Weight loss... orz

[minakichan]

I guess I want to unload a little, but also ask for help. I've got a weight problem. After losing 10-15 pounds last semester, I've gained 20 pounds since May (and am thus now 20 pounds overweight)... I'm a yo-yo dieter (been one since I was 9), so my weight fluctuates like crazy, and I probably have an ED-NOS, rapidly switching between extreme restriction and binging. Doing this for more than a decade has definitely shot my metabolism. I've also noticed that my mood is on the whole much worse whenever I'm carrying that extra baggage.

I've tried a ton of stuff-- exercising, eating mostly veggies, calorie counting (going down to 1200 once even), grazing, liquid fasts-- but my results are slower every time and I get discouraged and hungry and then I see all this delicious food around me. I have a tendency to eat when I'm discouraged about eating too much... I definitely treat food as comfort and go out to dinner with friends and cheat a TON. I was doing good last semester, but going home and having a mom who pushes seconds and cooks meat (mmmm, meat...) made me fall out.

I imagine that I've exhausted everything and should just go stick to salads for as long as I can handle it, but anyone got tips otherwise?

[Shao Feng-Li]

One thing to do is cut out any sugar, especially stuff like pop. Stick to your mom's meat and go for a lot of green veggies. You need stuff that's high in protein and nutrients without any fillers. If you're gonna do salads, do use dressing moderately. You need fats to absorb the good things in food. (And it'll taste better that way.)

I say that, but I stink at dieting and controlling myself :\

[Akemijo]

One: have less choices of what to eat. I know it's being pushed at you, but the less choices, less temptation.

Two:drink a lot. I know water is tasteless to people, but it's the best choice. Second best choice is green tea. It's known for raising metabolism. also drink lots of juice and milk. Any liquid will make you full.
Three: never starve yourself. Ever. When you starve yourself you are telling your body that you NEED TO KEEP THE FOOD FOR A LONGER TIME. So don't. That doesnt mean eat too much. it just means don't think "Oh im so hungry, but I shouldnt eat". EAT WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY. God made it that way, so stick with it lol.

Lastly: Don't snack. And don't eat right before bed. If you feel like having something, have some juice or water. eating before bed will store the food (you don't burn it off when you sleep xD ) Also, don't snack too much. if your gonna snack, have 6 a day. if your gonna actually eat, have 3 meals a day. I went to a doctor and they told me these were the two primary ways to eat.

I actually had the problem of being full all the time, and I needed to eat more. So I did the opposite of all this xD lol.

Hopw this helped, it's a lot ain't it...

[shooraijin]

There isn't anything magical about weight loss, but it requires such a large lifestyle change that most people are unable to maintain it. I'm one to talk; look at the Nordic Track in my living area that is gathering dust again.

[Syreth]

Along with what others have suggested, I'd suggest getting into a routine of exercising. When I say routine, I don't mean to suggest doing the same thing every day - try going on a walk one day, doing some push ups and rowing-motion exercises one day, jog a little one day, etc. If you have a favorite active sport, do it with some friends.

Strength training helps a lot, since more muscle not only uses more calories, thus raising metabolism, but keeps your metabolism higher for longer - you will even burn more calories when you sleep. I wouldn't, however, suggest doing weight training alone. If you do it, do it two to three times a week, alternating between that and cardio.

At the end of the day, people will give you all kids of advice about what works and what doesn't. It just comes down to eating healthier foods and exercising.

[Akemijo]

Along with what others have suggested, I'd suggest getting into a routine of exercising. When I say routine, I don't mean to suggest doing the same thing every day - try going on a walk one day, doing some push ups and rowing-motion exercises one day, jog a little one day, etc. If you have a favorite active sport, do it with some friends.

Strength training helps a lot, since more muscle not only uses more calories, thus raising metabolism, but keeps your metabolism higher for longer - you will even burn more calories when you sleep. I wouldn't, however, suggest doing weight training alone. If you do it, do it two to three times a week, alternating between that and cardio.

At the end of the day, people will give you all kids of advice about what works and what doesn't. It just comes down to eating healthier foods and exercising.

Yeah I agree, the bottom line is exercise and eat better.
In the old days people were less likely to be obese cause they ate less, ate natural, and were ALWAYS working hard

Nowadays we eat a lot, and God-know's what it is we are eating, and sit on our couches waiting for Grey's Anatomy to come back on. It's sad really.

[minakichan]

Thanks for the help, guys!

One thing to do is cut out any sugar, especially stuff like pop. Stick to your mom's meat and go for a lot of green veggies. You need stuff that's high in protein and nutrients without any fillers. If you're gonna do salads, do use dressing moderately. You need fats to absorb the good things in food. (And it'll taste better that way.)

Yeah, I don't drink soda (except socially), but sweets are my mortal enemy, I looove dessert. I think that the more I eat it, the more I crave it, so while I did a good job last semester, getting back into eating them doomed me this time.

I don't use salad dressing, but I use cheeeeese. Mmmm.

One: have less choices of what to eat. I know it's being pushed at you, but the less choices, less temptation.

This is a bit hard for me because I'm on a dining plan. Call it sunk cost fallacy, but I'd feel pretty bad paying $300 a semester and not taking advantage of the half-off costs in my dining hall... I'll try to go straight to the salad bar instead of the hot entree line though. Sadly, the salad bar is right next to the desserts... PLANNING FAIL.

Two:drink a lot. I know water is tasteless to people, but it's the best choice. Second best choice is green tea. It's known for raising metabolism. also drink lots of juice and milk. Any liquid will make you full.

On a good day, I drink about 54 oz of water =D Hmm, I have orange zest tea or something, but I guess I should try drinking more green tea =D

Along with what others have suggested, I'd suggest getting into a routine of exercising. When I say routine, I don't mean to suggest doing the same thing every day - try going on a walk one day, doing some push ups and rowing-motion exercises one day, jog a little one day, etc. If you have a favorite active sport, do it with some friends.

Yeah, last semester I made a habit of watching anime while riding the elliptical machine. ^_^ I should get back into that... stupid schoolwork. >_>;

[Mr. SmartyPants]

ED-NOS, do you mean Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified?

[Mr. Rogers]

There is always one best thing to do - get someone in your life who knows what they're doing when it comes to diet an exercise. It is always much easier to keep a goal when there is someone doing it with you and they can give you a lot of good advice.

[Barracuda777]

the only thing i did not see in the above posts is get someone you know and trust to keep you accountable. i find when im working on things in my life it helps alot

[Tsukuyomi]

I heard its better to snack during the say rather then have huge meals all at once, but watch how much snacking you do and what you snack on ^^ Orz, something like that ^^;

Also, a good thing to work on is reducing the amount you eat during w/e time by little by little ^^ By doing this, you're allowing your body to get used to the change ^^

Salads are good too, but watch what you put on them.. I'm not sure if cheese is such a good thing on salad, but I could be wrong ^^; I mean, health wise, and I guess it depends what kind and how much o.o? I dunno u_u

The other advice is great too ^^ Best of luck to you, love <33

[WhiteMage212]

Well I heard that when taking sugar out of a diet, you must compensate by replacing it with some sort of good [some good thing/ nutritients?]. Also, try to avoid juice when possible. You can have orange juice in the morning but don't have juice for more then one meal. I only say this because juice is basically the sugar of the fruit concentrated in a very large amount. Say for instance, compare eating An apple and drinking a glass of apple juice. The glass of apple juice is worth five apples but then you lose all that fiber you could be having. You also get the sugar content worth of five apples! So stick with eating the fruit because you will feel fuller because of the fiber. When you diet, make it a lifestyle that can fit your daily routine, otherwise you will stop and gain that wieght back. Don't stop the diet, continue the diet for as long as possible so that it becomes a lifestyle.

[minakichan]

ED-NOS, do you mean Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified?

Yay, someone paid attention in psychology class.

the only thing i did not see in the above posts is get someone you know and trust to keep you accountable. i find when im working on things in my life it helps alot

Heh, I have "dieting buddies," but they aren't that reliable...

Also, try to avoid juice when possible. You can have orange juice in the morning but don't have juice for more then one meal.

Yeah, I don't drink juice, soda, or milk anymore, unless it's a social thing. I just bought a ton of fruit the other day though! I'm going to try only snacking on fruit if anything.

[Barracuda777]

im not just talking about a diet buddy. im talking about someone whom you can get together with on a regular basis and see if your doing what you said you would. and to encourage you

[ShiroiHikari]

If you really, really can't get over eating sweets, may I suggest trying granola bars instead? Especially the ones by Kashi-- they don't have a lot of sugar in them, yet they still taste sweet, and they have protein and fiber and other good stuff.

Whatever you do, don't fast. It doesn't help you shed pounds, it only makes you gain more, and makes you feel like crap to boot. (Been there; done that.)

Since you suspect you have an ED, maybe see a psychiatrist?

[shooraijin]

If you do see a psychiatrist, make sure they know what to do with eating disorders. Not all of them do.

[White Raven]

I guess I want to unload a little, but also ask for help. I've got a weight problem. After losing 10-15 pounds last semester, I've gained 20 pounds since May (and am thus now 20 pounds overweight)... I'm a yo-yo dieter (been one since I was 9), so my weight fluctuates like crazy, and I probably have an ED-NOS, rapidly switching between extreme restriction and binging. Doing this for more than a decade has definitely shot my metabolism. I've also noticed that my mood is on the whole much worse whenever I'm carrying that extra baggage.

I've tried a ton of stuff-- exercising, eating mostly veggies, calorie counting (going down to 1200 once even), grazing, liquid fasts-- but my results are slower every time and I get discouraged and hungry and then I see all this delicious food around me. I have a tendency to eat when I'm discouraged about eating too much... I definitely treat food as comfort and go out to dinner with friends and cheat a TON. I was doing good last semester, but going home and having a mom who pushes seconds and cooks meat (mmmm, meat...) made me fall out.

I imagine that I've exhausted everything and should just go stick to salads for as long as I can handle it, but anyone got tips otherwise?

Minakichan,

First off, I don’t know you, so don’t get upset if I am taking your post the wrong way. But your post sent up some red flags for me. I know people who struggle with ED’s everyday.

First off have you been to a MD? What have they said?

One thing I noticed in your post was that it seems you starve yourself and binge. This will hurt you more than just eating normal. Because your body thinks you are starving, so when you do eat something, your body tries to make the most of the food and will pack on the pounds.

Next why do you think you are doing this? I sense there is something else bothering you other then 15 or 20 lbs. Do you find you feel anxious, distraught, angry? Do you find that you eat or binge when you are emotional?
Do you ever feel out of control of things, so you try to make up for it by controlling your body?

You don’t have to answer me these questions, but I suggest you think about them long and hard. Take a good look on how you feel about things.

Also write down everything you feel. And write down things you are proud of about yourself. That will also give you a more clear look on what is going on inside your heart.

Right now I think you should just eat when you are hungry stop when you are full, and you should maintain your current weight.

Also GO TO THE DOCTOR! If you are heading down the path of ED then you are heading to a very bad place, and it will eventually kill you. It almost got my sister and two of my friends. This is nothing to play with.
Trust me, you will feel better by getting some answers, even if you have no ED at all.
Tammi.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Tossing around the NOS-stuff can be risky. But then again, I think you understand yourself well enough to catch on certain patterns which may be abnormal.

Really though, finding that accountability may be an important first step. I think I suggest that too.

[minakichan]

If you really, really can't get over eating sweets, may I suggest trying granola bars instead? Especially the ones by Kashi-- they don't have a lot of sugar in them, yet they still taste sweet, and they have protein and fiber and other good stuff.

I'm kind of a dieting moron, and for a while I was like NO GRANOLA BARS HAVE TOO MANY CALORIES but now I'm like WAIT THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE BECAUSE I CHEAT WITH CAKE AND THAT'S WORSE. So maybe I should try that.

I actually don't like Kashi bars that much (too tough), but I uh, I've binged on Nutri-Grain bars once. I mean, yeah, Nutri-Grain bars aren't really granola bars anyway, but I'm a little scared of them. I guess if I buy granola bars individually, it'll be OK.

One thing I noticed in your post was that it seems you starve yourself and binge. This will hurt you more than just eating normal. Because your body thinks you are starving, so when you do eat something, your body tries to make the most of the food and will pack on the pounds.

Yeah, I guess I got into the habit of it because it's worked for me before-- I lost like 10-20 pounds every time I've gone on severe restriction, but it's gotten harder every time gah. I DEFINITELY eat emotionally because I always think of food as a reward (and not-food as a punishment). Because food is delicious!

Also GO TO THE DOCTOR! If you are heading down the path of ED then you are heading to a very bad place, and it will eventually kill you. It almost got my sister and two of my friends. This is nothing to play with.

Yeah, I've been thinking about it. I actually used to frequent some ana/mia LJs and websites and stuff because they were like the only places I could find people going through the same thing, and the people there were so supportive and accepting. (Anorexics are a lot of things, but some of them can be very loving and kind.) I'm a little afraid of going to a doctor or telling my friends because our ways of thinking would be so disparate.

I guess I never thought of EDs as that dangerous for me because the girls you see on TV are always super skinny, and a lot of people are like "You can't have an eating disorder, you're not skinny!" orz

[RandomBurrito]

Alrighty, well another thing that may help and I don't think many people know about this too is eating right for your blood type. That also can help you loose weight and even feel better. For example, blood type A's can't digest meat as well as a blood type O. Try seeing what blood type you are and then try finding a book that explains what foods are good for your blood type. That'll help alot. It'll help you alot. I have a book for myself as well (unfortunately, haven't been to the grocery store to buy good stuff and have been eating whatever lately. Eheh ^_^'). Hope that helps you! God bless!

[White Raven]

Yeah, I guess I got into the habit of it because it's worked for me before-- I lost like 10-20 pounds every time I've gone on severe restriction, but it's gotten harder every time gah. I DEFINITELY eat emotionally because I always think of food as a reward (and not-food as a punishment). Because food is delicious!


Yeah, I've been thinking about it. I actually used to frequent some ana/mia LJs and websites and stuff because they were like the only places I could find people going through the same thing, and the people there were so supportive and accepting. (Anorexics are a lot of things, but some of them can be very loving and kind.) I'm a little afraid of going to a doctor or telling my friends because our ways of thinking would be so disparate.

I guess I never thought of EDs as that dangerous for me because the girls you see on TV are always super skinny, and a lot of people are like "You can't have an eating disorder, you're not skinny!" orz

I’m not trying to scare you. But I really think you should see a doctor of some kind about how you feel about yourself.

Most people think that an ED is just starving yourself. But an Eating Disorder is just that. Something is wrong with how you eat, see your body, and your mental health. You can be fat and over eat and do yourself harm in that way. (like my father did) Or you can be skinny and starve yourself, (like my sister did) Or you can be anywhere in between. The problem is not with your size or even what you are eating. When you have an ED, the problem is in your mind. It’s how you cope with everyday life. How you learn to comfort yourself. Some people eat for comfort some people starve. The root of the problem is not food, not weakness, and not anything you should feel ashamed of. People who have any kind of disorder, should feel no more ashamed than someone with cancer, or someone with a bad cold. It is a sickness that has to be dealt with by professionals.

[Bunny]

I'm kind of a dieting moron, and for a while I was like NO GRANOLA BARS HAVE TOO MANY CALORIES but now I'm like WAIT THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE BECAUSE I CHEAT WITH CAKE AND THAT'S WORSE. So maybe I should try that.

I actually don't like Kashi bars that much (too tough), but I uh, I've binged on Nutri-Grain bars once. I mean, yeah, Nutri-Grain bars aren't really granola bars anyway, but I'm a little scared of them. I guess if I buy granola bars individually, it'll be OK.


Yeah, I guess I got into the habit of it because it's worked for me before-- I lost like 10-20 pounds every time I've gone on severe restriction, but it's gotten harder every time gah. I DEFINITELY eat emotionally because I always think of food as a reward (and not-food as a punishment). Because food is delicious!


Yeah, I've been thinking about it. I actually used to frequent some ana/mia LJs and websites and stuff because they were like the only places I could find people going through the same thing, and the people there were so supportive and accepting. (Anorexics are a lot of things, but some of them can be very loving and kind.) I'm a little afraid of going to a doctor or telling my friends because our ways of thinking would be so disparate.

I guess I never thought of EDs as that dangerous for me because the girls you see on TV are always super skinny, and a lot of people are like "You can't have an eating disorder, you're not skinny!" orz

If you're at a university, you probably have a nutristionist and a counselor/psychologist available to you for FREE. I would suggest exploiting their services as much as possible because learning now will save you money spent on similar services in the future.

I sought out my school counselor after anxiety attacks starting getting in the way of me being able to listen and participate in class. He made me schedule my eating habits along with my daily activities and I found out that my anxiety issues were actually an emotional response to a dramatic lack of nutrition. There's a huge emotional weight that goes along with your eating habits and it's not always conscious and under control. If you can get a nutritionist to help you meal plan and also see a counselor to be sure that you're mentally healthy while dieting, you'll be so many steps ahead of the game. Campus officials are used to dealing with people your age, too, so they'll be more likely to understand your lifestyle and have experience with things common to young people like eating disorders.

Also, I understand that you probably eat whatever is available on campus, but if your nutritionist helps you come up with a meal plan and something isn't available there, it may be time to cook. I know, I know. It's not always fun but if it helps you get the results you want, I'm sure you'll learn to love it. You'd be surprised how many healthy foods are available to pop in your microwave now, too. Kashi has some pretty tasty choices in that department.

That being said, if you're looking for low-calorie goodies, Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis are 150 calories each and they're scrumptious! You microwave them for 30 seconds and they're perfect. I recommend the chocolate cake and caramel ones. Mmm. Also, Weight Watchers makes a great cookie ice cream bar and there's always Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches.

I really wouldn't recommend a salad diet. Salad is 90% water and will only last you an hour or two at the most, leaving you famished and rushing for the cookie cabinet. I would look for something filling but still light. I'm not an expert on diets, by any means, though. I just know if you're hungry, even after eating, it's a bad thing.

[shooraijin]

I guess I never thought of EDs as that dangerous for me because the girls you see on TV are always super skinny, and a lot of people are like "You can't have an eating disorder, you're not skinny!" orz

Bulimics usually are of normal or slightly above weight. (Not to imply you are bulimic, just that "ED-NOSes" {very witty } are not restricted to the underweight.)

[minakichan]

Bulimics usually are of normal or slightly above weight. (Not to imply you are bulimic, just that "ED-NOSes" {very witty } are not restricted to the underweight.)

Yeah, I've heard a lot of bulimics say how awful it is to be bulimic and that they'd never wish it on anyone else, but anorexics that think that's okay, since you can't lose weight in bulimia. ^^;;

[shooraijin]

Not to get sidetracked, but as a resident on pediatrics service we had several anorexics who were hospitalized. It was tragic how desperate they were to ruin themselves. I can't express how driven and compelled they were to exercise, to not eat, to do anything to keep a negative calorie count even if it meant they would die.

[White Raven]

Not to get sidetracked, but as a resident on pediatrics service we had several anorexics who were hospitalized. It was tragic how desperate they were to ruin themselves. I can't express how driven and compelled they were to exercise, to not eat, to do anything to keep a negative calorie count even if it meant they would die.

Yes. What is just as tragic, is how the many people do not understand how deadly it is to allow a ED, to take over their life, or the life of a loved one. It is not something that someone can just "get over " it does irreparable damage to the mind and body. And it is not something cool or attractive.

[GeneD]

If you're at a university, you probably have a nutristionist and a counselor/psychologist available to you for FREE. I would suggest exploiting their services as much as possible because learning now will save you money spent on similar services in the future.

I want to second this and also suggest looking for a type of weight management group or society or something. We have one called Weigh-Less, and while I don't think they are right for everyone, they can help a person a lot to get into a healthy eating lifestyle.

One of the things they do (I'm sure a nutritionist could help too) is to set up a personal eating plan for you. My sister had one a few years ago and she said she had more than enough food and was never hungry but she was eating the right kinds of food, at the right times. They always give options so your food doesn't get boring and also have recipes to try and a "How To Eat Like a King on a Paupers Budget" section, which is always important for students.

The main point is that the focus is on a healthy life-style and not dieting, which IMO never really allows any progress in the long run.

[fairyprincess90]

I'm the same way minakichan so you're not alone! I'm actually recovering so if you ever need to talk email me -> oxcrimsonrosesxo@gmail.com

I'm always dieting and I find that when I try NOT to diet I lose weight.
How you feel has a huge effect on how your body will perform and work.

I love buying all sorts of organic and natural foods but since you are at college I guess that won't work...

Portion control. Allow yourself to have a little bit of sweets and a little fat but really watch yourself. When you grab a plate at the cafeteria grab a little one. Sit somewhere where lots of people are watching you. I hate eating in front of people so this always works for me. Allow yourself to eat and enjoy good food but just in moderation. If you grab a small plate and fill it up of all the things you want to try (skip rolls and soda) you'll be eating (which is good for your metabolism) but you'll be consuming a healthy amount. Once done eating go straight out the door. Don't buy yourself snacks unless you want to go out and get maybe some slim fast bars or diet protein bars something healthy..Or tangerines..YUM!
Eat lots of fiber..it will make you feel full and you'll be cleaning out your insides too. Don't eat too much though I get lots of cramps if I eat too much.

It's good you're drinking lots of water. Eat lots of veggies.

I know I've lost lots of weight in the past by restricting myself but it's not good for you in the long run. There are other ways to lose that will help you KEEP the weight off and live a healthy life. I was miserable when I wasn't eating enough. I didn't have energy, I had poor sleeping habits..ugh I hated it.

OH that's something..SLEEP! Sleep MUST be a priority. The less sleep you get the more you'll feel hungry. Try taking like a 30 minute or 1 hr nap during the afternoon.

Exercise! Walk briskly to each class. Do 50 sit-ups in the morning and BUY A STABILITY BALL! I love those! The more muscle you have the more calories you'll burn so buy some cheap weights, a stability ball (20 dollars) and maybe some cheap ankle weights that you can wear under your jeans when you walk from class to class. I put my stability ball where I put on my makeup and while I do my hair and makeup I bounce on the ball and it's sooooo fun! So while you're at your desk studying even just sitting on it helps burn calories because your body is balancing on it and every few minutes take a minute to bounce on it or something. I hate exercising but I know it's what is going to work. It also helps with stress. My college has a free gym so check out the gym and maybe bike for an hour every OTHER day. Make sure you sweat because that's what's going to shed the pounds.

Drink a diet Gatorade once a day for a snack maybe around 2pm..one that has like 80 calories..or a 10 calorie vitamin water. You binge because your body needs vitamins. Your body after a full day of work will be craving it so bad it goes crazy and you binge. Take vitamin supplements in the morning and drink a low calorie vitamin drink during the day so that you're getting nutrition..this is also why you NEED to eat. Just pick healthy choices and watch your portions.

If you DO binge..don't feel so bad. Know that you have other options than maybe taking laxatives or throwing it up (which is what I did in the past). If you binge do 50 crunches or go to the gym even if it's your "off" day. Drink lots of water after you binge so it gets diluted and you flush it out in a healthy way. Don't feel so bad. I binge all the time..just because you binge once in a while doesn't mean you're going to get fat. Just be aware of what you are doing and throw the food away that you're eating and tell yourself to stop it and that you've worked too hard to mess up now. (and if you work out that's a good helper because you know you spent time and sweat to burn calories and it helps to not eat as much)

Stress will also cause you to lose weight. Working out and sleeping will help make some stress go away. Yoga also helps with stress and I find it really fun. Buy a yoga book with some moves and do at least 2 moves a day, every morning.

Well...I wrote a long post =P


Hope this helps. You can email me if you want with more questions or if you need someone's help to stay accountable. It's up to you. =]

And smile..it burns calories. =]

[minakichan]

Thanks for all the support through this entire thread, guys.

I wanted to update to say that I've been talking with someone in my uni's Medical, and I might be joining a support group for this kind of stuff next semester, if the problem sets don't kill me first.

I'm a little worried because a lot of advice I've seen all over the internet is SO contradictory (snacking is good, snacking is bad, eat when you're hungry, only eat reguarly, treat yourself once in a while, don't because it'll cause you to binge).

I've started keeping a diary of food, and it gets bad because 1500 calories in, I'm still starving by the end of the day. I drink between 27-54 oz of water a day; I'm going to try to up that. Also going to try to exercise more... although I said that at the beginning of the year too orz. I got a free theraband though, so maybe I'll put it to use ^_^ Also, going to try sleeping more, although like, I guess I'm not sure about it because it doesn't FEEL like it really correlates with a weight loss (whereas if you lose weight and you restrict and feel hungry all the time, it really feels like what you're doing pays off).

Thanks, fairyprincess, it's amazing to find someone else going through the same thing. The only support I've had before was pro-ana sites, and I'm trying to stay away from those now.

[fairyprincess90]

Well Minakichan...there ARE a lot of contradictions. It's so good you are seeking help! I'm so proud of you! Definitely ask doctors because they can clear any myths that people have..because there is A LOT of myths out there..who knows maybe one of my ideas is just a myth..haha

Also with all these ideas..really..they all can work. You just have to find what's best for you.

I know that if I stay away from food and don't even take one bite..I don't feel hungry. But that's not good because I end up starving and that's unhealthy. So I need to snack..but snack often and with little amounts so that I don't end up not eating, not eating, not eating..and then pigging out..which stretches out your stomach..which then causes you to feel hungry more often..which then causes you to eat more and gain weight.

So really..try different things. I did, until I found something that worked for me. Just make sure that it's healthy and it's not going to harm your metabolism anymore. Eating six small meals a day is proven to be really good for your metabolism so you might want to try that first..if it doesn't work try something else.

Also, not eating enough and not eating often enough will cause your blood sugars to drop which causes cortisol (or however you spell it) to "spike" and that causes belly fat. Stress also boosts cortisol and you don't want that.

Also, write little encouraging notes to yourself and tack them on your mirror on on the wall by your bed. You ARE beautiful and you don't NEED to lose weight. I wrote "hello gorgeous" on a post-it note and stuck it inside my wardrobe door so every time I open it I see it..and true..it sounds kind of silly..but it does help me a bit.


All these little changes (such as getting enough sleep) WILL help with weight loss even though it doesn't feel like it. When you get enough sleep it does A LOT for you. It helps your mood, appetite, skin, and immune system. And when you're happier and you're not as hungry you'll feel better about your body which will help you not harm it so much.

Also, not to be a bearer of bad news..but..you might struggle with this your entire life. I still struggle..even though I'm a lot better now than I was before. I still have bad days and weeks where I make wrong choices, but I'm strong and I'm fighting to do what's right for myself..and YOU are strong too! You can do this! You can be healthy and fit and happy! I believe in you! Know that!

xoxo

(oh, and correction to my above post where near the end I wrote "stress will cause you to lose weight"...I meant GAIN weight. ahahaha sorry about that)