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Posts: 208
11/21/09 2:52 P

If you've ever been on an airplane, and read those little safety manuals, you may recall that the instructions are to put on your own oxygen mask before you help the person next to you. It may seem selfish, but in fact it is the opposite. As a caretaker, you MUST take care of yourself, so that you can properly give your full energy to others.

You know your body, and you know your brain's disordered patterns. It is very hard to 'diet' without falling in to those old patterns. It's a very very slippery slope. The disordered 'voice' in the back of your mind will start whispering, and it will become harder and harder to ignore it/reason with it.

I strongly suggest you do not diet without guidance from a certified nutritionist. (And more specifically, one who has experience with eating-disordered clients. Yes, it's 2009 now, but there are still a lot of doctors and nutritionists out there who do not know enough about eating disorders!)

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Posts: 46
11/20/09 2:39 P

it sounds like a tough situation with lots of stress and triggers. Kudos to you for bringing up the "secret eating". That is what I struggled with, that was when I would binge. I still fight that impulse. I wish I had some great advice, but, I don't. So I'll just say "good luck".

current weight: 130.0

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Posts: 446
11/20/09 2:00 P

I have had eating issues and this is what Im currently doing:

Since I know about EVERY calorie there is in foods I "eyeball" the food portions and just eat what I want but in the portions Im supposed to stick to. I dont stress about it like I used to. It was taking over my life! So about a week ago I began doing this and it has helped SO MUCH! I find that im sticking to about 1300 calorie range without having so much stress!

If you need to talk ... im here for ya!

Posts: 152
11/20/09 10:57 A

I have never been bulimic but I have flirted with eating disordered behavior in the past and can imagine it must be very hard to even go near those issues again. I would strongly, STRONGLY recommend you take a pause before starting any diet and get yourself set up with a good therapist who can help keep you grounded, give you an outlet to help with the stress of your husband's illness, and be a check and balance if you start feeling like you're in danger. If you do seek a counselor, be open that you have a history of eating disorders and that there's a lot going on in your life, and give them room to help you keep steady. best of luck to you and to the other poster who wrote about having a history of eating disorders. Be safe.

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Posts: 239
11/12/09 9:50 P

I know exactly how you are feeling. I too have struggled with bulimia and eating disorders in the past and am always wondering if I will eventually relapse. It is good that you ARE worrying though. It shows that you know purging is wrong and not good for your body. Just keep an eye on things and counselors are always available when you need to talk. If you feel like you are sliding back into your old habits I would stop dieting immediately and seek professional help. Best of luck!

SparkPoints: (113,046)
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Posts: 12,416
11/12/09 9:30 A

Hello MissMonroe1,

Where attention goes, energy flows. Instead of putting your energy/focus on what you will not do, decide some positive steps you will take.

Instead of focusing on what you cannot do, be creative and grateful for what you can do and all the options you still have.

Your life does sound like it has many challenges and you do have my empathy. One thing in your control is the way you handle your challenges. Every step you make towards honoring yourself by nurturing yourself in a healthy way will bring triumpant rewards. I wish you strength, patience, perseverance and success!

Posts: 18
11/12/09 8:43 A

Hello there,
5 years ago I lost nearly 60lbs and sadly by doing this I developed Bulimia of the binge/puge variety! I used to purge with laxatives (40 a day!) and by exercising, I power-walked 16 - 30 miles a day and sometimes more if i had eaten something. I managed to overcome this and got back to a wobbly normality.
ow i need to lose about 14lbs but I feel I will slip into my Bulimia if I start calorie counting and become obsessive about everything again. I dont need to lose a lot but i need to get control over my eating as i have felt myself binge before i go on a diet and I dont want to get any bigger.
I developed serious shin-splints in both my shins and heels due to over-training and I also have probems with my hips too .

My life has changed in the last few years, got divorced, remarried, Husband now ill and I am full time carer, not working....and I have 3 kids too!I have a teadmill as i cannot leave my Husband for long so regular exercising outside of the home isnt an option.

SO can anyone offer some tips to help me.
I had an idea that this week i will focus on one aspect - like not binging or eating any junk food as my goal then get onto calorie counting when i have done that.

My husband is on a lot of meds and not only is that stressful and depressing for me but his eating habits are very erratic as he is sick a lot of the time. So that leaves me to just pick at bad foods as i feel guilty cooking myself a nice dinner when he is so ill!!! I know it is crazy not to look after myself but I am also finding the guilt is making me eat in secret - not a good thing!

Any ex-Bulimics or carers trying to diet - please advise and help!!!
xxx