Things to do BESIDES starve (or binge/purge)
Ok, so we have a lot of eating dosordered people on here, and I am a little concerned with how some of the threads just become talking points for triggers and cycles. I know I get in the cycle of starving, attempting recovery, b/ping, starving again, etc. Stopping that cycle at ‘recovery’ is the ideal here, so let’s talk about things to do besides starve- and things to do besides b/p. It would be really great if we could try and help one another out to recovery.
Things to do besides starve:
1. Actually have energy to go hang out with friends
2. Actually do the things you used to be interested in- for me this is knitting, sewing, designing, and art
3. EAT WITH PEOPLE, even if this means having to eat out a lot, it helps. I realized the other day that to other people, eating mustard with a spoon and salt from the shaker while drinking 4 diet cokes appears a TAD strange. I ordered food.
4. Also helpful: do not try on clothes in the stores.
5. Go grocery shopping with others (also helps for bulimics)
6. Don’t spend any more time than needed reading cookbooks, watching cooking shows, or generally food obsessing. (also helps for bulimics)
Things to do besides binge/purge
Figure out when you b/p the most (late at night? 4:00?) and actually schedual something in that time, even if ‘something’ is just taking a walk or petting your dog. If it's out doing something, bring a buddy.
1. Take a shower
2. Knit
3. Call a friend
4. GET OUT of the kitchen, or your apartment, or anywhere triggering for you
5. Read an engrossing book
6. Make salt dough ‘cookies’ with cookie cutters, salt dough (1/2 c salt, 1 c flour, ½ c water) and add a hole with a straw to make them into ornaments for Christmas. This is helpful for when you cannot remove yourself from the kitchen and want something to work your hands with.
7. Make play dough and knead it around
8. Turn on an engrossing program- I prefer trashy, true crime forensic evidence shows. Too engaging to leave to throw up.
9. Keep a tab on your binging expenses, and figure out something else you’ll buy with all that money.
10. Do your makeup, especially eye makeup, that would be ruined otherwise
11. Talk to others. Keep yourself sanity checked.
12. Love yourself!!
What else can you think of?
oh, and also way important:
13. Gently steer conversations away from 'omg I am so fat' 'omg you are so skinny' 'omg no you are not' etc etc.
great idea for a topic!
I don't really have anything to add, but I agree with the staying away from the 'omg you're so skinny' comments, in fact I've stopped acknowledging any compliments that have to do with my physical appearance at all because I don't want to be reliant on them. If I'm about to compliment someone else in a similar way, I change "you look like you've lost a lot of weight" to "that dress looks awesome, where did you get it? I want it" or even a "jeez you're a total babe" just to be a silly
ha ha - great ideas!
yeah, eating packets of ketchup or mustard when other people order things does look a little weird... I know.
First you have to understand what has happened to your body stars. You have purged and purged that it feels funny for the stomach to have any food in it. You must try to get your stomach used to food.
Second figure out why you purged in the first place. Is it a weight issue? You don't feel so good about yourself? Do you feel ill and it's a cry for help? The minute I think you can find out why- the first matter will be a little bit easier meaning to eat and battle it.
Sometimes we just have to push ourselves to decide to be happy. :)
well said. I totally agree.
Yes, I agree! It is very important to understand why this behavior began in the first place... However (that being said), even once a person logically knows the reasons behind this behavior, it can still be difficult to stop it. Afterall, eating disorders are in no way "logical" diseases. They don't really make sense, and no matter how much we know that it's "bad"/harmful/unhealthy to behave this way, it's a compulsion & can feel impossible to stop.
I haven't commented on any of the other ED threads, mostly because I feel like I'd ramble & there is always so much to say! But I am also a "recovered" (though I don't think the thoughts ever go away completely) anorexic--for about two years now. I am so proud to say that I truly love my body now, and even though I'll never view it as "perfect," I am proud of what I have been through & all that my body is capable of. I am finally able to appreciate my body for what it is (and what it isn't), instead of obsessing over tiny imperfections. :)
I actually found yoga to be a great way to escape the ED-thoughts. I wouldn't necessarily recommend (at least for me!) other forms of exercise when you're still in the recovery stage because we can tend to overdo it to compensate for the increased food intake... But yoga is a very low-impact type of exercise, and stresses the importance of a beautiful, healthy INSIDE & a strong OUTSIDE. I felt/feel so much more "in touch" with myself & able to concentrate on what my body can do instead of obsessing over what it looks like.
This is a great idea for a thread, stars! Concentrating on the positive & coming up with helpful hints together! You have a wonderful list going already! I can't even think of anything else (besides the yoga) to add that helped me personally! :)
The process of it is a compulsion but the origin of it is not.
You can't face something if you don't know what your facing.
I believe there's a reason for everything.
i'm going to second Yoga. i ordered a dvd by Ravi & Ana called "yoga beauty body" and i do the whole 50 minutes and it makes me feel so wonderful.
can any of you with EDs (as i do) even IMAGINE 50 minutes completely free of ED thoughts? its absolutely amazing and i'm completely addicted to it.
plus, its not bad either that my legs and arms have started looking amazing (i'm not underweight so i dont have to worry about it being "too much")
i would reccomend this dvd to everyone. there's a lot of great mediation during it that i love because of what Ana says, over the soothing music she says things like "with this breath, be new, be beautiful", and things about your inner and outer enhancing the other and enhancing your beauty.
i never would've believed something like that could be so wonderful and comforting
Sariea, that's awesome that you're really enjoying the Ravi and Ana DVD! Have you tried the other 2 you bought? Having recommended them to you, I'm so happy that you like them. I find Ravi and Ana's style of yoga so positive and life-affirming. All of their DVDs are wonderful, so definitely give the others a shot, too.
i'm going to second Yoga. i ordered a dvd by Ravi & Ana called "yoga beauty body" and i do the whole 50 minutes and it makes me feel so wonderful.
can any of you with EDs (as i do) even IMAGINE 50 minutes completely free of ED thoughts? its absolutely amazing and i'm completely addicted to it.
plus, its not bad either that my legs and arms have started looking amazing (i'm not underweight so i dont have to worry about it being "too much")
i would reccomend this dvd to everyone. there's a lot of great mediation during it that i love because of what Ana says, over the soothing music she says things like "with this breath, be new, be beautiful", and things about your inner and outer enhancing the other and enhancing your beauty.
i never would've believed something like that could be so wonderful and comforting
Why do people with ED's think it constantly? What are you around when you think it?
Why do people with ED's think it constantly? What are you around when you think it?
what are we around when we think it? we're around ourselves.
I have been anorexic and/or bulimic for years but you'd never know it by looking at me. I am still at least 30 lbs. overweight. Doesn't mean I don't still have the eating disorder. In fact, I read something that ticked me off on another board I'm on about losing weight. They said if you just cut your calories by 120 calories a day you could lose "X" amount in a year.
Well I thought, hell!!! I'm 30-50 lbs overweight and I only eat 1 meal a day!! I hate that!!! I want to know how to eat healthy not starve myself MORE! If I cut by 120 calories I would be eating almost in the negatives!!
It's obvious my body has gone into starvation mode so I can't lose any weight whether I purge, starve or whatever!
I'm sorry.....I find it funny (NOT REALLY) to see all the skinny people who have this eating disorder where I am still technically obese and I have the same disorder!!!!
I wish us all to get over this, whether you are too thin or too big. Maybe some day we can all be happy with how we are without having to do any of this. Just live a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Viv
Then it's a self-esteem matter in this instance at least (in what laurabs said) correct me if I'm wrong.
What else do you think of when it's constantly running through your mind? Something must be scaring you.
I wish us all to get over this, whether you are too thin or too big. Maybe some day we can all be happy with how we are without having to do any of this. Just live a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Viv
.... exactly. i don't have an ED. but you have no idea how sorry i feel after reading the threads. i just want to reach out so badly and help you all.
it's so freakin sick how obsessed americans are with looks and weight. makes me so mad.
humans are so beautiful. learn to love life and yourself.
that's my #1 moral.
I have been anorexic and/or bulimic for years but you'd never know it by looking at me. I am still at least 30 lbs. overweight. Doesn't mean I don't still have the eating disorder. In fact, I read something that ticked me off on another board I'm on about losing weight. They said if you just cut your calories by 120 calories a day you could lose "X" amount in a year.
Well I thought, hell!!! I'm 30-50 lbs overweight and I only eat 1 meal a day!! I hate that!!! I want to know how to eat healthy not starve myself MORE! If I cut by 120 calories I would be eating almost in the negatives!!
It's obvious my body has gone into starvation mode so I can't lose any weight whether I purge, starve or whatever!
I'm sorry.....I find it funny (NOT REALLY) to see all the skinny people who have this eating disorder where I am still technically obese and I have the same disorder!!!!
I wish us all to get over this, whether you are too thin or too big. Maybe some day we can all be happy with how we are without having to do any of this. Just live a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Viv
Make sure it's not a hyperthyroidism problem. Have your doctor check you for any diseases that make you to gain weight.
1. I TOTALLY agree with the yoga. It really helps you get out of your head and into your body.
2. go for a walk!
3. call a friend
4. drink a soothing mug of tea
5. take a bath or shower
6. JOURNAL
7. stretch
8. turn the music up LOUD
those are some things that have helped me...
I have been anorexic and/or bulimic for years but you'd never know it by looking at me. I am still at least 30 lbs. overweight. Doesn't mean I don't still have the eating disorder. In fact, I read something that ticked me off on another board I'm on about losing weight. They said if you just cut your calories by 120 calories a day you could lose "X" amount in a year.
Well I thought, hell!!! I'm 30-50 lbs overweight and I only eat 1 meal a day!! I hate that!!! I want to know how to eat healthy not starve myself MORE! If I cut by 120 calories I would be eating almost in the negatives!!
It's obvious my body has gone into starvation mode so I can't lose any weight whether I purge, starve or whatever!
I'm sorry.....I find it funny (NOT REALLY) to see all the skinny people who have this eating disorder where I am still technically obese and I have the same disorder!!!!
I wish us all to get over this, whether you are too thin or too big. Maybe some day we can all be happy with how we are without having to do any of this. Just live a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Viv
viv...maybe you are not eating enough calories and are causing your metabolism to slow down. i have found fitday.com a good place to keep track and have an idea what and where i am consuming my calories from. i have screwed my metabolism sooo much that i am eating right around 1000 cals/day, and i am gaining! i know i have to get thru this slump, to get to the point where i can eat sensibly, enough to function, walk, work out, etc....and hopefully land at a rresonable and healthy weight.
i agree w/ the yoga suggestion.
it really helps to connect to your body and how it functions and moves.
coloring!!
i found this a few yrs ago, its actually really meditative and doesnt take really any concentration. and its hella fun! ;D
Then it's a self-esteem matter in this instance at least (in what laurabs said) correct me if I'm wrong.
What else do you think of when it's constantly running through your mind? Something must be scaring you.
startaurus, please know that I mean no disrespect when I say this... But this thread is not about figuring out the reasons behind eating disorders. I think it's safe to assume that if we're on the road to recovery, we've spent a lot of time "soul-searching" & trying to find the reasons we began our disordered eating behavior. Of course there is a reason behind this. Probably many reasons... But this thread is meant for us to band together & suggest ways to resist the urge to regress back into our unhealthy ways of thinking/behaving. Here, we can share tips on things that have helped us (personally) to overcome this behavior. I do not think it is very helpful for you to point out that there are reasons behind this... Of course there are. We all know that. But we've also taken a step (many steps) toward recovery & now we're trying to help one another on this difficult path. If you have a tip to share, please do. We are all looking for that. Otherwise, what is the point of what you're posting?
Sariea, that's awesome that you're really enjoying the Ravi and Ana DVD! Have you tried the other 2 you bought? Having recommended them to you, I'm so happy that you like them. I find Ravi and Ana's style of yoga so positive and life-affirming. All of their DVDs are wonderful, so definitely give the others a shot, too.
i tried "Yoga Bliss Hips" once for about 10 minutes when i couldn't sleep and it put me to sleep, so i'm not sure about it, cuz i bought it thinking it'd be kind of a great cardio workout and then find it seems to be more meditation? which is great, i mean, i'll do it when all i want is long meditation with SOME yoga... but the head-rolling made me a little dizzy lol
and i've done "Fat Free Yoga" a couple times, one section at a time. usually it's when i don't have to work that day and want a little bit more exercise :)
but "Yoga Beauty Body" is SO my favorite, i'm practically in love with it. i've even made a copy for my BF's mom so she could try it out. she got so excited when i told her how great it made me feel
for those on this thread trying mainly to figure out what EDs are all about, i suggest going somewhere like www.something-fishy.org where it can explain. As jessacita said, im not necessariily sure ths thread is meant for us to find out "why", but to help us recover. that website helped my boyfriend understand a lot. it's different for everyone, and i think asking "why" might just be a trigger in itself. *shrug*
i like all the suggestions so far, and i want to add another... HERE. this site has helped me a lot by giving me recipes for everything, foods i feel safe eating. i was never able to eat cookies or scones or muffins, but the ones on here are so healthy and i can pick ingredients that are less calories so i don't beat myself up about eating a huge muffin that's only 120 calories or whatever
Then it's a self-esteem matter in this instance at least (in what laurabs said) correct me if I'm wrong.
What else do you think of when it's constantly running through your mind? Something must be scaring you.
startaurus, please know that I mean no disrespect when I say this... But this thread is not about figuring out the reasons behind eating disorders.
Thanks. Yeah, I was hoping we'd steer away from all that, especially since we've had many (many, many) threads just talking about behaviors and thoughts etc. It's important to recognize those, but it's also important to, you know, eat, and just talk about positive ways to help recovery.
That yoga thing sounds great! I am def. going to check it out. I love the ideas you all have posted!
Then it's a self-esteem matter in this instance at least (in what laurabs said) correct me if I'm wrong.
What else do you think of when it's constantly running through your mind? Something must be scaring you.
startaurus, please know that I mean no disrespect when I say this... But this thread is not about figuring out the reasons behind eating disorders. I think it's safe to assume that if we're on the road to recovery, we've spent a lot of time "soul-searching" & trying to find the reasons we began our disordered eating behavior. Of course there is a reason behind this. Probably many reasons... But this thread is meant for us to band together & suggest ways to resist the urge to regress back into our unhealthy ways of thinking/behaving. Here, we can share tips on things that have helped us (personally) to overcome this behavior. I do not think it is very helpful for you to point out that there are reasons behind this... Of course there are. We all know that. But we've also taken a step (many steps) toward recovery & now we're trying to help one another on this difficult path. If you have a tip to share, please do. We are all looking for that. Otherwise, what is the point of what you're posting?
I was just wondering for my own knowledge.
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