Feeling weird eating on campus?

Question

Ok well I have a history of an eating disorder (anorexia) which I overcame about 1 1/2 years ago. But I still feel a little weird about food issues like eating alone in public, which usually happens when I'm on campus. Like for example, if I want to snack on something in between classes, I feel uncomfortable eating it. This is because I don't like to eat where there are lots of people around, like at outside benches or busy hallways. Also, I feel more comfortable eating when others around me are also eating, like if someone nearby is munching on an apple or having his/her lunch.

So the only place I feel comfortable eating is at the nearby pizzeria at my school, with a friend, and in the dining area where it's more closed, quiet, and private. But usually I'm in school for long hours so lunch doesn't hold me for too long, and around 3-4 o'clock I usually feel like having a snack. But I usually don't because I feel so self-conscious and because of the reasons I mentioned above.

Does anyone else feel this way? Or am I the only one? Any advice you can give me to feel more comfortable eating in public areas such as on campus?? Thanks to all who respond. =)

Answer 1

Yeah, i feel that way too. (And im not anorexic). I just feel more comfortable in smaller places eating where other people are eating also. I don't eat in the hallways or in big open areas. I feel like there are people watching me or something. Try eating with a group of friends or at a small table somewhere.

GoodlucK!

Answer 2

I feel the same way too. I don't want people to see me chew, bite, gnaw, or move any part of my mouth while eating. This is because I feel very subconscious that different people look at my eating style, unless you know someone really well like a close friend.

What I basically do is find a good place where there's nobody really around there as well as its a public place i.e. usually a bench near some park, or out in the open air under a tree or somewhere in your school.

Just make sure the place is public so that you feel safe to eat there alone as well as see a couple of people from a distance pass by. That would ensure that you 1) feel safe to eat there 2) nobody to see you eat.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

When I have to eat in a public area, I always eat something that is easy to handle -- like a bag of nuts, a granola bar that I can break off in small pieces and chew.  I don't like to stuff anything large into my mouth for fear that I am going to look like a horse or make a big mess eating.  Don't worry.  I think most people feel the same way about eating in public.

Answer 4

Well if someone else felt this way, they typically would have an eating disorder.

But it's not really an eating disorder. It's a perception disorder which manifests itself as an eating disorder. This is just a guess, but maybe you feel more comfortable eating when other people are eating because that gives you the signal that it's ok to eat.

You might want to contact the psychological services at your school and speak with someone who can help you deal with this. Remember, disorders such as anorexia cannot be cured, only treated, and so you have to be vigilant when the problem starts to arise again and need to know when to ask for help or how to deal with it.

I would say, go ahead and eat outside of your comfort zone. In reality, no one is actually giving it any thought.