Tag: eating

Self-Care that doesn’t Fit the Mold

Embarking on the journey of eating disorder recovery is a profoundly personal experience, and self-care plays a pivotal role in fostering healing and resilience. Contrary to conventional notions, self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It takes on different forms for each individual, reflecting the uniqueness of their recovery journey. In this post, we’ll explore the unconventional side of self-care, offering insights and ideas that go beyond the typical practices. Additionally, we’ll delve into the importance of incorporating joy, playfulness, and laughter into the recovery process.

Navigating Thanksgiving in Recovery

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, a feast. For those on the journey of eating disorder recovery, the holiday season can pose unique challenges. The abundance of food, coupled with unpredictable comments from relatives, may trigger anxiety and discomfort. In this post, we’ll explore strategies to navigate Thanksgiving in recovery, emphasizing the foundational principles of intuitive eating and the importance of setting boundaries with compassion.

“I will give you rest”

This morning, I was reminded of a truth that carries me through every single day in recovery, and in every other part of my life. There’s so much strength in finding rest in the midst of the storm. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. It’s like a sweet invitation, a reminder that we don’t have to carry the weight alone.

Kindly, Carbs

As someone who’s been on a journey of recovery from an eating disorder, I’ve learned that understanding the importance of carbs can be a game-changer. For many, carbs have been unfairly demonized in our quest for control, but in reality, they play a pivotal role in our physical and emotional well-being. In this blog post, I want to shed light on why we need carbs and how they can aid in eating disorder recovery.

Paint Your Own Pretty Picture

I’ve never been a very creative person. I don’t mean that in a self-depricating way, I know that I have so many strengths, and none of them include anything to do with art. It’s not something that I care to change about myself, just a fact that I’m aware of, and even find humerous at times. That said, I do like to dabble in the occasional craft activity for fun, but I try to hold back any expectations for the “art” that I will produce. Though I may not be Picasso, I can still enjoy the occasional time to paint, draw, crochet, and more.

For Loved Ones: How to Always Ask

Hello, beautiful people! It’s a pleasure to be here, sharing my thoughts and experiences on the journey to recovery from eating disorders. Today, I want to discuss a topic that’s close to my heart: how to ask about someone’s mental health and wellbeing. It’s a crucial skill we all should have, especially when our loved ones may be struggling silently.

Ignoring the Lie, Embracing the Hope

Describing the indescribable journey through an eating disorder is a daunting task. Words often feel insufficient to convey the depth of anguish, confusion, and turmoil that characterized those difficult years. But despite the challenges, I’m determined to share the essence of recovery, shedding light on the profound transformation it brought to my life.

Something About Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, providing a platform for sharing personal experiences and connecting with others. While social media has many benefits, it can also have a negative impact on those struggling with eating disorders. On the other hand, it can also offer a unique source of support and encouragement during the recovery process. In this blog post, we will explore the complicated connection between social media and eating disorder recovery.

The Power of Movement:

Exercise can be a powerful tool in recovery from an eating disorder. However, it can also be a source of anxiety, stress, and even relapse if not approached with care and intention. As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, I know firsthand the challenges and benefits of incorporating exercise into the recovery journey. Here are a few tips for approaching exercise in a way that supports recovery:

Overwhelmed but not Overcome

In all of the positivity and hope I try to share in the dark place of eating disorder recovery, I feel it’s important to address a very painful, but a very real truth: Sometimes, all the coping skills, encouragement, advice, and support in the world don’t seem enough. Sometimes, the feelings that come from battling an eating disorder and striving towards recovery can feel so overwhelming that it’s almost suffocating. In those moments, it’s crucial to remember that it’s okay to feel this way. It will pass. And no matter how I feel, no matter how I act, and no matter what I think, I will be okay, and I am inherently worthy of love.

Not Alone, Not To Blame

In the midst of my battle with an eating disorder, I often felt like the only person in the world who was suffering this way. The isolation was suffocating, and the self-blame was relentless. I couldn’t understand why I was going through this, and I carried the heavy burden of guilt. Little did I know that I was not alone in my struggles and that understanding the concept of “common humanity” would bring a glimmer of hope into my darkest moments.

He Calls Me Beautiful

In the depths of my struggle with an eating disorder, I felt like a shattered vessel. My self-worth was at an all-time low, and my relationship with food had become a battleground. The mirror reflected not the person God created, but a distorted image of pain and self-hatred. But in those darkest moments, I found solace in my faith. It was through Christ alone that I began to feel real, caring love, believing that God saw me differently than I saw myself – that He saw me as beautiful, even, and especially in my brokenness.

Know the Facts About Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a serious mental illness that affects millions of people around the world. Despite being a common problem, there are still many misconceptions and stigmas attached to these conditions. In this blog post, we will explore some important facts about eating disorders that everyone should know.

Hope for the Warrior: Recovery is Possible

As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder in the past, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to recover. It often feels like an uphill battle, and there are times when it feels impossible to overcome the disorder. However, I also know that there is hope and recovery is possible. I want to share some of the things that helped me during my own journey towards recovery, in the hopes that it may help others who are currently struggling.

Unlocking the Healing Power of Mindful Eating

I never truly understood the concept of mindful eating until I embarked on my journey to recovery from an eating disorder. It was a phrase that had been thrown around countless times, but it wasn’t until I began to practice it earnestly that I realized its profound impact on my healing process. Mindful eating isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it’s about nourishing your body, soul, and spirit. In this blog post, I want to share my personal experiences and insights on how mindful eating became a cornerstone of my eating disorder recovery journey.

Balancing Eating Disorder Recovery and College Life: Strategies for Success

College is a time of immense personal growth and change. It’s a period where you’re exposed to new experiences, ideas, and challenges. For individuals in eating disorder recovery, this transition can be particularly daunting. Balancing academic demands, social pressures, and self-care can pose unique hurdles. However, with the right strategies and support, navigating eating disorder recovery during college is achievable.

Navigating Slippery Slope Behaviors on the Path to Recovery

Embarking on my journey towards eating disorder recovery has been both empowering and challenging. As I progress on this path, I’ve come to recognize the slippery slope behaviors that can hinder my progress. These seemingly innocent actions might initially appear harmless, but they can gradually lead me back into unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. In this blog post, I’ll explore various slippery slope behaviors and share strategies to overcome them, helping me stay on track towards a healthier and happier life.

Left With Nothing, Looking For Everything

During a long drive home, I was hooked on a podcast that got me thinking about something pretty important. There was this public service announcement that came on, talking about a certain addiction and how it “left me with nothing.” I’d heard that phrase a few times before, but this time it hit me differently. See, usually, we just sum it up as “it’s bad,” and move on. But this time, I realized it’s more than that.

Staying Strong: Tips for Preventing Relapses

As someone who has been in eating disorder recovery, I understand how difficult it can be to stay on track and avoid relapse. It’s a continuous process that requires ongoing effort, self-awareness, and support. However, with the right tools and mindset, it is possible to prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.

The Road to Intuitive Eating

Hello there, dear reader. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re on a journey of recovery from an eating disorder, and I want you to know that you are not alone. I, too, have been on this path, and I understand the struggles and challenges that come with it. Today, I want to share with you a transformative approach that has made a profound difference in my healing process – intuitive eating.

A Practical Plan for A Parent

Eating disorders are a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone, including children. As a parent, it can be difficult to know how to support your child who is struggling with an eating disorder. Here are some tips on how you can support your child in their recovery:

Using Affirmations in Recovery: the Power of Positive Thinking

As someone who has personally struggled with an eating disorder, I can attest to the importance of affirmations in the recovery process. Affirmations are positive statements that we can say to ourselves to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. When it comes to eating disorder recovery, affirmations can help us to build self-esteem, challenge distorted body image, and promote a healthy relationship with food.

My Unfiltered Journey to Recovery

For a while now, I’ve wanted to share my story and my experience with an eating disorder, as well as the changes I’ve experienced in recovery. It’s not that I haven’t shared any part of my story, or that I’m ashamed or afraid of my past disorder. I’ve shared watered-down versions of my story and touched on the broader, general truths of an eating disorder, but never the full story because it’s an intense story and putting it into words seems graphic or even disturbing.

Putting Perfectionism Aside in Recovery

Perfectionism is a common trait among individuals with eating disorders. It often manifests as an intense desire to control food and exercise as a means of achieving a certain physical appearance. However, this mindset can be detrimental to recovery, as it often leads to rigid and unrealistic expectations that can lead to relapse or hinder progress. Overcoming perfectionism in eating disorder recovery is essential for creating a healthy and sustainable relationship with food and one’s body.

Navigating the Grocery Store in Recovery

Grocery shopping for eating disorder recovery can be a daunting task, especially if you’re used to restrictive eating patterns or food avoidance behaviors. But it can also be an opportunity to practice self-care, nourish your body, and develop a healthier relationship with food. Here are some tips that have helped me navigate the grocery store and prioritize my recovery:

Sustaining Recovery: The Role of Prayer in Healing

I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming it can be to struggle with an eating disorder. It can feel like you’re trapped in your own thoughts and feelings, unable to break free from the cycle of guilt and shame that surrounds food and body image. But one thing that has helped me on my journey to recovery is learning how to start praying about my eating disorder.

Mindful Practices for Eating Disorder Recovery

From my experience in recovery, I know how challenging it can be to change our relationship with food and our bodies. It can often feel like an uphill battle, but there are mindful practices we can implement to help us on our journey towards recovery. Here are 10 mindful practices for eating disorder recovery that have helped me in my own journey.

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating behavior. Individuals with BED often eat when not hungry, continue eating despite feeling full, and feel ashamed or guilty about their eating behaviors.

Conversations to Have with Loved Ones in Recovery

As someone who has been in eating disorder recovery for a while now, I can attest to the importance of having open and honest conversations with loved ones. Eating disorders can be isolating and consuming, and it’s easy to feel alone in the struggle. However, having a support system of friends and family who understand the complexities of the disorder and are willing to listen and provide encouragement can make all the difference in recovery.

The Effects of Eating Disorders on the Brain

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect millions of people around the world. They are characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food, distorted body image, and a preoccupation with weight and shape. Eating disorders not only affect a person’s physical health but can also have significant impacts on their brain.

Powerful Healing: Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders

When it comes to mental health, it’s rarely a simple black-and-white scenario. Many of us find ourselves dealing with multiple challenges simultaneously, which can make the recovery journey even more complex. As someone who has personally experienced the struggles of co-occurring disorders, I want to shed light on the intersection between eating disorders and other… Continue reading Powerful Healing: Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders

The Weight of Love: Battling Fatphobia Together

Romantic relationships are complex and multifaceted, influenced by various factors such as communication, trust, and compatibility. However, one often overlooked aspect that significantly affects relationships is fatphobia, which is the societal bias and discrimination against individuals based on their weight and size. In this blog post, we will explore the detrimental impact of fatphobia on romantic relationships and discuss ways to promote body positivity and acceptance.

Embracing Body-Positivity and Self-Love

When I reflect upon my journey of eating disorder recovery, one of the most significant shifts I experienced was embracing body positivity and cultivating self-love. It was not an easy path, but it has been transformative. In this blog post, I want to share my personal insights and provide valuable resources for those who are also on their own recovery journey.

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. This disorder can have serious physical and psychological consequences, and requires professional intervention for effective treatment.

Breaking Up with Diet Talk

Like many others who struggle with disordered eating, distorted body image, and compulsive behaviors, I know firsthand how damaging diet talk can be. It can trigger obsessive thoughts and behaviors, perpetuate harmful societal beauty standards, and create an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. That’s why I wanted to share some tips on how to break up with diet talk and start cultivating a healthier relationship with yourself and food.

6 Ways to Help a Friend in Recovery

Having an eating disorder can be an isolating experience, but it’s important to remember that recovery is possible with the right support. As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, I know how much it means to have friends who are there to support me. If you have a friend who is struggling with an eating disorder, here are a few ways you can support them on their journey towards recovery.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition characterized by a persistent restriction of food intake, resulting in significantly low body weight, and an intense fear of gaining weight. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted body image and view themselves as overweight, despite being underweight or severely malnourished.

Finding Motivation in Recovery

Eating disorder recovery can be a challenging and difficult journey, but it’s also one filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. One of the biggest obstacles many people face during this process is finding the motivation and inspiration to keep going, especially when the going gets tough. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical strategies for finding the motivation and inspiration you need to keep moving forward in your eating disorder recovery.

What is OSFED?

OSFED, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, is a type of eating disorder that falls under the umbrella of Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). This category of eating disorders includes individuals who display significant disordered eating behaviors but do not meet the strict diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

How To Nourish your Child With An Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can have devastating effects on both physical and emotional health. If your child is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s crucial to seek professional help and support as soon as possible. However, as a parent, you also have an essential role to play in nourishing your child and providing the supportive environment they need to recover.

Managing Meal Plans

As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, I know firsthand the challenges of managing a meal plan in recovery. Eating disorders can create a sense of rigidity and anxiety around food, which can make meal planning and eating a source of stress rather than nourishment. However, with the right support and strategies, it’s possible to create a healthy and balanced meal plan that promotes recovery and self-care.

Coping with Weight Gain in Recovery

Eating disorder recovery is a journey filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks, and a range of emotions that can feel overwhelming at times. One of the biggest challenges that people face during their recovery is the possibility of weight gain. For many individuals, the fear of weight gain is what perpetuates the disorder, and it can be incredibly difficult to cope with the idea of gaining weight. However, weight gain is a necessary part of the recovery process, and learning to cope with it is essential for long-term success.

“Not Sick Enough”

Eating disorders are complex and devastating mental illnesses that affect individuals of all ages, genders, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. They are characterized by a preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape, and can cause severe physical, emotional, and social harm. Despite their serious nature, many people with eating disorders struggle to recognize that they have a problem, and may believe that they are not sick enough to seek treatment.

10 Snack Ideas for Recovery

When recovering from an eating disorder, it can be challenging to come up with snack ideas that are both satisfying and nourishing. It’s important to find snacks that provide the necessary nutrients and energy to support recovery, while also being enjoyable to eat. In this post, I will share some of my favorite snack ideas that have helped me throughout my eating disorder recovery journey.

Managing Mental Breakdowns in Recovery

Eating disorder recovery is a difficult journey that can come with many challenges and setbacks. One of the most challenging experiences in recovery is a mental breakdown. A mental breakdown can be described as a period of intense emotional or psychological distress that can feel overwhelming and all-consuming. In this post, I will share my personal experience with navigating a mental breakdown in eating disorder recovery, as well as some tips for coping and seeking support.

Eating Disorders: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

As someone who has personally experienced an eating disorder, I understand the complexities and challenges that come with this mental illness. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. In this post, I will discuss the types, causes, and symptoms of eating disorders.

The Scale Struggle

As someone who has had a very long and complex relationship with the scale, I understand the overwhelming urge to weigh myself constantly. The scale can become a source of validation, punishment, and obsession all at once. But through my recovery journey, I learned that ditching the scale was a crucial step in healing my relationship with food and my body.

Words Matter: Supporting ED Recovery

If you know someone who is in eating disorder recovery, it’s important to be mindful of what you say to them. While you may have the best intentions, certain phrases and comments can be triggering and harmful. Here are some things to keep in mind when communicating with someone in eating disorder recovery.

Dinner Ideas in Recovery

Having struggled with an eating disorder and been in recovery for some time, I understand how challenging meal times can be. For many individuals in recovery, the thought of preparing and consuming food can trigger anxiety and fear. However, it is important to remember that nourishing your body is a crucial component of the healing process. That’s why I wanted to share some dinner ideas that are both satisfying and nourishing.

How to Tell a Loved One You Need Help

Having gone through the process of telling loved ones about my eating disorder and asking for help, I understand how difficult and intimidating this conversation can be. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that reaching out for help is a brave and necessary step in the recovery process. In this post, I will share some tips for telling your loved ones about your eating disorder and asking for the support you need.

Freedom in Faith

My journey to recovery from an eating disorder has been one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. It has also been a journey of deepening faith and trust in God, as I have learned to rely on His strength and love to overcome the struggles that once consumed my life and find freedom from the grip of a relentless eating disorder.

Building a Stellar Support System

I know firsthand how difficult the recovery process can be. It can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially when you don’t have the support system and resources you need. However, I’ve learned that finding support is crucial to the recovery process and can make all the difference. There are many different types of support that can… Continue reading Building a Stellar Support System

Apple Snacks Recipe

As someone who loves healthy and delicious snacks, I’m excited to share one of my favorite recipes featuring a classic ingredient – apple slices! This snack is perfect for satisfying any sweet cravings and it’s also easy to make and incredibly versatile.

The Treatment Team Treasure Hunt

Eating disorders are complex and often require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Finding a supportive and experienced treatment team is crucial for successful recovery. In this post, we will discuss how to find a treatment team for eating disorder recovery and the benefits of working with professionals.

Banana Berry Smoothie Bowl Recipe

As someone who is always on-the-go, I find that smoothie bowls are the perfect breakfast or snack option. They’re easy to make, portable, and can be customized to your taste preferences. Not to mention, they’re a great way to pack in a lot of nutrients in one meal!

Reasons I’m Reaching for Recovery

As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, I understand how hard it can be to take those first steps towards recovery. The process can feel daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible at times. But as I’ve journeyed through recovery, I’ve come to realize that the reasons to recover far outweigh the reasons to remain stuck in the cycle of disordered eating

My Experience Beginning Recovery

How did I know when I was ready to reach for recovery? I can say with confidence that I still can’t put my finger on what happened inside of me. Something just clicked. I had a few thoughts and helpful “aha” moments along the way that pushed me to a place where I felt safe to recover, but I don’t think I’ll ever know what the final tipping point was.