Trying to get better
(Tw?)
I don't really know what I have but I struggle with eating during the day. Oftentimes I'll forget to eat until dinner but I eat small portions. I don't purge or purposely starve myself(I think) but I do struggle with eating. I want some advice and help for eating proper meals. I am not a picky eater and love food so it is a struggle to understand why I do this. I used to binge eat when I would get depressed but I haven't done that in a while so idk why I do this. I just want some advice to get back on track bc I am an active person and want to prevent my health concerns from worsening.
@Livy001
When I was doing a partial hospitalization for an eating disorder years ago, they taught me that anger and control are usually at the heart of the matter.
I have noticed that things that trigger me are the things that make me feel like I don't have control over aspects of my life that are important to me. I then get anxious and cannot eat.
In the short term, I've used nutrition shakes (like Ensure) when I have trouble eating. Sometimes I take an edible, as they are legal here. I do guided meditations, guided hypnosis or vagus nerve stimulation (can find those on YouTube). I try to do things to keep my mind occupied so the anxiety doesn't grow and become unmanageable.
If you are forgetting to eat, you can set an alarm or put it on your schedule.For me personally, I'm trying to learn to go with the flow of life and not worry about controlling what happens. It is a monumental task, and I don't know if I'll ever achieve my goal. It's been a spiritual journey for me. I've been listening to and reading Eckhart Tolle. I consider myself to be a spiritual seeker. Others may feel more comfortable with something like stoicism. These sorts of things -- along with counseling and/or self-help media -- are more of a long term thing.
Not sure if that helps at all, but I hope so. Much love to you 💜
@Livy001 hey, I kind of understand this feeling. I think maybe the fear or overeating or going through bulimia again influences hunger cues and makes us not want to eat. That is something that's crossed my mind a few times, not trying to trigger anything for you. Maybe tried to identify those fears if you have any, and also be sure to remember that you don't have to finish a whole portion at once. I have discovered the true purpose of Tupperware by practicing that lol. It's always a good feeling to know I can have something tomorrow too.
If you're struggling with appetite, I would keep eating small meals throughout the day. I like using containers that have small portioning built in so I can graze on them throughout the day. Drinking liquids helped me get an appetite back. I was actually trying to gain weight back while dealing with GI issues, so in my case as my appetite improved, I then switched to typically eating before drinking. Always give your body water though, if you are thirsty or dehydrated. Maybe also try to give yourself a break after a certain period of time. When I worked standing all day I never sat down, sometimes you don't realize how hungry you are until you sit.
It is possible to have nutrient dense snacks that meat your needs. My favorites are date bites or dates with peanut butter, overnight oats, the brand clean protein bar, yogurt or keifer, avocado toast, homemade breakfast cookies, snack bag size of carrot sticks, hummus, homemade smoothies (I like them less sweet), soup, crackers, protein drinks could help because they are calorie dense. It takes trial and error and I'm still exploring with healthy cooking for lean bulking. Don't be afraid to eat high energy (macronutrient dense) on occasion too. For example, pizza is one thing I can not give up, but I now try to make healthier decisions or share with others when I order food out.
Keep being active, don't beat yourself up, keep having happy experiences and take it slow. You are doing great though, I'm glad you have stopped bulimia and are at least eating once a day! Little at a time.
