We all know that being healthy is good for you, right? Healthy people are happier, feel less stressed, and have more energy. So why on earth do so many of us end up feeling like we’re doing our own recovery from an eating disorder or another chronic ailment? It’s almost as if feelings of well-being are contagious and we all sink even deeper into the dark abysses of self-discovery as a result. Resilient. Energized. Mindful. These are the five benefits that come from saying ‘yes’ to food after treatment for obesity and related disorders. The truth is that unplanned changes often occur over time: you start to feel more connected to yourself (e.g., clearer about your intentions), your friends (e.g., more trusting), your family (e.g., more responsive to their needs), and your community (e.g., more accountable). Once you get used to going out for meals with other people who share your interests and cultivate a variety of traditional foods, it feels natural to just take in a bit of green leafy veggie juice before heading home afterwards!
What’s the big deal with eating disorders?
There have been numerous theories put forth as to why people on diets might experience an eating disorder: selective eating, low-birth-weight, anorexia, anorexic personality, anorexic thoughts or actions, anorexic emotions, and the list goes on. While most of these theories seem reasonable on their own, they all boil down to one thing: you have to accept that there’s no perfect way to eat. As soon as you start understanding that the eating disorder you’re dealing with is a result of your circumstances, you can start to let go of the mystical ‘yes’ Maneuver and move towards a healthier, more positive you!
When to talk to a doctor about an eating disorder
If you’re the one dealing with an eating disorder and you want to talk to a doctor about it, you should definitely talk to a doctor first: he or she can help you understand your eating habits better, suggest ways to combat certain emotions, and offer a more detailed look into your eating habits and what foods might be triggering your symptoms. It’s also a good idea to get your doctor’s advice on how to start focusing more on your health: the less caloric items in your diet will encourage you to have less energy, while foods that contain fruits or vegetables will keep you full and engaged throughout the day.
Helping people who suffer from an eating disorder is a team effort
Eating disorders are a group of disorders that tend to be treatable by working with a nutritionist, a therapist, a dietitian, a doctor, and/or a food manufacturer. This means that you’ll need to work with people who are different from yourself in personality and situation. Finding friends who share your interests and share your struggles can be an amazing way to help each other grow and learn. You might also consider working with a peer support group for people who suffer from eating disorders. These can be a great source of positive, shared experience for all.
The benefits of being ready for treatment after recovery
There are many benefits to eating disorders recovery: It allows you to re-frame your life and take control of your emotions. When you’re in control of your emotions, you’re in charge of what happens next. It shows you that you can take risks and take decisions that you might not have otherwise considered. It gives you the energy and energy drink you’ve always wanted. And last but not least, it allows you to be yourself again! You can eat as much or as little as you want with as much energy as you’d like.
Bottom line
Eating disorders are complex and confusing. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lonely when you have a eating disorder. It can be hard to find a support system because you feel like you don’t have anyone to share your problems with. You might even wonder if there’s a way to get support for yourself outside of the food community. It’s important to remember that eating disorders are a complex and subtle process that requires a lot of work from all of the different parts of your body. The key is to learn to accept who you are while at the same time finding ways to get enough exercise so that you can feel good and have energy.