I'm trying to eat healthy but all I know is eat then purge eat then purge. Or don't eat at all. What is the best way to eat healthy and how much should I eat? I still want to lose weight! :/
Elle...eating 'healthy' can lead to urges to binge and purge, as you are depriving yourself of certain foods that you have deemed to be 'bad'.
The key to interrupting this cycle is to follow a structure for eating, enough food, but not too much, and commit to distracting or being with others to keep yourself safe from purging.
Losing weight is not part of recovery. Your desire will likely lessen as your body is refed and you begin to realize that your body is not your enemy.
It's critical that you have professional help. Please don't put this on yourself to 'fix'.
Take care...Jan ♥
Hi Elle,
I agree with Janurse, but further to that, if you are confused about what foods you want in your life, why don't you try vegetarian or vegan option?
I have been vegan for a long time and my health has been amazing, (not to mention the help you do to environment and animals!) but that is still a different issue to the binge purge cycle, I have just posted a new discussion that you might want to check out :)
Try Juicing... I struggle too with purging or not eating at all. I got a black nd decker juicer for $30 and when I just don't think I can't keep food down I juice my fruit and drink it. Don't drink to much because I know if I feel it in my stomach I still don't want it there but if you drink half a glass here and there it will give you some of the nutrition your body is lacking. It's not a permanent solution by any means... Just one I know has worked keep me not completely deprived as I try to figure this thing out
I agree with diversevegan try a vegetarian diet thats what mine mostly is when I can eat except some chicken sporatically... you don't feel as bad about yourself eating then it helps me a little..
also I eat very small portions more often when I am on track..people who have no idea about my ed think it is very odd but when I am focused on keeping it down thats what I need to do. I mean very small like 1/4cup salad don't force it if you feel it sitting..stop come back to the food later..a little staying down is better then a lot coming back up. I know if I do not feel it in my stomache it has a better chance of me not obsessing and purging.
and Janurse is sooo right on with distractions...that is the best thing for me...especially if it is someone who knows about my ed then they know to help keep me distracted...not dwelling on it gives the food a better chance to stay..
My one friend's house , which we refer to as my safe place, is also another tool I use.. there is no purging allowed at her house and she is strict about that and I can honor that when I know she doesn't want that for me and refuses to let me do it at her house... so I can come here eat a healthy meal and spend the night or day or whatever...
Hope that was helpful just a few of the tools I am learning... need to try to stay healthy as I try to relearn behaviour! Good luck! Praying for you.
Overcome
Go to http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ it has some tips and may help :)