Food restriction sets the scene for the next binge Many bulimics eat nothing, or very little, all day, and then, after making themselves hungry, they binge at night. The non-athlete restricts to control weight. The bulimic athlete does too, but she also may insist that if she eats during the day she will feel heavy and be slow at workouts, practices, and competitions.
Hunger is a primary binge trigger, but so are uncomfortable emotional states.
Bulimic athletes may binge and vomit before they compete to reduce high anxiety levels. No one likes to lose, but everyone does from time to time. Bulimic athletes may comfort themselves after defeat, or try to ease depression, by indulging in binge food, which is usually high-fat and in other circumstances forbidden. Team meals are difficult Eating with other people, especially one's teammates, is hard for the athlete with bulimia. She may be able to eat only a small amount of food before she loses control and binges.