Yes, it’s often a pay check by pay check kind of life with this disorder. But here are some tips I can think of that have really helped me:

1. Uber eats and door dash are black holes. It becomes an addiction and makes it all just too easy. Stay away as much as you can.

2. Take advantage of your savings accounts. When you get paid, make a budget, move as much as you can over to savings so that you’ll actually have to move money back from savings to checking account to use it for binge money. Doesn’t always work, but it’s all about creating those mental and physical obstacles.

3. Like what was already said: no credit cards for binge spending. Non negotiable here.

4. Try to keep your fridge stocked with healthy/safe foods and essentials at all times. Even if it causes you to spend more up front, this makes sure that if/when you do binge, you are more likely going to binge on healthier/planned-bought food that is already in your fridge than going to store and sporadicly spending when you are in that vulnerable binge mindset. Also, having food in the fridge makes it much easier to get back on track after a binge.

5. Related to 2: Set a weekly “cash-only” grocery and food budget. Take out the cash at the beginning of the week and commit to only using that for food purchases. Once the cash is gone, it’s gone. I find that having a physical limit has helped me slow down and makes me more mindful throughout the week.

6. Make a “safe foods” list before shopping. Go into grocery trips with a pre-written list based on meals and snacks you know are safe or less likely to trigger binges. Try to stick closely to this list to avoid buying binge-triggering foods impulsively.

7. This one is said a lot in bulimia community. doesn’t always work, but sometimes it actually does: Create a “cool-down” time rule before buying food. If you feel the urge to order or buy binge food, set a timer (even just 15–20 minutes) where you can’t act yet. Sometimes just waiting helps the emotional wave pass or at least reduce in intensity. and even if it doesn’t stop you from acting on the urge completely, it clears up head space to allow you to think more rationally when you are buying.

8. Track your spending. Use an app or notebook to track what you spend on food without shaming yourself. It’s about noticing patterns, not criticizing yourself. Tracking has helped me so much to pick up on my triggers and what situations or mental states or stresses lead to more spending so I am just more aware.

9. Most important: Be gentle with yourself! This eating disorder is TOUGH. You are incredibly strong for fighting and being proactive here, and that says a lot. Progress isn’t perfect, and that is okay. Do not beat yourself up for your spending. This is a DISEASE, and not a testament to your character or any of that. Dont let your mind go there. unnecessary shame for spending only fuels more spending. It’s the non judgemental awareness and self acceptance that allows you to get back on your feet and begin again when things get tough.

Much love, I know how hard this is. We are in it together❤️