[Indychick829]

Here's the article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24295957/

Would you consider yourself to be a "Disordered Eater"? I know I would...Yes - I definately consider myself to be living a "healthy lifestyle" - however - after reading this article, I will agree with the whole "feeling guilty" about this:

The online SELF survey garnered responses from 4,000 women ages 25 to 45 to a detailed questionnaire about their eating habits and found that most disordered eaters fall into one or more of six categories. "Calorie prisoners" are terrified of gaining weight, tend to see food as good or bad and feel extremely guilty if they indulge in something that’s off-limits.

I think we all do that - feelin "guilty" if we indulge in something that's "off-limits".

I don't know. I will admit - at times, yes it sucks. Having to CONSTANTLY worry about how many carbs / calories / fat, etc...I'm eating. No - food should NOT be this much of a constant battle. BUT having BEEN at 220 pounds - as well as at 160 pounds - the truth is, I LIKE BEING THIN and there's NOTHING wrong with that. I LIKE being able to wear cute clothes and have confidence that I look good and that other people think I look good and not "fat"...and, unfortunately with that comes having to constantly monitoring my food intake and exercising.

It's just a double edge sword...If I allowed myself to eat "whatever/whenever" then I'd end up fat and unhealthy - BUT - for me - when I watch what I eat and exercise (which is the RIGHT way to go, imo) - I start to obsess - (i have ocd tendancies) - and so when i'm not "perfect" - I start to feel "guilty" about eating the "wrong" foods and missing exercise.

How does one find the "happy medium" where we don't feel "obsessed" about eating/exercising?

I know I CONSTANTLY think about my eating plan or my exercising...i'd LOVE to be at the point where I don't worry about everything I put into my mouth and think, "omg, if I eat this cookie, i'll be up a few pounds..."
i really hate obsessing over it constantly and i'd LOVE to finally one day be able to not only have a "healthy lifestyle" but to actually have a healthy MINDSET over it all...

I'd love to hear everyone else's opinions...

[thebeautywithin]

After reading this, I'd say I'm a combination of a Secret Eater and a Food Addict. I wouldn't think of myself as having a disorder but I also have to admit that I don't have a healthy relationship with food. I don't know if labels like this help or hurt though. We shouldn't feel guilty for taking control of our behaviours and making sure we're being responsible. If an article like this can help us put a name to our relationship with food / exercise and that helps us make any necessary changes, then I'd say its good. But, if it makes us feel guilty about what is already a healthy, balanced behaviour, then I'd say that's not good.

I guess the question for me would be determing if what I'm doing (calorie counting, journaling, exercising, etc.) is done moderately and constructively. On the flip side, if my actions around food or exercise are extreme in some way, then I need to bring that under control. For me, its all about moderation and balance. When the pendolum swings too far any one way, its not healthy.

[Halichick]

Interesting article! I'm a food addict, with a touch of career. I never obsessed about food until I joined LA Weight Loss. Now I spend a large portion of my day analyzing my food and planning meals, etc. I'm starting to get kind of disturbed by it.

[Indychick829]

Originally Posted by Halichick

Interesting article! I'm a food addict, with a touch of career. I never obsessed about food until I joined LA Weight Loss. Now I spend a large portion of my day analyzing my food and planning meals, etc. I'm starting to get kind of disturbed by it.

That's exactly it...I really do hate being so "obsessed" over it (again though, I myself know I have OCD tendancies and I always have) - but I completely agree about being "disturbed" by it. I love the fact that I consider myself to live such a healthy lifestyle...however - I wish it was just a "natural" thing instead of me having to analyze it day in and day out.