Exactly What is Gluttony?

[Ren3]

I am a fairly recent convert to Catholicism. I came into the Church back in January. Since I have converted, I have been confessing the sin of gluttony a lot. I struggle with knowing if I’m actually committing the sin, and if I am committing the sin as often as I think I am, then what should I do to stop it?
I’ve struggled with disordered eating for most of my life. My mother had body images issues, and she would diet rigidly throughout my childhood. I battled bulimia for years before I came into the Church. I have trouble discerning the difference between enjoying food as God intended and committing the sin of gluttony. I have tried to go on really strict diets to limit my proportions and carb intake, but I always fail at making the change. Any advice or help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Irishmom2]

This is a conversation you should have with a priest because you can get more into specifics with him. The Internet is not a good place to ask because your question pertains to you specifically and there are too many unknown factors at play here that no one here needs to know. Make an appointment and meet with your priest to discuss this.

 

[BartholomewB]

I warmly endorse the advice @Irishmom2 gives you in her post. In addition, just to reassure yourself, you can check your body mass index:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

 

[Vico]

…

Gluttony is in general a venial sin in so far forth as it is an undue indulgence in a thing which is in itself neither good nor bad. Of course it is obvious that a different estimate would have to be given of one so wedded to the pleasures of the table as to absolutely and without qualification live merely to eat and drink, so minded as to be of the number of those, described by the Apostle St. Paul, “whose god is their belly” (Philippians 3:19). Such a one would be guilty of mortal sin. Likewise a person who, by excesses in eating and drinking, would have greatly impaired his health, or unfitted himself for duties for the performance of which he has a grave obligation, would be justly chargeable with mortal sin.

Delany, J. (1909). Gluttony. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06590a.htm

 

[whatistrue]

I have tried to go on really strict diets

In addition to speaking with your priest to address the question of sin, please also get a referral from your regular doctor for a nutritionist who can advise you about how to change your eating habits for the long term rather than going on and off of “strict diets”. And counseling or therapy could help if part of the issue is psychological.

 

[1ke]

If you struggle with an eating disorder, you need to be under the care is a psychologist. You should also make an appointment with your priest outside the confessional and talk to him about your eating disorder and then follow his guidance on confession related to food.

 

[Syttu]

My advice is for you to talk to an expert in eating disorders. Hope it may help you.