I Think I Have an Eating Disorder and Want to Stop
An eating disorder is a life threatening condition that often
requires professional assistance and support to overcome. If you
think you have an eating disorder it is critical that you seek
out the help and support you need to overcome your condition.
Beating an ea
ting disorder can prove very rewarding and open new avenues
of opportunity you never dreamed of. You will no longer be tied
down by food and your emotional as well as physical health and
well being will improve substantially.
HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE AN EATING DISORDER?
There are many signs and symptoms that are indicative of an
eating disorder.
Consider asking yourself the following questions:
- Do you obsess about food and eating? - Do you deny yourself
food at times even when you feel hungry? - Do you often withdraw
from social activities involving eating? - Do you often feel fat
even if you are not fat or overweight? - Do you exercise
excessively after meals or to the point of pain or injury? - Do
you purge (vomit) after eating? - Do you regularly use laxatives
or diuretics to control your weight? - Do you often eat large
volumes of food uncontrollably?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may
have an eating disorder.
ANOREXIA AND BULIMIA
Anorexia is a type of eating disorder that is often
characterized by starving oneself thin. People who are anorexic
often do not allow themselves to eat more than 500 or less
calories per day.
Bulimics tend to eat large quantities of food and then purge
them, through vomiting or laxative use.
Both anorexics and bulimics may exercise excessively. There are
other types of eating disorders as well including binge eating
disorder where you consume large quantities of food over and
over again but don't necessarily purge.
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
If you feel you may have an eating disorder it is vital that you
seek help. Recognizing that you may have a problem is actually
the first step toward recovery.
The good news is you can eat a healthy and well balanced diet
that doesn't require that you follow a strict or rigid routine.
A flexible diet will help you remain fit and a normal weight. A
nutritionist or dietician can help you develop a healthy and
well balanced meal plan that is easy to follow and will help
boost your spirits.
Eating disorders often result from distorted thinking about
yourself, your body image and the way others perceive you. Part
of recovering from an eating disorder requires that you
recognize that your body isn't related to your identity and that
the two are actually separate. You may need professional help
distinguishing between the two and identifying the triggers that
are causing you to engage in distorted eating patterns.
Many eating disorders are simply a way to mask your emotional
pain. If you have an eating disorder, don't keep it a secret.
Talk to friends or family members or seek assistance from your
healthcare provider or an online support community. There are
numerous groups online that can help you work through your
emotional pain and start your journey toward healing.
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