that to my peers, but you put it perfectly

Nice one mark, pleased I was introduced to your channel!

spot on!

Thank you so much for this video!! I don’t comment on here ever but wanted to on this occasion as you have really nailed it with the explanations. I’m going to send this across to those I know who fail to understand me and my sugar consumption. Thanks again!!

absolutely nailed my thoughts on this, good video

This is great content, I've seen some of your vlogs, true to so many I'm sure. Some of your sayings have me in stitches. Cheers

I took up cycling and endurance sports 12 years ago. Years of being thin and great fitness. Sruggling with my why now. Thank you for talking about this today. My dad had passed away recently and my cycling buddy is buying a mororcycle. 1 thing I know is that a good Zwift session cheers up the mood. I have a weird relationship with food. I am eating bad currently. Binging would probably describe it. Trying to stop now before i make big steps back. Thank you!

Thanks mang! Exactly what i needed to hear.

Glad to hear it is not just me that eats like this. Great vid keep them coming.

Mark it's largely inspirational to see how well adjusted you are to your above average lifestyle!

Very interesting insight. Thanks for sharing.