Guest guest Posted December 14, 2009 Report Share Posted December 14, 2009 Welcome and happy to have you join us here. While you have lots happening for you this coming year, it all sounds pretty much positive in nature. You will find that adding IE doesn't have to be another stress - just do the 'one thing at a time' option. I liken IE to a feast in that you don't eat it all in ONE bite! If you take the time to nibble a little at one favorite food at a time, you can enjoy the entire feast too Do speak up about your anorexia concerns as that way any other members with those too can connect and we can all benefit from the shared knowledge. BEST to you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > Hi everyone, > > I didn't really know where to start so thought just introducing myself was a good place to begin! > > Here's a bit of background about me and why I'm here. I'm 24 years old, and from the ages of about 17 to 20 I struggled with anorexia. Having thankfully kicked that in the butt, I nevertheless still struggle sometimes with what seems to me an unhealthy relationship with food, especially at times of stress. > > When I was recovering from anorexia, I read the book Intuitive Eating and it helped me to see that there was a different way to approach food, but I've never managed to jump on board with it fully. I struggle to stop eating when I feel full at the end of the meal, my brain taking over from my body and telling me I've got to finish it. I also still struggle to relax about eating so called 'unhealthy' foods. > > This next year is looking to be a fairly stressful one for me - I'm getting married next October so am busy planning that, myself and my fiance are looking for a house together at some point before the wedding and I'm also trying to change job. So I'm taking a lot on and don't want my relationship with food to get in the way. > > I want to go for this properly now, but I'm nervous, scared, and quite frankly just don't know where to start! > > Thanks, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2009 Report Share Posted December 15, 2009 Hi , Welcome. I, too, have struggled with undereating (and over-exercising) - I don't think I ever reached a weight that could be classified as " anorexia " , but I know I've had the anorexia thoughts and behavioral patterns, so, that's close enough! I relate to what you said about your brain taking over for your body - I think that's one of the most important aspects to understand and overcome. It's hard to listen to your body when (1) you don't trust it, and (2) you have a " strong " mind (if you're a " thinker " , an analyzer). I can also relate to your life going through lots of changes right now (I'm 24, too, and am hoping to find the right relationship and career for myself). Stress is obviously a trigger for food and body anxieties and preoccupations, so remind yourself of this and be compassionate towards yourself. Welcome, > > Hi everyone, > > I didn't really know where to start so thought just introducing myself was a good place to begin! > > Here's a bit of background about me and why I'm here. I'm 24 years old, and from the ages of about 17 to 20 I struggled with anorexia. Having thankfully kicked that in the butt, I nevertheless still struggle sometimes with what seems to me an unhealthy relationship with food, especially at times of stress. > > When I was recovering from anorexia, I read the book Intuitive Eating and it helped me to see that there was a different way to approach food, but I've never managed to jump on board with it fully. I struggle to stop eating when I feel full at the end of the meal, my brain taking over from my body and telling me I've got to finish it. I also still struggle to relax about eating so called 'unhealthy' foods. > > This next year is looking to be a fairly stressful one for me - I'm getting married next October so am busy planning that, myself and my fiance are looking for a house together at some point before the wedding and I'm also trying to change job. So I'm taking a lot on and don't want my relationship with food to get in the way. > > I want to go for this properly now, but I'm nervous, scared, and quite frankly just don't know where to start! > > Thanks, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2009 Report Share Posted December 16, 2009 Hi, Thanks I can definitely relate to the combination of undereating and overexercising. I'm a lot better about that now and try to exercise because I enjoy it and not because I need to work off the food, but sometimes it's hard not to think 'I can eat that because I'm playing netball later' rather than 'I can eat that because I'd really like it and I deserve it'. I do have a tendency to overanalyze too, but I'm trying to turn my mind to my advantage and get it on board. If it was strong enough to get me into this then it's strong enough to get me out! I had a good day yesterday, tried to eat whenever I was hungry instead of denying it and waiting till the next meal. I ate a lot more often but felt a lot more stable emotion wise throughout the day I guess it's just a case of baby steps! > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I didn't really know where to start so thought just introducing myself was a good place to begin! > > > > Here's a bit of background about me and why I'm here. I'm 24 years old, and from the ages of about 17 to 20 I struggled with anorexia. Having thankfully kicked that in the butt, I nevertheless still struggle sometimes with what seems to me an unhealthy relationship with food, especially at times of stress. > > > > When I was recovering from anorexia, I read the book Intuitive Eating and it helped me to see that there was a different way to approach food, but I've never managed to jump on board with it fully. I struggle to stop eating when I feel full at the end of the meal, my brain taking over from my body and telling me I've got to finish it. I also still struggle to relax about eating so called 'unhealthy' foods. > > > > This next year is looking to be a fairly stressful one for me - I'm getting married next October so am busy planning that, myself and my fiance are looking for a house together at some point before the wedding and I'm also trying to change job. So I'm taking a lot on and don't want my relationship with food to get in the way. > > > > I want to go for this properly now, but I'm nervous, scared, and quite frankly just don't know where to start! > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2009 Report Share Posted December 16, 2009 Hi , Welcome to the group...I'm a newbie as well! You have really championed your eating issues, and what you struggle with now are things we all do. I tend to just take one day at a time, and focus on the small accomplishments. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding (and move!). Those are 2 very stressful, yet incredible, joyous, and fun! events. The trick is to remember that when the going gets tough. Welcome to the group, and thank you for reaching out! > > Hi everyone, > > I didn't really know where to start so thought just introducing myself was a good place to begin! > > Here's a bit of background about me and why I'm here. I'm 24 years old, and from the ages of about 17 to 20 I struggled with anorexia. Having thankfully kicked that in the butt, I nevertheless still struggle sometimes with what seems to me an unhealthy relationship with food, especially at times of stress. > > When I was recovering from anorexia, I read the book Intuitive Eating and it helped me to see that there was a different way to approach food, but I've never managed to jump on board with it fully. I struggle to stop eating when I feel full at the end of the meal, my brain taking over from my body and telling me I've got to finish it. I also still struggle to relax about eating so called 'unhealthy' foods. > > This next year is looking to be a fairly stressful one for me - I'm getting married next October so am busy planning that, myself and my fiance are looking for a house together at some point before the wedding and I'm also trying to change job. So I'm taking a lot on and don't want my relationship with food to get in the way. > > I want to go for this properly now, but I'm nervous, scared, and quite frankly just don't know where to start! > > Thanks, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2009 Report Share Posted December 16, 2009 Hi, I totally remind myself of the same thing you mentioned in regards to having a strong, analytical mind: " If it was strong enough to get me into this then it's strong enough to get me out! " -- It gives me hope and a bit of confidence in my struggle to regain my sanity . As far as exercise, in past years, I deeply intertwined eating and exercise. The thought struck me about one month ago that they are 2 separate parts of my life, and now I try to consider one without factoring in the other - maybe doing this will help you, too. Just think, " There is no interconnected relationship between eating and exercising; I eat when I am hungry... and I exercise when my body craves it or I truly want to. They are separate parts of my life and do not automatically affect each other. " (Sure, if you exercise one day, you might be hungrier, but your mind doesn't have to come to this conclusion - your body will automatically take care of it.) Also, that's sooooo awesome that you felt more emotionally stable throughout your day - this is probably my main goal! Good for you, and keep it up. -- > > Hi, > > Thanks I can definitely relate to the combination of undereating and overexercising. I'm a lot better about that now and try to exercise because I enjoy it and not because I need to work off the food, but sometimes it's hard not to think 'I can eat that because I'm playing netball later' rather than 'I can eat that because I'd really like it and I deserve it'. > > I do have a tendency to overanalyze too, but I'm trying to turn my mind to my advantage and get it on board. If it was strong enough to get me into this then it's strong enough to get me out! > > I had a good day yesterday, tried to eat whenever I was hungry instead of denying it and waiting till the next meal. I ate a lot more often but felt a lot more stable emotion wise throughout the day I guess it's just a case of baby steps! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2009 Report Share Posted December 17, 2009 Hi, Thanks for those thoughts about exercise and food, that really helps. I think that separating the two and realising that they are separate parts of my life is something I've been missing. I'm going to keep repeating that mantra to myself! Ironically the time when I was probably least stressed about food etc was 2 years ago when I couldn't exercise for about 3 months. I'd been in an accident and my foot had got crushed (6 bones broken, ouch!) and so was obviously out of action for a while. I think the combination of forced rest, coupled with the close shave of the accident, really helped to focus my mind. I kept thinking that if that had been it for me, would I really have wanted the last few years of my life to have been spent worrying about food and weight. Sounds a bit morbid but it did really help, but I think time and distance from the accident takes away some of the impact. Thanks, > > > > Hi, > > > > Thanks I can definitely relate to the combination of undereating and overexercising. I'm a lot better about that now and try to exercise because I enjoy it and not because I need to work off the food, but sometimes it's hard not to think 'I can eat that because I'm playing netball later' rather than 'I can eat that because I'd really like it and I deserve it'. > > > > I do have a tendency to overanalyze too, but I'm trying to turn my mind to my advantage and get it on board. If it was strong enough to get me into this then it's strong enough to get me out! > > > > I had a good day yesterday, tried to eat whenever I was hungry instead of denying it and waiting till the next meal. I ate a lot more often but felt a lot more stable emotion wise throughout the day I guess it's just a case of baby steps! > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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