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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by devon00 on December 14, 2003, at 18:41:13
I am interested in all of your feedback, especially those of you who have successfully recovered from an eating disorder or have knowledge of nutrition.
To make a long story short, I used to be borderline anorexic. I once went three days without eating anything. Slowly, I recovered. I went on an antidepressant that made me gain a lot of weight and now I struggle with my weight! Further complicating the situation is that I am a compulsive overeater. When I am stressed out, nothing calms me like cookies or chocolate. I am also *very* confused as to what is healthy or good to eat. Low fat/high carb? High protein/low fat? I try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables but other than that I don't know what to eat or what to avoid. And I also don't know how to control my cravings and avoid turning to food out of habit when I am stressed.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Posted by naiad on December 15, 2003, at 15:22:11
In reply to Compulsive overeating (recovered anorexic), posted by devon00 on December 14, 2003, at 18:41:13
I don't know if this will help but here goes. I am in a 12 step program (Al-Anon) and I know that another similar program called Overeaters Anonymous has been very helpful for many, many people. You could try Googling the name and find out if there is a meeting near you and give it a try.
Good luck!
Posted by Poet on December 16, 2003, at 11:03:58
In reply to Compulsive overeating (recovered anorexic), posted by devon00 on December 14, 2003, at 18:41:13
Hi Devon,
I'm a recovered/recovering bulimic. I had a major loss of control recently and binged and purged. I feel I'm emotionally and physically back in control, but know that binges are easily triggered by emotional pain.
I completely understand that chocolate and cookies are comfort when you're stressed. I try to make myself remember that overeating does not release the pain I am feeling, it just temporarily hides it.
What helps me control my eating is to plan my meals in advance, from breakfast to dinner. I don't cook, so I'm sure it drives my husband crazy that I ask on Monday what's for dinner on Thursday, but it helps me keep in control and that's what's important.
I give in to comfort food, but in small amounts. One ice cream cone, one cookie. I buy snack size junk food one bag at a time. Same thing with candy: one bar, not a bag. It helps me not to have big quantities of foods I crave in the house so I don't eat give in to eating a gallon of ice cream and/or a pound of chips in one sitting.
You are a strong person, you recovered from anorexia, you can recover from overeating.
Take care.
Poet
Posted by Medusa on December 19, 2003, at 13:57:27
In reply to Compulsive overeating (recovered anorexic), posted by devon00 on December 14, 2003, at 18:41:13
Hi Devon,
there's a book called _Overcoming Overeating_, by Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter. Their approach is counter-intuitive (legalize everything and learn to follow your body's wishes) and has made a real difference for me.
There are also on-line support groups based on the books. Dinah has my e-mail address, if you'd like more information.
Posted by Camille Dumont on December 20, 2003, at 19:15:06
In reply to Compulsive overeating (recovered anorexic), posted by devon00 on December 14, 2003, at 18:41:13
I'm not a dietitian but I go by two simple rules
1. Stay away from processed food (i.e. already prepared) because you can't control what goes in it and sometimes companies use the cheapest ingredients ... which are usually not so good for you.
2. Don't buy the things that make you overeat (like cookies). If its not in your house then its alot more trouble to get a hold of and its easyer when the temptation is not there.
I fin it helps to have lots of fruits and pre-cut veggies (especially those baby carrots) always in the fridge. So when I get the munchies its easy to grab and its better to pig out on carrots than on chips
I don't think there is any magic recipe to control your weight. Try to eat a little bit of everything and do indulge yourself once in a while ... and preferably at restaurants because that way you've not tempted to get another helping. So long as you eat a variety of things with lots of fruit and veggies and fibers you should be fine.
I can totally relate to the "eating out of stress" ... sometimes I find that having a herbal tea or even just a huge glass of water or even brushing my teeth take the craving away ... and if it doesn't ... then just eat something healthy like a fruit or raw veggies.
> I am interested in all of your feedback, especially those of you who have successfully recovered from an eating disorder or have knowledge of nutrition.
>
> To make a long story short, I used to be borderline anorexic. I once went three days without eating anything. Slowly, I recovered. I went on an antidepressant that made me gain a lot of weight and now I struggle with my weight! Further complicating the situation is that I am a compulsive overeater. When I am stressed out, nothing calms me like cookies or chocolate. I am also *very* confused as to what is healthy or good to eat. Low fat/high carb? High protein/low fat? I try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables but other than that I don't know what to eat or what to avoid. And I also don't know how to control my cravings and avoid turning to food out of habit when I am stressed.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions?
This is the end of the thread.
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