I stopped Binge Eating With LESS Goals & Targets 

Forcing myself to focus less on targets has been easier that forcing myself to not eat that extra donut 👍

As a personal trainer who sees a lot of this stuff regularly so id say im quite clued up with it, I can safely say this is the most accurate and honest RU-vid video ive watched and fair play for posting this Mark

Thank you for your vulnerability! So many fitness content creators seem to avoid these conversations and as a clinically diagnosed binge eater I am grateful to see your honesty about this 🎉🎉

I really think you’ve got an important lesson here. People always ask what I’m “training for” and then look confused when I tell them nothing, I’m just training. Too many people pick a target event (marathon, ironman, whatever), go full tilt at it, complete it and then just realise that they have this huge emptiness. They hang up their trainers, go back to their old lives and that’s that. That’s fine if that’s honestly what you want, but the alternative I think is more rewarding - to make the training the purpose in itself, and a bedrock of your life so that it is indefinitely sustainable and enjoyable 👍

I’ll raise my hand and say I’ve never had the minerals to say to my family that I struggle with eating. It’s an internal battle that I’m often scared to admit myself. To have someone in your position Mark say what you’ve said it’s incredibly moving for me. To use your pedestal and open up like this is as brave as it is empowering. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you 🙏🏼

Honestly, this is the healthiest channel about health and body. Realistic, brutally honest (the only way) and absolutely no "snake-oil". Love this.

Thanks for this, I battle so much with binge eating, and end up hating what I've done without knowing why I've done it.

I didn't realize i needed to hear this. I'm a goal setter. What started me running was doing a 5k coming up this week. To keep me motivated, i want to do a 10k this year as well, etc. I set goals so i can stay on task. But I'm not an athlete i have a job and a child, i can't devote two hrs in the gym some days when i do cardio and strength training, and i shouldn't feel bad about that. The other day, i ran for 10 minutes and clocked that in as a win for me. Reminding myself that i run for fun and workout for fun, so it needs to STAY fun has been helpful

Mark... I've sent this to my doctor, I've found the NHS in general still do not understand eating disorders, you absolutely nailed it, I found myself laughing (ironically) over the cooking chocolate, I think I've stole my weight in it over the years from my wife's baking cupboard, thank you for this and I'm 100% in agreement, great insight

Hey Mark, I’m not someone to quickly leave a comment, but you really helped me. Last Saturday your 10k burn and eat challenge came in my feed and I really enjoyed it. Watched multiple videos and subscribed. But then a video of you talking about binge eating disorder came into my feed. I’m 191cm, 93kg 10-11% BF, 23 years, fitness 6x a week for 6 years now, run 30-50km a week with a daily minimum step count of 20k. So we’re kinda a like in the fact that we’re both very active people and you inspire me to still be as active when I’m your age. But this is not the reason I’m writing this comment. Although I’m very active and track my calories each and everyday, me and my girlfriend broke up 3 months ago. This hit me very hard mentally. I started eating uncontrollably on some days and sometimes multiple days in a row. And just like you said, not just an extra 500kcal, but 5k in a sitting not able to stop. So yeah, binge eating disorder… being very disciplined with my food intake and out of nowhere losing controle about what I’m eating was terrible. I felt ashamed about myself and I had trouble to open up about it to friends and family. They see me as this strict fit guy who never cheats on his diet or workouts. Seeing multiple videos of you, someone I can really relate to and look up to, having the same problem and giving advice about it, really helped me. It made coping with it much easier and that in just a few videos… for me I think it’s related to the break up with my long term girlfriend and the mental issues it came with. But the eating disorder made it 10 times worse, because of the shame and guilt I felt because of it. You made me accept the disorder and that really helped me mentally. So Mark, thank you once again. I love your content and now I’m combining my binge eating disorder with binging your videos😜. Keep up the great work, Mark! All the best from the Netherlands! Nick

That speed walking clip is classic.

You’re so great at practically breaking things down and speaking about them, with a great deal of empathy too might add. Very refreshing channel.

I also struggle with binge eating and have been for seven years now, I have found that you constantly learn new techniques that works for awhile and then you have to switch it up (at least that’s the situation for me). I’m glad you’re talking about so freely, it makes people less embarrassed about it. Thank you😊

That duck walk on the track at 42 seconds! Almost choked on my tuna sandwich laughing.

It’s crazy I watch this video and I feel like you are speaking directly to me. Another good one and I’m sure this is not only helping me but plenty of others.

It took me ages to accept the emotional aspect to my binge eating. It seems that yours might be similar - mine also was greatly reduced where I had a monotonous routine. What I found out (through endless therapy and self reflection) was that the binges were triggered by myself feeling out of control. Have you considered therapy to address this? All the best and I thank you for speaking openly on this ❤️

This is a video I really needed to see. I know it sounds corny, but it has resonated with me in a way that has honestly left me stunned. I've known for a while I've had poor will power with regards to food, but this is making me question that and to think it may be something more serious. I tick all the boxes you put up for binge eating and a quick look online only reinforces that suspicion. I am not going to make any self-diagnosis from watching a single RU-vid video, but I am going to take stock and have a serious look at myself, do some more research, and maybe speak to a professional. This could be the catalyst to fixing a problem I never knew I had, so thank you Mark, seriously thank you.

Being someone who also suffers as a binge eater, I find these videos very useful and informative, thank you.

I appreciate that whilst you’ve shown great vulnerability to talk about an important and sensitive issue, you’ve also found space to include the legendary power walking clip. Thanks!

That speed walking clip is the gift that keeps on giving. Kind of like the jelly of the month club...

I really identified with this video. As I’ve gotten older, 51 now, I have been putting far less importance on goals and outcomes and instead focus on behaviors. Did I eat well today? Did I train today? Am I getting enough sleep? The result is that life seems easier and less stressful, and I can sustain this for a long time without burning out.

Post event blues is a definite thing. The danger of falling is greater when the amount of time effort before the event is greater.

I’ll be honest and say that I’ve exactly the same Mark, I always fixate on fitness goals and when I complete them I tend to binge. Some times it becomes a long habit and others it lasts for a couple of days. I’ve never considered it an eating disorder but this video has really opened my eyes. Thank you man, im going to be more aware from now on. Stay hard!

While I don't have issues with binge anything I can be obsessive when it comes to training. Let me reword that, I was obsessive when I raced tri. I set goals and was willing to do anything to get to those goals. These days I just try to be healthy and somewhat fit. The somewhat part is difficult. You and I are still fitter than 98% of the humans but not 99% anymore. That 1% can me a mental killer for me at least. What you have done is brilliant will flattening that line. I hope it works out for you. Having said that there still is a RU-vidr out there I have to be at on the Hilly Course. Good luck Mark! Stay even!

I love these videos, I’ve been struggling for almost 2 years now after getting stupidly lean and becoming obsessed with food. Endurance cycling has slowly been replacing the dopamine that binge eating gives me. If I can pull myself away from the food and get on the bike, even with a distended stomach, I’ll know I’ll feel better after and the next day. Also letting go of intentional weight loss has helped remove that feeling of failure that sets off a snowball of binging.

This really speaks to me. I was once an event-obsessed, numbers-obsessed disordered eater. With therapy and intentionally dropping out of a run club that was great, but not great for ME, I am so much more relaxed and enjoy everything more! All of the energy and time I used keeping spreadsheets and thinking about what I was and wasnt going to eat and when is filled up with so many other activities that are pleasurable! I would just never go back to being that person.

I've never in my life thought of myself as a binge eater, but hearing you speak was like seeing a mirror of myself. This was a great video.

Great video reminding people not to be focused on PRs, but just enjoy and be consistent. Also great reminder that burgers, cookies and candy are simply too delicious to give up completely. Nice video.

I battle with this, its incredible how much food can have a grip on you. I’ve done the secret eating, the binge eating etc. Once your on a binge your basically rifling the kitchen until you feel sick, there’s no control to it at all. I also struggle with the demonisation of loads of foods. It’s a journey mate and its great for you to openly discuss it on here. I’m getting control of it, the odd lapse happens but I’m making forward steps! Hopefully ill be a Dadthlete like you soon! |

This channel really is a one stop shop for fitness, nutrition, tech reviews and self-psychological support. Thanks Mark, my wife and I love watching you on the couch in the evening, trying to resist just one more calorie dense snack (you win some, you lose some - but that's OK).

I think this video will be very useful for people. The basic idea of seeing the problem from lots of angles and having a variety of strategies should help ring a chord with pretty much everyone .

You made a video a while back on Atomic Habits, and the importance of Habits over Goals. I think what you've hit on here is closely related in a way I can't quite put my finger on to describe. I definitely appreciate that you share this side of your life with us viewers. I am absolutely positive that it is helping people.

0:42 lmfao, that cut to you power walking made my day

I've watched the majority of your videos Mark over a long while now, and this is one of the most helpful, honest, constructive and insightful videos you've made. Credit to you, this will help a huge number of people with an incredibly common, difficult and persistent issue 👍💪🍔

Yep, this is me, cheers for putting in to words what has been buzzing around my head for too long.

This really really spoke to me. Amazing insight. My peak and trough cycles are years long and I kick myself for falling off the wagon and say it won't happen again each and every time . Fool myself six times..., shame on me.

Brilliant video dude. Being honest and open and vulnerable is the toughest task there is. Your insights were really valuable and helped me a lot. Love all you do.

Thanks Mark. As always your description of binge eating is bang on a so refreshing to hear.

You’re reading my mind. I am really struggling at the moment to stay motivated with working out and eating well.

Thanks for doing another video on this mark. Your channel is hands down the most inspirational to me in my fitness journey and health in general because I completely relate to your binge eating. The fact you show a warts and all view is just great. I am on the beach (metaphorically) most of the time, same meals that I know the calories of and I know fill me. I always say to people it’s much easier for me to eat zero chocolate than even 1 piece, as if I have 1 piece I won’t be able to stop until I feel physically sick and full of regret! (And then I’ll eat all the sweets, cake and biscuits I can find as well 😆)

Thank you for this Mark! Needed to hear everything in this video.❤

Thank you for posting this. I had no idea I was suffering from a binge eating disorder, but from your stories and after reading more about it online, I definitely am. And now I can go about working on it.

Thank you for sharing these experiences! This video made me learn some things about myself and is encouraging some introspection into my own journey and goals ❤

This is brilliant Sir. It’s all about “Know Thyself” and what works for you! I’m a binge eater as well. I’m definitely going to try and out this into practice.

This was so helpful to hear. It's exactly what I do and feel during the activity. Cheers for this.

Good video. My binges sound very similar and were around work projects/stress. Early retirement and for the first time in years I seem free of them (never say never, but good so far). PS that speed walking clip never gets old, keep finding a reason to get it in there. 🤣💕

Massively appreciate the transparency. As a young man who has never been overweight, your description of binge eating when athletic feels incredibly accurate. Lots of examples you use I have done the exact same. Now reflecting on my own thought processes and goals. Again, much appreciated 🙏

I know this situation too well Speaking facts bro 💯 Keep it up

Refreshing honesty as opposed to RU-vid hype as how to lose weight and get fit. Love your videos!

Oh my gosh, me. Thank you for always, always sharing with us the no BS approach.

I have no eating disorders so it was good to watch this video and get an understanding from you what it's like. Thanks. Helps me to be more understanding of those who suffer from this.

Being “busy” is honestly the best/worst way for me. On one hand it’s super effective. If I’m busy and engaged I can completely forget to eat for days at a time. On the other hand I hate making myself busy.

Good to do what works for you, being honest and actually putting your finger on it is the most difficult part. Well done.

Thanks again Mark. It's this stuff which puts your channel above so many others

Thank you for this shift in perspective. I don't struggle with any eating disorders, but tend to hyperfocus (thank you ADHD) on single events and wind myself up over them. So I kinda resonate with your situation. I will try and practice a little bit more mindfulness, setting smart in between goals to not hype one big goal up and see if I can implement your tips and if they work for me. Thanks for always being honest, liable and having this no-bullshit approach and also thank you for your vulnerability. Talking about one's struggles is always a brave step to take.

Wow, what a great way to look at goals and accomplishments. That way of looking at things is a great idea and I am going to try it myself!

Oh my goodness, this is so familiar to me personally. I've started observing these moments and the triggers preceding them: the emotions setting the tone. Although this does take some practice as the onset to the behaviour is so subconscious. Very enlightening and not always earth shattering. Binging is in some cases a habit reaction to plain and simple boredom. Why am I sick and tired of this thing going on (ot not)? Isn't it time I change it? No miracle cure but does also help to ditch the possible victim mindset. It's an ongoing battle though. Thanks for the post, Mark.

Your advice has possibly changed my life while being very entertaining! I've fallen into awful binge eating quite recently and I feel like your advice has pulled me out of the habit. Thank you!

This is literally the most relatable video I have ever watched, I am also 6-5 and 140kg and am just starting to get a handle on my eating and trying to understand what is going on.This video was like somebody articulating what I am going through. Thanks for this Mark 👍

Hey Mark, I have always looked at my own exercise goals as a way to justify my binge eating habits and vice versa. I appreciate your candour on the topic and for showing me that it doesn't have to be one way or the other. But just like the rest of the video, movie and cut scenes on point as always. Love your work!

A really entertaining and helpful video. I really struggle with the constant worry about my weight, my food intake and my training. Having lost a lot of weight 2 years ago, the mental effort of trying to keep to my goal weight is draining. I really appreciate you posting your challenges and the things you try to overcome them, it is really helpful, encouraging and motivational. Thank you.

I had never appreciated that this actually applies to me. Great advice and made made me think going forward to diary of events / setting targets etc to dampen the peaks and troughs

Hi Mark I just want to say a massive thank you. I am a 140km 6ft2 guy that has been mountain biking for many years but have since had a big word with myself and started running and actively training. Having someone like yourself who has been in my position and now is very very fit, give me so much confidence and drive. So thank you.

If the recurring binge eating makes you happy or excited while doing it then it is probably linked to some kind of sadness or disappointment or trauma. Like it's a break from the boredom. Much like how an addiction works. Those types of things mean someone who does it may feel really bad afterwards because they know it is wrong but they tell themselves that they were weak for giving in. The meditative monotony of exercise is a real help for people who struggle but it is no cure. You have to find what works for you and taking the heat out of the schedule seems to be working for you now. Good luck.

Just discovered you channel, and couldn't be more impressed. I was always naturally fit in my 20s and 30s without too much effort. I'm now 39 and feel myself hitting a wall. The harsh reality that diet control and true discipline regarding regular exercise are no longer optional if I want to continue to enjoy the activities I love ( ie skiing) into the future. Just binged a bunch of your content while sitting at home with a broken arm and you're a real inspiration. Also content quality is 10/10. Thanks so much and cheers from Prague 😊

You know how I obliterated my cravings? By eating the foods I used to run away from everyday. I eat my fiber and protein in as little calories as possible and then the rest is junk food. Literally no cravings ever. I can be surrounded by people eating pizza and whatever else and not care at all. Helped me lose more than 100lbs

Superb video. So much now makes sense. I used to do big(ish) challenges, get results, and then fall back afterward due to a lack of motivation. This year, by chance I have no goals other than supporting my wife and far fewer and smaller moments off the wagon. Thanks matey!

its really hard sometimes to try to explain this stuff to people who've been skinny all their lives and just cannot comprehend what this is

Really helpful video, cheers Mark. I definitely hyper fixate on goals and push myself a lot, and then after I've achieved it I always land in a slump. The length of the slump was always dependent on what goal I had next. Much appreciated video thank you.

Thank you thank you thank you Mark. This one spoke to me today when I needed it.

It’s amazing to see all the people in comments talking about the eating issues they have had. Great that you are having a real positive impact for people

I'm late to the party here but I just discovered your channel. This video floored me! I've been consuming health conscious content for the past two decades and I've NEVER come across a video that so accurately represented what I've experienced. Can't wait to keep learning more from your journey. Thank you so much for this!

Thanks for this conversation. I'm in decent shape but binge eating and poor sleep have both been real issues lately. Trying to determine the cause of the peaks and valleys. Highs and lows brought on by phone use, life's daily pressures, and food being the easiest, 'safest' dopamine hit, maybe? Prayer/faith/God, quality time with my family, adequate sleep, and then discipline and self control. The last couple weeks have been shameful, that's all I know. Thanks for having this conversation.

Wow man...I relate with this video so much. Thanks for sharing your story

Sounds to me like a “postpartum depression… Very interesting and very personal stuff to disclose Mark. I wish you to be able to manage your binging troubles. The way you found sounds excellent to me as a psychologist. Smaller goals and less pressure but teaching you how to be more consistent in your food approach. Keep being awesome and true to yourself!

This video is helpful 👍 Thank you Mark! I've had struggles with binge eating in the past, it is still not easy but i can control it a lot better than before.

This is so helpful Mark. Thank you.

Solid message here Mark. Good luck with it. Hopefully we can see some of those events you have coming up. The old race videos you used to make got me hooked on the channel

Fantastic insight into your emotional state and the best of luck to you. Your reflections make a lot of sense and I feel that they should help you going into the future.

WOW. Getting to know yourself like that, AND acting accordingly.... respect! 👍🌞❤🌞👍.

Thank you Mark. I've known about my eating habits for a long time but the way you described it is unlike anything I've heard and rings so true to me! I'm going to give strategy a go. Really appreciate your content and your humour! Cheers!

Love your stuff. By far the best message to get out there. This is something I definitely need to do and have found beneficial in the past, mini goals.

Thank You for Your openness! It is so important to convey a realistic picture in this time of Insta-misinformation. We are all just people with our strengths and weaknesses. We can inspire others with achievement and can be inspired by others but equally as important is knowing our own limits and adjusting to our needs. You demonstrated this well with Your "smoothing out the peaks and valleys" technique.

I'm not sure how I came about your channel, but I'm glad I did! Funny, indirectly I've done the same thing. Last year, I had one race I focused on, and that was it. I hated training for it and just focused on beating my boss... I did, but afterwards, I just stopped and went back to my old ways... I used to be fit and very active but always had an issue with binge eating. One of your other videos showed me the importance of planning, making eating better easier. I started over in April and I'm loving training now, setting targets I'd be happy with and not going all out, today I entered a race with that attitude and got within 30 seconds of my pb set last year and really didn't feel like I gave it everything. Thanks for all the real content. It helps me connect and not try and pick out the truth in all the BS on other channels !

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this information 🙏 You've just explained what i've been trying to work out and work on within myself for decades. Both binge eating and being an athlete.

Awesomely genuine. Thanx!

Thank you so much for this video. I had no idea I was suffering from a binge eating disorder and after researching more about it, it totally describes what I have been going through for the past 5 years. I am now on a journey to hitting my weight from 5 years ago (about 5 kg from that goal) due to some random motivation a few months ago but just knowing that this is a problem that doesn't just exit for me and that it is a established problem somehow just relieves me. Thank you and I really love your videos!

Really rate this message! I’ve had the same issue in the past, worst of which I went from 70kg to 95kg+ in 2 months after my last international regatta.

I’ve never commented on one of your videos but absolutely love your channel. However, this video! My goodness thank you for addressing this and I found it so so helpful as someone who also struggles in the ocean!!

Thanks for sharing this. I do have this issue of binge eating as well. And I do train for goals too. I didn't find yet, like you did, the cause if it. But deflating the importance of one's goals to their real measure is something I will ponder.

Great video. I too find it better when I focus on small targets that give me that little bit of joy more often. I find putting too much emphasis on one event in life is always a bit overwhelming and can sometimes distract me from the smaller wins in life.

That was an excellent video Mark. I’ve been stressing about a run coming up. Putting this rule and that rule on to myself, overlaying it on an experience I haven’t even had yet. Your video has made me think about the pressure I’ve been putting on myself. Perhaps I don’t need to get so stressed about it.

So, a month later, and I'm experiencing some of what you talked about here, for the first time in my life. Not the eating part, but the mental swings associated with focusing too much on goals. Yesterday, I failed my attempt at an endurance cycling goal that I'd set for myself in a rather spectacular fashion that has me wondering if it's just too much for me - at least in the near future. First time ever that I've had to accept defeat on a personal target in a way that doesn't feel like "ok I'll get it next try". Having seen this video a month ago is helping me to keep some perspective on my dark mood today.

Good work Mark, being true to yourself and telling people about it will help people more than you know. I cant relate but know some who watch this it might help and that's more than anything you or anyone can ask of. Enjoy keeping busy and being happy with how you did, however you do! #StayHard 😂

This video was quite personal as I have the same issues you seem to have. Thx for speaking out on them in such a public forum. It's nice to know I'm not the only one having these issues. Thank you

This was as clearly defined in everyday plain language as I have heard someone explain this issue in which I also struggle. Thanks for some good insight on possible ways to cope and work through. 👍

I love the dog bed access hatch. That’s very good work!

Exceptional vid. Thanks, Mark.

Thank you for being this vulnerable and honest! I think more people than would care to admit have wonky relationships with food, but the more we talk about it, the better we all get!

Great insight and tips. Definitely a lot of useful things to consider. Thanks!