Eating disorder and dieting....?

Question

I have had an eating disorder nearly all of my life....i was diagnoesed when I was 18 and have managed to come off medication/therapy for a year now...I am now 22...I have been at both weight extremes and now need to lose a bit of weight

Basically what I want to know is how do you know when a diet has become an eating disorder again?

Answer 1

I totally know how you are feeling, I've just been signed off from my psycologist and dietician, as I suffered from anorexia. I'm frightened to lose weight, because I'm worried that I might have a relapse, although I am perfectly normal at the moment, and I'm going to try and stay that way.

People with eating disorders tend to be obsessive with their weight, food and overall condition.

If you start worrying about how many calories is in your dinner, and constantly re-check the amount, then it is becoming an eating disorder, especially when you limit your calorie intake to the lowest possible. Although as a dieter you may want to calculate calories, I would avoid it - instead eat healthily, and then you'll know that you're eating few calories. Also, when you begin to exercise obsessively to burn more calories than you're consuming.

When you start fretting about eating unhealthily, or decide to skip your 'treat' on Friday night, then that's a worry point. I know I had an obsession with eating healthily, and used to worry constantly about eating a square of chocolate.

As you have suffered an eating disorder, you should be aware of what provokes it, as it can be different for different people. For me, it was at a time in my life when everything went out of control, and I wanted to lose weight and control my food intake.

For support, tell somebody close to you, who knows you used to have an eating disorder, and they will be cautious of you. Or, you can always go to your GP, who knows your medical history, and explain your situation.

I wish you all the best!

XxXx

Answer 2

You will have this eating disorder for the rest of your life. Once you know the tricks you can't unlearn them. Just try and find coping strategies.

Answer 3

From experience ..you need to calculate atleast 1000 calories a day intake. Make sure you are getting protein, veggies, and fruit and dairy EVERDAY and you are eating THREE times a day. Your breakfast should be somewhat big so that way your metabolism gets a headstart and then eat your lunch and dinner. Do not eat after seven pm because then your body will store alot of what you ate for dinner as fat because you are about to go to sleep. If you work out, only burn about 300-350 calories and if you do work out, i would add another 100 cals to your total calorie intake. Exercise and a good balance eating regimen is the best way to lose weight. Good luck to you sweety, I know its hard.

Answer 4

Never go ON a diet, it's bad for you.

I think American's have issues with obesity & eating disorders because our culture is so obsessed with food, dieting, eating right, & having the right body.

Don't stress about it.

Eat whatever/whenever you want, but try to only eat when you are hungry. Your body will take care of itself

Your body burns calories slower when diet & burns them faster when overeat.

Work on loving your body.

If you want to eat, than do it, don't stress. Trying to deny yourself something makes you want it more/obsess over it until you give in, accept you don't enjoy it as much because of felling guilty & thus over do it. For ex, so many people think drinking isn't as exciting after they turn 21.

Don't try to clear your plate, stop eating when you're full or don't feel really hungry.

Eat every bite slowly & enjoy every moment.

You have a problem when you are constantly worrying about whether you are eating too much, too little, the right foods, the wrong foods. . .

If you think/obsess about food & your weight all the time, you'll end up eating more because food is on your mind.

If you stop worrying about your weight & diet, you'll probably end up losing weight.

I repeated to myself that 'I could eat whatever I want & have the perfect body' until I believed it. Now I let myself indulge instead of getting on this path: denying myself --> contemplating eating it or not --> thoughts become obsessed --> decide to eat --> feel guilty --> eat more!

I now have the mindset that what I eat has no effect on my body & this caused me to only eat when hungry, & thus lose weight. . .

Answer 5

Forget crazy diets for losing weight.. Acai Berry is this new product I've been trying after seeing it on Oprah. I'm already seeing results!! You should give it a shot, here's a special link for a free 14-day trial.

Answer 6

Babe don't be silly diets are just a scam don't believe the hype.

Answer 7

If you're questioning it, you're probably going down the rabbit hole again hon.

Best way to tell I guess is are you obsessive about it?