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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2017 3:16:16 GMT
I'm really struggling right now. It's stress from my personal life exacerbating it. I'm eating between 500-600 calories day, mostly protein (so my hair doesn't fall out). I'm taking a lot of supplements to try and bridge the gap. I'm also using a lot of caffeine to suppress my appetite Usually these episodes only last a few days, but it's been going on for a few weeks now. I've been struggling since I was a teenager, and I'm well versed in my ED, but that doesn't seem to matter when I'm over thinking the calories in a veggie wrap with no cheese and light dressing. Anyone have any advice about how they deal with their ED?
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Post by coldenhaulfield on Mar 3, 2017 6:30:59 GMT
I'm not a professional, and I've not really struggled with this type of ED, although I've my own issues on the dietary front which aren't relevant here. But I have known people with similar issues and am sorry you're having a tough time right now. Do you have friends, family members, or a significant other that's aware of your situation? A broad and reliable support structure seems like a place to start if not. Absent that, there may be accessible resources (counseling, mainly) via school/work/whatever.
Good luck.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2017 11:39:11 GMT
I'm not a professional, and I've not really struggled with this type of ED, although I've my own issues on the dietary front which aren't relevant here. But I have known people with similar issues and am sorry you're having a tough time right now. Do you have friends, family members, or a significant other that's aware of your situation? A broad and reliable support structure seems like a place to start if not. Absent that, there may be accessible resources (counseling, mainly) via school/work/whatever. Good luck. Thank you for the kind words. I have a supportive SO, but I haven't been honest about my recent episode. I think he's noticed though. I'm getting a lot of support from a friend who also struggles. I know I need to manage my stress better. It's all about control. I can't control anything else, so I control my food. I'm sorry about your struggles. Any struggle with food is a tough one.
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Post by airborne3502 on Mar 4, 2017 13:34:25 GMT
I am sorry to hear about your struggles.
It's always been helpful to me in times of trouble to turn to exercise. The discipline you display regarding your diet is the most difficult piece of the puzzle for many. If you were to carry that discipline over to a structured exercise program, your results would be above average. Your workout is something you can control, and be as meticulous about as you like. Perhaps your friend who is also struggling can join you.
I can only speak for myself, but I'm a different person when I don't exercise regularly. The gym has always been the temple where I go to get my head on straight. The physical improvements have always been an added bonus.
Your posts are intelligent and on point. I wouldn't wager against you once you've put your mind to something, and committed yourself to positive changes.
You can beat this!
AFAA, NCSF, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
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Post by Jillian on Mar 4, 2017 13:39:52 GMT
I am not either a professional. I know someone who has got an eating disorder and even though she has seeked help and counseling, it has been very difficult as this disease is in your mind so to speak.
Why do you think that food is the only thing that you can control? Instead of controlling your calories, can´t you try to focus on controlling your health by consuming products that are health boosters and truly beneficial for your overall well-being (fruits, berries and vegetables as in kale, cranberry juice, lemon water, olive oil, pomegranates, avocados, blueberries etc. along with some rice, fish, chicken and potatoes) and do things that make you happy in life?
My advice is to eat what you feel like eating, because if you are too strict towards yourself, it´s not humane and only feels like punishment. So, eat what you like, but remember to add some health boosters in your meals, like kale, broccoli, fish, avocado and olive oil on a regular basis. Instead of calculating calories, you can go for a swift walk a couple of times each week and and do some muscle exercises as well to keep your whole being happy (being active and even just walking alters the mood in a positive way releasing endorphins to your system etc.)
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2017 14:49:05 GMT
I am sorry to hear about your struggles. It's always been helpful to me in times of trouble to turn to exercise. The discipline you display regarding your diet is the most difficult piece of the puzzle for many. If you were to carry that discipline over to a structured exercise program, your results would be above average. Your workout is something you can control, and be as meticulous about as you like. Perhaps your friend who is also struggling can join you. I can only speak for myself, but I'm a different person when I don't exercise regularly. The gym has always been the temple where I go to get my head on straight. The physical improvements have always been an added bonus. Your posts are intelligent and on point. I wouldn't wager against you once you've put your mind to something, and committed yourself to positive changes.
You can beat this! AFAA, NCSF, NASM Certified Personal Trainer I so appreciate your kind words! I do exercise. Fortunately, over-exercising hasn't been a mechanism in my illness (it's called exercise bulimia, when someone will exercise for hours and hours). It probably would help me feel better over-all if I up a little bit.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2017 15:15:18 GMT
I am not either a professional. I know someone who has got an eating disorder and even though she has seeked help and counseling, it has been very difficult as this disease is in your mind so to speak. Why do you think that food is the only thing that you can control? Instead of controlling your calories, can´t you try to focus on controlling your health by consuming products that are health boosters and truly beneficial for your overall well-being (fruits, berries and vegetables as in kale, cranberry juice, lemon water, olive oil, pomegranates, avocados, blueberries etc. along with some rice, fish, chicken and potatoes) and do things that make you happy in life? My advice is to eat what you feel like eating, because if you are too strict towards yourself, it´s not humane and only feels like punishment. So, eat what you like, but remember to add some health boosters in your meals, like kale, broccoli, fish, avocado and olive oil on a regular basis. Instead of calculating calories, you can go for a swift walk a couple of times each week and and do some muscle exercises as well to keep your whole being happy (being active and even just walking alters the mood in a positive way releasing endorphins to your system etc.) Thank you for your post. Eating disorders don't make sense. They are really irrational. Why do I think food is the only thing I can control? Because in a way, it is. I have no control what other people say or do, only how I respond them. I can't control some of the problems I'm having at work, but skipping lunch entirely and conquering my hunger feels like a win. I can at least control my own body. Not eating doesn't feel like a punishment, because it's my body that wants food, not my mind. Winning mind over body feels like a high, even though yes, I'm hurting myself with it in reality. I can objectively know these things while subjectively still experience everything the way my eating disorder dictates. The cognitive dissonance is real. I love all the foods you mentioned (I used to LOVE fish, but I'm a vegetarian now). When I'm not a calorie Nazi, I eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables ( ridiculous, I know...Kale has like 25 calories in half a bag, but when every calorie counts, it's too much). I am going to increase my exercise routine and hope that helps improve my stress level. Like I said in my OP, over the last half decade or so, these episodes have usually only lasted a few days, a week tops. Then things settle down, my anxiety subsides, and it's back to a healthy diet. I have had a lot of changes in my life recently, though, so I may need to go back to seeing a professional if this continues Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me! It really is a kindness to take the time to post to stranger about such things. Part of why I love message boards like this is because even though people can suck, there are still so many that are intelligent and good-hearted
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Post by Jillian on Mar 4, 2017 15:34:25 GMT
Although body and mind is one, without one the other can´t exist in a blissful balanced state and that should not be overlooked or forgotten. 25 calories is nothing. Why do you think you feel good about yourself when conquering your hunger and counting calories? If you don´t eat enough, exercising too much probably won´t improve your stress level. But if you let your body have its needed nutrition, exercise can be an effective counterpart.
You´re welcome, my pleasure. I find food and health to be an excellent topic as I am really interested in food and intrigued how important nutrition is for the overall health for the human being. I am still wondering, why does it not bring you as much joy to focus on just eating what you want while still making sure that you eat stuff that you know are healthy for you instead of getting caught up in counting calories? Kale is one of the healthiest things that you can consume on this planet.
I think moderation is the key to anything. Not too much exercise, not too little food, not only some food, but a wide selection of different foods, etc.
Agreed, message boards like this one are intriguing when it is full of so many different opinions and topics.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2017 15:58:15 GMT
Because in my head, those 25 calories are going straight into my fat cells. I know it's ridiculous, but that's why ED is considered a mental illness. It isn't rational. Eating disorders aren't really about dieting. Seeing the scale move is more about that mind over body-conquering and controlling my body. Body dysmorphia is a part of it too. Mirrors lie to me, they always have. When I am well, I can deal with it, because I am not a vain person. I can even appreciate my curves. When my ED is in control, though, I look in the mirror and every soft place looks like a shortcoming.
Marilyn is my online persona because she was soft and voluptuous and a sex symbol. She'd be too big for Hollywood today (and she was a modern size 6-8! That's how stupid it's gotten in the entertainment industry), but she represents a time when women were celebrated for being soft and curvy. Truthfully, all women's bodies should be celebrated, whether they are a size 2 or 22. We are incredible creatures capable of bringing life into the world, and our bodies are magical. Practicing mindfulness helps with stress in general. I need to get back in the habit of that.
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Post by Jillian on Mar 4, 2017 16:09:53 GMT
Yes, mindfulness seems like a good option, and also, like you mentioned yourself, seeing somebody professional and talk about this really seems like the best thing to do as well. After all, we only have one life to cherish and so taking care of oneself should definitely be prioritized even though it sometimes seems easier said than done.
Yes, size should not matter, we are all different and should treat ourselves individually. You are right, eating disorders are mental disorders and for someone who has never counted calories in her life, it does seem like a tricky bit for me to understand, but it is what it is. I try to quit sugar, but that does not mean that I count calories. I do know many people in my life who have overcome and beat this illness, so I hope that you will, too!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2017 14:42:39 GMT
Actually to me, eating disorders make a lot of sense. But I'm coming at it from an entirely different viewpoint. Been there, done that, and for me, trauma was the catalyst that made me hypervigilant about control, whether that was the scale weight, counting calories, exercise, etc. So my attitude is less cut and dry.
Even if this is episodic and transitory, I'd strongly encourage you to work with a therapist. They can provide help in ways that even friends can't because they can give you a safe place to talk about what's going on, and you won't be facing judgment about what you're doing. Give it a shot, and definitely seek some outside help to assist you in taking care of yourself.
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Post by skribb on Mar 15, 2017 22:14:39 GMT
Eating disorder, pretty much. Very different from yours tho.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2017 21:05:00 GMT
Yes! I've been compulsively overeating and I weigh more than I've ever weighed. I used to be no more than 110 and I hate being overweight. I try to cut back but I often fail. I've been riding the stationary bike every day hoping that will help
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