eating disorders update

[bmccasland]

Sunshine - Hope your hollydaze have been great and you continue to improve! We're here to support you.

So in my best, fake, Jewish mother accent - eat, eat! What, you don't like my cooking?

Seriously, you don't have to face eating issues alone, if cyberspace counts! Getting your health back will help your cycling. How's that for motivation?

OK, OK, I won't quit my day job and become a motivational speaker.

[hellosunshine]

oh YOU darlings-47.4kg on a "good day"

wow,i am loathe to trouble you all with it but i must say YOU lot are superb and so positive,the anorexic forums are very "poor me" and isnt life a nightmare etc etc,which i dont think is they way to switch into health tbh

HEALTH HEALTH -sodium levels are askew andcreatine levels nincompoop so this has been a real scare and drive to get up to a healthy weight-yes ya right this sport encourages thinness-but thats for the MEN not for us loveli women who need to succeed and be happy and vibrant!

tis a little harder maybe as i live alone and isolated apart from bunch riding with the lads and work interactions

i was given a happy book for christmas that ive printed off things posted on this thread and the weight thread,all the positive examples of wellness for motivation

the racing-well,believe it or not i did managed to do the BBAR comp this yr,best 25,50 and 100 mile timetrail comp-seemed to do better over longer distnace events rather than the shorter 10mile power timetrials,BUT today dropped on the hills so desperatly need leg muscle mass.


i value you all so so much,thanks!

[Pedal Wench]

One thing I've realized is how much better I feel when my body is properly fueled. I really like thinking about what I put in is going to make me stronger, or healthier. Purpose-driven nutrition -- I'm eating this cereal because the carbs will make me faster. I'm putting soymilk on it because the protein helps my muscles rebuild after a ride. I'm eating this fruit because the vitamins prevent illness that will keep me off my bike.

[bikerchic]

hellosunshine
What a perfect name you've chosen you brighten up the place!

My daughter suffered for a few years in her mid to late teens with bulimia. It was a very scary time for us and I must say we tried so many things to help her through it but the one thing that seemed to help most was cradling therapy.
I guess in easier terms it's just giving yourself permission to feel and be loved and to hear from those closest to you that you are loved. Self acceptance.

I used to cradle her in my arms much like a baby and let her cry, I cried, I soothed her just like she was an infant. Sometimes she would fall asleep in my lap and I would just look at her in amazement, how wonderful she is and how happy I am that she is my daughter. I wanted her to get over her illness so badly so she could be with us for years to come.

She did, she is and she has two beautiful children and a loving husband. We are truly blessed.

I know it's a struggle but you are a strong person and you can beat this you sound determined you'll do it just love yourself!

Hugs!

~Kate

[Tri Girl]

I'm so glad that you're on the road to wellness!!! It's a tough road to hoe, but you've got good friends here to help you along the way.

[hellosunshine]

thanks guys!well,the only breathing mamals in the house are 2 springer spaniels under 1 yrs old to cuddle/cradle,BUT they are the best buddies,THEY LOVE LIFE


this is the year for me i know and found an totally inspiring website

fishyvb.something-fishy.org so if you know anyone that has the mindset to recover this is a god send.also hospital 29th jan.

i know after all this time the time has come for me to shake my wings and fly!

[Tri Girl]

You're not alone here.
Eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes. I can relate to you in a not so similar way. I'm not trying to take away from you, but can I share something that I've not told anybody else? There are some that are on the other end of the spectrum of eating dysfunction- mine involves food obsession. I constantly obsess about food. Not just the normal- I like food, I think I'll eat some. It's a true obsession. I'm always thinking about: when will I eat next, what will be on the plate, how much will I eat, what will it taste like? It's been a difficult battle. I eat when I'm hungry and when I'm full- the thought of food is like a drug to me. I sometimes hide the wrappers of food from my DH because I don't want him to think I'm a pig. I've fought my weight for years, and my obsession with food has kept me battling for normalcy. I'm overweight by "only" about 20 lbs (which is still a lot). If I didn't try to control it, I'd be easily 100+ lbs overweight. I used to be 60 lbs overweight, and that was not fun. It's not a matter of will power or just not eating or putting it down. I can't help myself. I've not sought help, but often wonder if I should (I think I'm afraid to expose the demons of why I'm like this). I sorta control it now by exercising and keeping myself as busy as I can. If I didn't work- I'd be in trouble.
When food is the culprit, it's so hard to overcome it. It's not like you can go "cold turkey" and alienate yourself from the people you used to "do it" around (like drug addiction). You can't learn to live without it. Food is a fact of life, and it can be hard to learn how to view it as healthy. I'm glad you've found a way to live with the cards you've been dealt and can find peace in your life this year.