How do you maintain your health without triggering a relapse?
I know my lifestyle is currently not healthy and that I need to incorporate exercise, etc. But everytime I start planning my exercises or diet I end up triggering my ed and going back to fasting and binging over and over again.
I want to work on my self esteem and health in the healthy way but every time I try I end up remembering why I dislike myself and wanting to make it go faster. Does anyone have any tips for dealing with this?
@itsrory
Hi Rory! Thanks for sharing your story. Know that you aren't alone and that many of us experience this. People are unique, and our triggers are different, so I'd advise you to keep trying until you find something that works for you! I'm not a professional so I can only give my own advice, but please take your personal lifestyle into consideration as well.
1) The first step I made in recovery was to stop calorie counting. Since then, I have never downloaded a calorie counting app again, even though I am recovered.
2) Working out NOT as a punishment, but because I care about my fitness. Change the disordered thinking:
ED thoughts: "I ate too much, so I need to work out to burn all of it off"
Healthy thoughts: "No matter what I eat, some light exercise multiple times a week is good for my health and for my mind."
For this, I would suggest starting to walk or do workouts that are personally enjoyable.
Ex:
Walking your dog, swimming, going to the park, walking in the mall, playing with siblings, etc. Make it less of a workout, and more of an enjoyable activity that involves some exercise that will be beneficial for your health.
3) In terms of diet:
I have always been vegetarian for health concerns, so I try to remind myself to eat enough protein in a day. I usually opt for raw nuts or egg whites.
2 pieces of fruit a day, usually I'll have a smoothie with banana and cherries.
A serving of vegetables
CARBS! Are important and necessary <3 Carbs are not bad, but the quality of the carbohydrate is important. I won't get too much into nutritional studies- but If you wish to google complex vs simple carbohydrates, be my guest. Have all the pasta, bread, and sweets you like! The main thing is the quantity, not binging because binging creates bad ED feelings (in my experience).
Ultimately, this is what worked for me. If any of this seems like it will trigger ED behaviors, you absolutely do not need to work on this right now. your recovery and mental health are much more important. please feel free to reach out to a professional if you have concerns about your physical health and diet/lifestyle.
sending you hugs and encouragement <3
