Overeating, Overspending: The Cost of Binging

Living with an eating disorder can be incredibly draining, not just emotionally and physically, but financially too. For anyone dealing with bulimia or binge eating disorder, the cost of constantly buying large amounts of food adds up quickly. And with food prices already as high as they are, trying to keep up with binge eating spending can make the burden even worse. 

Feeling alone and ashamed of the amount of time and money binge eating demands isn’t uncommon, even if it feels that way. Opening up about the financial strain of disordered eating is more than tough, especially when you’re spending more than you can afford and possibly taking up debt to fulfill binge cravings. But keeping these behaviors a secret can keep you stuck in a cycle that you don’t know how to break out of alone. That’s why it’s so important to talk about the food costs of binge eating and how you can go forward in the future of your recovery.

The Cost of Binge Eating

Dealing with binge eating disorder or bulimia often means eating large amounts of food, which can come with an expensive bill of food costs. Going out to eat or ordering food delivery is known to be a bit more of a splurge compared to buying groceries and eating in, but the truth is, in today’s economy, cooking your own meals can only stretch your dollar so far. The cost of food across the board has jumped up for most people, and when you’re someone dealing with binging behaviors, your financials might be taking an even harder hit.

Since 2019, food prices have risen 28%, due to a combination of factors including supply-chain issues, labor cost increases, and pandemic price-gouging. Basics like eggs, bread, and meat have seen their prices surge, making it harder for the average shopper to afford their typical grocery runs. 

But when you're living with bulimia or binge eating disorder, affording the level of food costs associated with binging is even farther out of the question. Instead of a typical grocery bill that might range between $50 to $100 a week, some struggling may be spending that in just a day to fulfill their binging urges.

Taking on Debt to Binge

When it comes to binge eating and food addiction, walking away simply isn’t an option. Food is a basic need, but when paired with the urge to binge, a harmful cycle of overspending and overeating can occur, requiring a constant flow of money to upkeep. This doesn’t just harm you physically and mentally, but your potential future savings as well.

For instance, the average American has around $6,500 in credit card debt, and for many with eating disorders, a large amount of that debt grows alongside growing food costs. Some people find themselves maxing out credit cards, taking out quick loans, or using their savings just to handle the costs of their binges.

Furthermore, it can be harder to quell food costs in the modern era where food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats are incredibly convenient, making matters only harder to resist. With all the service fees, delivery fees, processing, and tips, what might’ve been a $10 meal can quickly become $20 or $30. For someone in the midst of a binge, the total could easily climb into the hundreds in just one night.

These hidden costs of binge eating add up, bringing extra stress and shame that makes struggling with an eating disorder even worse. When you're already dealing with emotional pain, the added financial strain can make it harder to break free from binge eating.

Curbing Food Cost Spending in Binge Eating 

Recovering from the costs of binge eating, whether that’s physical, mental, or financial, will be a deeply personal process that will be unique from person to person. However, if you’re looking to be more aware and mindful of cutting food costs, these tips may help ease the financial strain that often comes with binge eating:

• Plan a Shopping List: Planning your meals for the week can help you make a shopping list that keeps you focused and prevents impulse buys. Stick to the essentials and avoid tempting, binge-worthy foods.

• Budget for Food, Including Takeout: Set a realistic food budget that includes occasional splurges, like takeout or special treats. Going overboard and all the way into complete restriction of certain food may only cause more harm than good in the long run. Leave a little room in your budget each week can help motivate you when you want something a little more special.

• Try Cheap Food Shares: Apps like Too Good To Go allow you to buy surplus food on the cheap from restaurants or stores that no longer need it and are willing to sell it at a discount. Not only does this help cut food waste, but it is also budget-friendly.

• Watch for Sales: As grocery store costs are rising, make sure to always keep an eye out for a good sale or coupons that can help bring food costs down. You could also keep frozen or ready-made meals on hand to help reduce the urge to spend out on more expensive restaurant meals.

• Reach Out for Help: If you’re struggling to afford food, there are services out there that can help with food costs. SNAP benefits, local food banks, and community food pantries are all resources there for you if you need them.

Mindfulness Strategies for Binge Eating Recovery

While saving money on food can help, it's just as important to address the mental and emotional sides of binge eating. After all, the financial strain of binging is really just a byproduct of deeper issues needing addressing. Here are some ways you can take care of your mental health and approach your recovery journey:

• Pause and Check-In: If you’re at a point of binging where you’ve met your biological hunger needs, try to step back and ask yourself what continuing to eat is satisfying instead. Are you lonely? Are you upset with somebody or a situation? Try to read your emotional levels before, during, and after a binge session and chart what may be your biggest pressure points that lead to emotional overeating. This pause can help you make more mindful choices.

• Try Mindful Eating: During a meal, slow down and tune into your body’s signals. Are you still hungry, or are you eating out of habit? Try eating without distractions like the TV or your phone so you can better focus on your hunger cues and eating experience.

• Find Support: Talking with a therapist, coach, or the people close to you in your life can do so much to help lift the burden of shame and secrecy off your psyche. Professional help in particular can help you understand why you binge eat and give you practical tools to cope more healthily.

• Treat Yourself Kindly: Don’t be so hard on yourself if the cost of binge foods has put you back. Eating disorders take so much from you, and often it can spiral out of your control before you can really get a grip on things. Recovery is all about taking accountability, recognizing your weaknesses, holding self-compassion for yourself, and coming out the other side renewed and restored. Accept that mistakes happen and allow yourself to move on.

Recovering Your Finances and Well-Being

Recovering from binge eating or bulimia isn’t just essential for your mental and physical health, but it can also make a big difference in your financial life. Once you're no longer caught in the cycle of binging, you'll see changes in how you spend your money. What was once spent on keeping up with binge foods can now be saved or redirected toward things that bring you joy, like hobbies, travel, or even investing in your future.

Imagine the freedom of not feeling financially drained after a binge. Imagine having extra money to pay off debt, save up, or just enjoy life without the extra guilt. Recovery helps you take control of your life and your finances, opening up a future where food isn’t a source of stress but something you can enjoy without the pressure to binge.

The path to recovery can be tough, but the rewards for your health and finances are worth it. You deserve to be free from the hold of binge eating, and as you recover, you'll also lift the financial burden of an eating disorder as well. Without that added weight, your life will hold a brighter, hopeful purpose for the future. Don’t give up on recovery!

With Peace,

Whitney Chase

Whitney Chase is the Writer and Content Manager for Sarah Lee of Sarah Lee Recovery. She holds her degree in Psychology from Georgia State and has a strong passion for the mental health field, writing, and advocacy work.

Posted on September 16th, 2024.

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