I've never had a full-blown ED, though I guess I have had bits and pieces of disordered eating patterns for most of my life (starving during day and binging at night, or eating just two saltines for lunch during school, or obsessively writing down every morsel that passed through my lips for years). Mostly, I just thought I was a "self-regulator" of calories: if I had a big lunch, I wouldn't eat for a while and then eat something light.
I'm getting close to my goal weight, but not as quickly as I'd hoped. The other day because of some personal issues, I skipped dinner. Then I skipped breakfast and ate a very light lunch. The result: lost another pound. Yes, I know it was most likely water + lack of food in my tummy... but I felt thinner/skinnier, too.
So now I find myself holding off on eating for as long as I can, until I feel a bit lightheaded and dizzy. And then when I do eat, I keep my meals as small as I can to just stop the tummy growls. I justify it that I'm exercising Intermittent Fasting with portion control. But I'm wondering if that's what I'm really doing, or if I'm simply trying anything possible to lose those last pounds before my Easter goal.
I guess what I'm asking... should I be worried? Or is the fact that I acknowledge my behavior isn't the most healthful likely to prevent me from ending up with a full-blown ED? Is ED more a state of mind (i.e. your mindset toward weight loss)? Or is it more about the behaviors?
I know this is a complicated topic with a huge variety of factors, but any insight you can provide would be really appreciated. I'm worried about triggering a big ol' ED, but I'm also worried about trimming the waistline (I'm pre-diabetic with cholesterol numbers through the roof).
My nonprofessional opinion-I don't think so. I think its just overexcitement about getting there after waiting for so long. Its like when i was studying for a big test and the week before I get all this motivation to buckle down.
I am feeling the same urge now, but I have 19 more lbs to go so I am reeling myself because I don't want to do anything drastic-since the weight will take awhile.
I think its also the same feeling people get when they suddenly "notice" how unhappy they are with thier body once they start losing.
My advice is just to calm down and slowly lose those few pounds-its more important to keep them off. They'll come off anyways-whether its gradual or fast, but you will panic less if you take it a little slower.
Constantly thinking about dieting will make you even more impatient. Check out the lean gains guy-he said that he lost his few pounds and maintained and lost 1 lb every other week-eating close to maintenance.
This site linked below has some information. I can not diagnose, of course. If you have concerns, then I would talk to a trusted professional. You are doing great to think about it and ask questions. If you have a disorder going on, acknowledging it is not enough, but the beginning!
"If you want to lose weight, you need to love yourself first." - Richard Simmons
It's good to get into a healthy state of mind if you're not already - Love everyone around you, the ones that have hurt you, and especially yourself.
There's a history of weight struggle in my family, and some indicators of eating disorders as well.
My 21 year old sister chews and spits out high cal foods.
My 19 year old sister lost 60 pounds and gained it all back plus more.. She had purged a few times.
As for myself, I've had thoughts of purging, but I never did it.
When I've been upset about something, I've starved myself as well.
I'd say it would be in your best interest to get a professional opinion. Good luck and God Bless!
Last edited by EmilyLarnder; 03-23-2012 at 08:46 AM.
Thanks for the responses! I talked to Hubby last night, and as I kinda mulled aloud to him, I realized that I probably am leaning into some dangerous territory. I did a research paper in college on anorexia (almost 20 years ago... yikes!) and I remember viewing a lot of "pro ana" websites. I remember the way of thinking... it seemed like a particular perspective on food+weight that, in particular, was common among those poor girls. If I don't take a more healthful approach, I'll probably end up with some very disordered thinking.
I can't say anything about Eating Disorders but I think it's good to check it out to be on the safe side.
I do remember you posting before, though, and being very concerned about not having a tight enough body even though you were at a healthy weight (I'm sorry, I don't remember your exact words) and most everyone suggested exercise/weight lifting but you seemed pretty hesitant. I guess, I'd suggest going in that directly vs. looking at the scale because if you are heading into some dangerous territory here it would be better to put your efforts into exercise and hiding the scale.
Signs of ED? When should I get worried?
