Hi, I’m Nik and I have always been into sports... I started competing Mountain Bike races at age 12 and ever since I’ve had a strong discipline about what I eat. Although I haven’t been racing since I’m 17 I was always a very athletic guy. It was only in the last couple years that I have lost track of my healthy habits.

Leaving abroad (bella Italia!) last year didn't help at all, and now am back into sports and training for my first marathon (Jan 2008).
It's been 3 months, and I am doing ok (35K a week), but I don't seem to be able to control myself when it comes to eating...
I am 25 now and tests have shown a high cholesterol level (231) but I still eat compulsively at least 3 x a week.
I've already made improvements, but if there is anyone out there that could give some advice it would be highly appreciated! I am considering Yoga or a psychologist, as I take this matter very seriously.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance...

FYI: weight: 92Kg, height: 1.92m, %fat: aprox 16%

Hey there Nik,

I am a runner and have always been a health freak as well. It is hard to be dicisiplined about what you eat. But you can't be too obssessed with what you eat because then your not enjoying yourself. You have to 'live a little.'

But I understand you want to eat right so you can perform at a high level. Eat regular meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) but do not eat too much during these meals. It is important to have a balanced out diet and be CONSISTENT with it, because if your not consistent, you may gain weight, lose etc. Stay with healthy stuff, you know salads, soups, fruits, vegetables and pastas...you get the idea. One thing I don't do is eat too late, because that can throw off the whole hunger system, you may wake up not feeling hungry, skip breakfast and lunch and then pig out later. So in short, stay consistent with your diet and don't eat too much 'junk,' but it also doesn't hurt to treat yourself once in a while, working your body hard like that deserves some type of treat.

Well you can take my advice or leave it, just trying to help a fellow runner :) I am no expert, but just thought I'd give you some of my knowledge.

Take care and good luck.

Hey Nik,

I am just a college student of social work, but I am taking a class right now that has really helped me with understanding why I eat what I do and how much I eat. This website has helped as well: [link deleted by admin]

It is geared towards women, but if may help you as well.

My advice would be to see a counselor. If eating is taking up so much mental energy and thoughts, food is really not the proboem. Usually that means there's a self-esteem or other issue that needs to be worked out. It's a scary thing to do, but I think you'll find yourself hopefully happier and able to spend mental and emotional energy on better things. Good luck.

I understand you want to eat right so you can perform at a high level. Eat regular meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) but do not eat too much during these meals. It is important to have a balanced out diet and be CONSISTENT with it, because if your not consistent, you may gain weight, lose etc. Stay with healthy stuff, you know salads, soups, fruits, vegetables and pastas...you get the idea. One thing I don't do is eat too late, because that can throw off the whole hunger system, you may wake up not feeling hungry, skip breakfast and lunch and then pig out later. So in short, stay consistent with your diet and don't eat too much 'junk,' but it also doesn't hurt to treat yourself once in a while, working your body hard like that deserves some type of treat.

The more I work out, the more food my body craves. I'm typically a very healthy eater, so I'm often surprised when I find myself craving junk food. I think your body might be telling you that you need more calories each day. Just make sure you're giving your body healthy calories and balanced meals. I have a tendency to minimize my carbs and when I do, I end up binging because my body is desperate for the energy. Choose whole grain, healthy options. Brown rice is best.