mKendrick, when I replied, I was also thinking of your other post on this board. In an earlier post, on the 11th, you mentioned eating chocolates, becoming upset, and vomiting to get rid of them. (That's the "What did I just do?" post.) It's really your telling us about that experience, as well as sharing this other experience, that makes me ask you: Are you concerned that you are on the edge of developing an eating disorder?

I think I was a bit hasty in posting and should have spent more time fleshing out my thoughts.

Thanks for that, and I apologize for not adding in the requisite "I am NOT a Doctor" line

I think a lot of people have posted a lot of questions that deserve more thought. I do think that since mKendrick recently ate chocolate and then forced herself to vomit, this "chew and spit" behavior should be looked at in the context of a collection of disordered behaviors.

I believe that it's difficult to have a healthy relationship with food for most of us (most women in general). I think it's worth examining all these thoughts, feelings and behaviors with a critical eye to ensure that each choice made is the healthiest one for each individual.

for the person who mentioned wine tasting... it's NOT the same. Wine tasting (which can be compared to coffee tasting, which I do at work very often) is learning to become an expert about wine. It has nothing to do with not wanting to get drunk.

Personally, if these chocolates are causing you to go outside your normal behaviour, then I see it as a disordered way of eating. You don't want to be rude and throw away someone's gift? So, it's ok to be rude to yourself? I don't think so.

I would get rid of these chocolates right now if I were you. You seem to be spending too much time and energy on them, energy that isn't worth it.

The one piece of advise I carry with me at all times: Don't do ANYTHING in this journey that is not healthy or sustainable in the long run. Any type of disordered behaviour is neither healthy or sustainable.

Of course, this is also just my opionion.

Hi there, just offering my two cents..as I have experience with this. I've had friends who do this occasionally with one piece of cake. I would classify it as a disordered eating behavior, but not actually an eating disorder.

A few years ago I was classified as EDNOS and restricted my in take and would chew and spit..but I'm talking garbage bags full of food every night (gross I know). Eventually I switched to binging and purging.

I would be aware of it as an unhealthy behavior..eating disorders can start and spiral quickly. Maybe just enjoy the chocolate and count the calories?

And this is all just my personal opinion from my own experience, I'm not at doctor

No one means to get an eating disorder or eat in a dysfunctional way.
And it's so easy to shrug it off and think you have it under control when it first starts.

I'd really advise you to keep track of any incidents of disordered eating (Like you mentioned in another post) and see your Dr. It may seem excessive since you say you feel in control but these things can spiral out of control so fast you don't ever see it coming. At least you would have people around you who would know and help to stop it from developing into something worse.

ED's and secrecy go hand in hand, so letting someone know maybe you've been struggling or had some issues/incidents would be a good step for moving away from that direction, IMO.

Take care of yourself.

Some of the replys here have really shocked me! I would do (and have done) something like that before. i think it is disordered eating, but certainly not an eating disorder in the context you mentioned. (im not referencing to the other thread mentioned i have not read it, my response is purley to this thread and i am not a doctor.)

Ive been at the beginings of both ends of eating disorders in my life. The thing that makes it an eating disorder for me is it being a REGULAR occurance. Every day, certainly, once a week? you have to determine whats regular for you. But from the sounds of it, you were given these chocolates, they look nice, you dont want to ruin your diet, but you want to enjoy a present right? So the LOGICAL choice, is as you mentioned. chew, enjoy, spit, no calories, treat enjoyed. Thats the way i would think of it anyway.

Now if i wasw doing this everyday and hiding it, feeling guilty, then maybe, i have a problem. But in the context you mentioned, i think you were just trying to stay on track with you healthy eating. And personally i dont see a problem with it.

That seems logical? Really? That makes me so sad, as you agree that it is "disordered eating", but then go on to say that you have done and would do it again.

It is my hope that everyone becomes capable of developing a healthy relationship with food (myself included) and that even the seemingly benign "disordered eating" behaviors will be a thing of the past.

It's been a few days and I haven't even THOUGHT about doing this since. I had a planned splurge on Christmas day, including eating and swallowing the last truffle. I didn't feel in the least bit guilty about it. And I still lost 1.5lbs for the week, lol.

I'm not concerned that I'm going to develop bulimia or a huge chewing/spitting habit because I did this. It's not something that will be a regular thing for me.

"Chew and spit" is a common practice of anorexics and bulimics... I know it seems harmless, but it can lead to mind games...

I'd like to say that there's nothing "logical" or ok about these behavior..even if it's something you only do once in a while. No one plans on developing an eating disorder..it kind of creeps up on you and then it's to late. I would refrain from chewing and spitting or purging 100%. Again..just my opinion..because I've been through **** with these behaviors and I would hate to see it happen to someone else.

I think it is indicative of ED. I used to work with women struggling with ED, and they did this. I'm not an expert at all, though. Eat one, then brush your teeth. It won't kill you, but and ED might.

i tried this a while back. Sounded like a great idea, get the flavor of full-fat food without the calories. I was quite disappointed by how unsatisfying it felt to not swallow. Needless to say, it didn't last. Anyhow, I would be careful, don't make this behavior a habit! Like mentioned above, no one plans on making it a habit. I have binge eating disorder and I have NO IDEA how it went from something that happened one day to something that was happening twice a week or more!