Orthorexia/competitive eating identity/the invincible mask and emotions
Hi all,
I find that for many years I have been labelled as someone who can eat a lot and yet stay slim. I have had elements of orthorexia where I have had a very fixed mindset about what is healthy and what is not. Fortunately, I have a very wide palate and love a lot of healthy food and have a preference to eat this.
A year ago my daughter was born and now I find that I have held on to this side of my "identity" when amongst other people. Now that I haven't got as much time to dedicate to doing sport, I appear to have put more effort into eating.
I now have episodes of eating a significant amount of pastries and cakes once a week or so on average, sometimes more. This is particularly disconcerting when I do it at work. I will then not eat in the evening with my family because I'm not hungry.
Having read a book called the Mask of Masculinity, I think I am showing signs of the Athlete Mask (being competitive) and more recently, the Invincible Mask (engaging in extreme activities).
I am going to try to do the following
- limit myself to one healthy plate at lunch at work and approach a rule of no snacking/eating alone
- be sociable when I eat
- ensure I have a sociable meal at home in the evening
I am currently getting CBT therapy which has unearthed a lot about my response to emotions and my display of emotion. I am also thinking about getting in touch with a nutritionist as I believe a professional who tells me about the long-term damage caused by this will be convincing.
Does anyone have experience of this?
RR
@rogerrafa2012
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It sounds like you have been struggling with your relationship with food for a while, and that the birth of your daughter has brought up new challenges. It's great to hear that you are taking steps to address these issues by seeking therapy and considering working with a nutritionist.
It's important to remember that our relationship with food can be complicated and multifaceted, and there is no one “right” way to eat. It's okay to enjoy pastries and cakes occasionally, but it's also important to listen to your body and make sure you are getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy.
It's also great that you are trying to be more sociable when you eat and to have regular meals with your family. Connecting with others can help us feel more supported and less alone, which can be especially important during times of stress or transition.
I hope that your therapy and potential work with a nutritionist will help you find a healthy balance that works for you. Remember to be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time. Best of luck to you on your journey 😊