Signs you may have an eating disorder

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Signs you may have an eating disorder and why it's a problem:

• You think about food ALL THE TIME
• You weigh yourself often or regularly
• You obsess over calories, macronutrients, cleanliness, purity, content, or food groups
• You don't really care about the taste, pleasure, or enjoyment of food
• You freak out regarding restaurants or prepared foods
• You avoid restaurants at all costs
• You look up the menu prior to an outing
• You research the calories, macros, or content before eating out
• You don't indulge at holidays
• You avoid food someone else has prepared for you
• You fear trying new things
• You skirt around the topic of food OR
• You conversely are obsessive over talking about food
• You read nutrition labels or ingredient lists compulsively
• You feel guilt around partaking in some or all foods
• You feel weak, ill, or fatigued often
• You are ill
• You tire easily and quickly
• You don't go out as much as you previously did
• You don't stay out as long or as late OR
• You avoid going home
• You feel "tempted"
• You don't give in around tempting foods
• You feel out of control
• You feel completely in control of your food, your body, and your nutritional choices
• You believe no one can make you eat something
• Being challenged by a person or a food can make you feel scared
• You are reluctant to ask for help or tell someone about your problem with food
• You deny having a problem with food
• You think you can manage your eating disorder on your own

     Eating disorders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They don't discriminate based off of age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, education, religion, etc... Eating disorders affect a wide range of people and come in many forms. Some are restrictive-based, some are binge-based, some are avoidant, but they all are harmful. In fact, eating disorders can be deadly. 

     That's why this matters. That's why separating from eating disorders matters. That's why it matters that eating disorders become destigmatized and that help becomes readily available to those who are suffering. It matters that the shame around having an eating disorder decreases. The silence and the feelings or desires of minimal or no existence matters. The support that loved one can be educated to give matters. All of this matters.

     Your eating disorder is valid. You deserve care, attention, and treatment to your concerns and your eating disorder. You are worth therapy, counseling, education, and appointments. You are worth any level of care. 

     Your recovery matters.

I started this blog as a memoir to share some of my life stories with you. My goal is that these encourage and educate you on how to live a more joyful, healthier, full life; one of hope.

I write about my fascination with whole foods, my love of Jesus, my struggles, my childhood stories, my passion for education, and my devotion to creating a healthy life (body, mind, and spirit) for every person in the world.