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Diet TroubleShooting.....
I Don't Have the Patience to Lose Weight!
Do you feel that you lack sufficient patience to lose weight? I mean, does the idea of losing a maximum of 2 pounds of fat, per week, drive you crazy with impatience?
If so, you are suffering from "Now-Now-Now Syndrome".
Now-Now-Now Syndrome
Background Story
A few years ago in Brazil, a man in a restaurant was asked to wait an extra five minutes for his T-bone steak. He responded by shooting the waiter in the foot and when his own wife objected, he stabbed her in the eye with a sausage and knocked her unconscious with a dinner-plate. Result? He went to prison for eighteen months.
Hmm. See how dangerous impatience can be?
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Impatience and Weight Loss
Of all the obstacles to losing weight, impatience is the worst.
We get on the scales and discover we're 10 pounds heavier! OR...
We go shopping and discover we're a size bigger than we thought! OR...
We catch sight of a new bulge in our stomach.
How do we react?
Do we calmly assess the situation?
Do we carefully consider our options?
Do we soberly make plans to solve the problem?
No. We don't do any of these things.
Instead...
Stage 1.
We get hysterical.
We throw a tantrum.
We feel disgusted with ourselves.
We despair.
Stage 2.
We try to purge the problem.
We search for instant Now-Now-Now solutions.
We don't want real answers.
Because real answers take time.
And we don't have time, right?
We need Now-Now-Now answers that will solve everything, RIGHT NOW!
So we stop eating, or take pills, or laxatives.
Hang the cost.
Never mind that none of these miracle-products work.
We don't care.
Because we're frothing!
We're in a Now-Now-Now frenzy.
We say things like:
I'm NEVER going to eat ANYTHING bad EVER again!
I'm DEFINITELY going to CHANGE COMPLETELY!
Because from now on we are going to be PERFECT.
Ho Hum.
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Stop!
Stop shooting the waiter in the foot.
Okay, you've put on weight.
Okay, your stomach may be too fat.
Okay, none of your clothes may fit you.
Okay, you REALLY want to lose weight.
But don't shoot the waiter.
Because this is going to make everything worse.
Instead, be cool.
Okay, your stomach may be too fat.
Okay, none of your clothes may fit you.
Okay, you REALLY want to lose weight.
But don't shoot the waiter.
Because this is going to make everything worse.
Instead, be cool.
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Be Cool
Being cool means fixing the problem, instead of frothing about it.
It means:
Changing Your Bad Eating Habits
- Avoid junk.
- Eat more 'natural' foods.
- Go easy on the butter and mayo.
- Boil or grill, instead of frying.
- Stop eating packet snacks: eat more fruit.
- Eat little and often.
None of These Things Are "Difficult" !!!
"Difficult" is looking for a size 24 bikini.
"Difficult" is understanding a menu when you can't read.
"Difficult" is carrying an extra 60 pounds around on your body, each day
Asking for a sandwich without butter and mayo is "easy".
Not eating toffee popcorn is "easy".
Eating fruit for snacks is "very easy".
Taking Exercise
Taking exercise is real easy.
You put one foot in front of the other and off you go!
Exercise Tips:
* If you're still at school and play regular sports, you DON'T have to take extra exercise
* If you're a housewife with a 24/7 schedule you DO have to. Because running around after 6 kids, 2 dogs and a husband is not the same as 'taking exercise'. Why not? Because proper exercise is INVIGORATING and GIVES you energy. But looking after a family simply drains you. So find 20-30 minutes a day from somewhere and MOVE YOUR BODY!
* If you're 40+, you need even MORE exercise. 20-30 minutes a day may not be enough. Aim for 60 minutes.
* If you are a busy executive with 6 kids, 2 dogs, 1 husband and a cute admirer in the office, you've got serious problems. In order to cope, you need as much health and energy as possible. So make certain you take a minimum of 30 minutes exercise a day.
Conclusion
* Being cool means FIXING the problem, instead of frothing about it.
* Getting impatient, venting about how overweight you are and then trying to lose weight FAST is the exact opposite.
* But I'm sure that in your heart-of-hearts, you know this already.
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You Don't Agree? Then Let's Re-Frame the Issue
If you still think you don't have the patience to lose weight, I suggest what you really mean is: you don't have the motivation. This is quite different.
My Advice
*Don't even THINK of trying to lose weight without an incentive
*Make it specific, selfish and time-related
*Can't think of an incentive? Then forget about dieting and find something you DO want to do. Eat some cookies, stand on your head, or go hug a tree. Just don't waste your precious time trying to lose weight - because it ain't gonna happen.
I Have A Snack Attack!!!
When you have the munchies, try this alternative:* Eat fresh fruit
* Freeze fresh fruit to make it a cold treat.
* Eat Raw Vegetables
If you get the munchies at night the best way to avoid eating is to brush your teeth and go to sleep!!!!
DISTRACT YOURSELF!
If you have a Sweettooth...
Try:
A) Sugar substitutes, but be sure to check the calorie content and use only in moderation!
B) Fresh fruit. How many times do I have to say it? Fresh fruit is your best friend...it's healthy and it hardly has calories. They are also a good source for vitamins and fiber!
C) Fruit gelatin or Applesauce. You can find sugar-free versions of both.
D) Write it down. Be sure to write down your mood, trigger, and cicumstances that led you to crave the sweet treat...that way when you are done writting, you won't want to eat it anymore.
I Have Binged!!!
Whatever you do, don't give up. Get back and try again tommorow. Turn it into a lesson and don't do it again.What went wrong???
1) What food was it? Or combination of foods? Add them or it to your notebook and ban it from the house and throw the rest away! If your family is the one that buys it, then try to tell them not to buy it or let them buy it and throw it away! If you don't like throwing food away, then give it away...feed it to the birds..anything instead of being in your stomach!
2) Did you have hard day? Write about it in your journal. Next time you feel the same do other things to make you feel better....anything else except eating..remember food can make you happy for a tiny second..but it can make you miserable for the rest of your life with fat!
3) Was it a person? Try to avoid this person at times when you are feeling vulnerable. If you can't avoid the person, try personal mind tips..telling you they are the enemy and they want to see you fail!
I Am Eating Out...
1) Try to make it a special occassion. Try to limit your restaurant meals and enjoy the one you have.
2) Plan ahead. Stay on the low-calorie side for the other meals.
3) Choose restaurants that have low-calorie options.
4) Avoid fast food, buffets, and oversize meals.
5) Go out with people that support your diet!
Order Wisely:
* Start with a salad, soup, or fresh fruit.
* Dressing or gravy or sauce on the side.
* Butter free vegetables.
* Baked or boiled potatoes instead of fries or mashed.
* Food that are steamed, broiled, or peached, rather than fried, sauteed, stewed, or braised.
*An appetizer or a salad, or try a kid's meal rather than a main dish. Or you can get a main dish..but split it in half and take it home, or share it.
I am Going To A Party!!!
Keep in mind that the best parties are about the people not the food!
1- Balance party meals with super low-calorie eating at home.
2- Pass up the hors d'oeuvres.
3- If it's a buffet, be the last in line and get a small plate. Don't go back for seconds!
4- Talk to people. Focus on everything but the food. Include dancing, or games, be sure to join in!
5- Help with the clean up or go for a walk. Don't just sit down.
Exercise Troubleshooting.....
It's Boring!!!
Sometime the exercise routine you have may be too boring for you to stick to it. Remember if you have a fun routine..then it will be less likely for you to quit. Here are some tips:* Exercise with a friend. That way you can combine socializing with exercising. It will distract you from what feels like work.
* Join a team. It's great to meet new people or spend time with folks you already know.
* If you are exercising alone, do it with music. A portable radio or CD player is a lightweight companion. It will help you maintain a lively tempo.
* Do it in an interesting place. Try to combine your activity with something that interest you.
* Add variety to whatever exercise you do.
* Check your attitude: It's boring usually translate to I don't want to do it. So check your motivation, and remind yourself why you are doing it.
It's Too Hard!!!
If exercising more its making you tired or sore, you may be overdoing it.
1) Do fewer reps or sets of whatever you are doing. If you are using weights, lower a pound or two. Then gradually work your way up!2) If it involves speed, do it more slowly. Stay at that speed for at least a week or longer if you still feel challenged.
3) If you are in a class that is more advance, take a different class or skip some moves. March or run in place. (Don't worry, they are too busy to notice what you are doing!)
4) Take time between exercise sessions. Do something else that used different muscle groups. Give yourself time to recover.
5) Check your equipment. Shoes or weight machines may be making you owrk harder than you should.
6) Are you getting enought rest? Are you drinking enought water? Are you exercising on an empty stomach? If an exercise session leaves you drained instead of energized, the equipment that may need adjustment may be you!
It takes too much Time!!!
Find an alternative* Break down your exercise into smaller pieces. Stretching for 15 mins in the morning and taking a 15 min walk at lunch time adds up to the same half hour as a single bike ride.
* Combine exercise with other activities. Remember the exercise extras. Do some gardening, walk the dog, or clean the house. You had to do them anyways!
* Volunteer in your community for something that will keep you on the move instead of on the phone.
* If you are in the office all day, do some stretches at your desk. Walk down the hall, take your coffee break outside and walk when you have a chance.
It Hurts!!!
No pain, no gain is not true. Healthy and safe exercise should not hurt!
A) Wearing right shoes.
B) Warming up, cooling down and stretching as part of every exercise sessions.
C) Choosing exercise suited to your level of fitness and ability.
D) Gradually increasing weight intensity and speed.
E) Starting at lower level if you've taken time off your routine.
F) Varying yoru routine to give your muscles a chance to recover.
G) Pay attention to your THR (Target Heart Rate) and never exercising at you MHR (Maximum Heart Rate)
H) Exercising in a safe place with equipment that is in a good repair.
I) Using good form and correct technique.
J) Listening to your body and stopping if something doesn't feel right.
K) Breathing properly, exhale.
L) Drinking H20 to replace fluid lost through sweat.
M) Protecting yourself from the sun and other extreme weather when you exercise.
N) Wearing protective gear as needed by the activity you choose.
Check your technique or tell some one to tell you if you are doing it right!
If you get injured remember RICE:
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation!
I've been Sick!!!
It depends on how sick you are and what activity you are doing.
Exercise stimulates the release of adrenaline. This hormone is a natural decongestant.
If you have flu symptoms, it makes sense to stop exercising until there sumptoms have passed!
It's too Expensive!!!
Don't let price get in the way of the prize.
* Try jumping rope, dancing, walking or just flying a kite!
* You can ride a bike.
* Just find some stairs and climb them instead.
* Running is free and so is playing with a small kid, your brother or own children!
* Exercise videos are inexpensive an dyou can swap them with friends. Or tape them from your cable and do them when you want.
* Personal trainers are expensive but there are dozens of websites that offer personalized programs with a few clicks of that mouse.
Remember whatever the cost, regular exercise is worth it! You will save more money in the long run by avoiding medical costs!
I'll Be away from Home!!!
One of the lamest excuses.
Business trips:
Many gyms and exercise clubs are part of national chains. If you belong to a club, check out whether there is one where you are visiting before you hit the road.
Never leave home without packing a swimsuit, a workout outfit and a comfortable pair of running shoes. Bring along a jump rope or resistant bands.
Vacations:
* If you are going on a cruise, you'll find onboard pools, gyms and exercise classes.
* If touring a foreign land, do soem walking, biking, or dancing in a public square.
* If you are going to a beach resort, instead of lying ona blanket, pack a frisbee, a kite, and any other items that will keep you moving.
* Driving across the country? choose overnight stops with swimming pools and do some laps. Think about national parks and other outdoor attractions.
* If visiting relatives, let them know you want some exercise. They can request guess passes at your local gym or plan trips to theme parks or places where you can exercise.
It doesn't seem to be Working!!!
If you are not seeing any results, instead of looking at the scale, cast and eye on how you look and feel.But make sure to check how you are eating. Some people think that because you are exercising, it gives them permision to overeat..or eat more fatening foods. Also remember that you didn't pack on the weight overnight...it took a long time before you actually did something about it! so be patient! Remember the slower the weight loss, the more likely you will gain it back.
And also think about your mood and self-image. Being active isn't a temporary solution. It's a lifestyle Choice.
Things to remember.......
REMEMBER:::::
Exercise!!!!!!
Exercise!!!!!!
Don't know where to start or what to do? Here are some ideas:
*Join a gym. I love Bally's Total Fitness. I joined since I was 14 (said I was 17) and it's great because you get motivated seeing other fat people work out.
Benefits: Personal Trainers, Diets, Great excuse on why you have lost weight and it's fun.
Downside: Expensive...them people take advantage of people in a need!
*If the joining a gym idea seems imposible then workout at home. Lately my mom has been working a lot so I got her to buy me some exercise tapes.
Go to http://beachbody.com or http://cathe.com. They have great videos.
Beachbody has good videos such as Slim-in-6 and Power90 which they guarantee you will see results or your money back! Cathe has great videos but I like her because she has a great taste in music...so they make the videos more interesting.
Benefits: You get to work out at any time, or anywhere (as long as you have a TV), great distraction while at home, and if people start noticing your change then just mention the website or video and they'll leave you alone!
Downside: You have to stick to it, and they are kinda expensive. Also, it all depends on your motivation!!!
*If you have cable watch FitTv. They have great motivation and exercise tips. After seeing that channel you won't want to eat! But avoid the cooking shows there!
*If you are bored of videos then go outside! Join a team, go play sports, or go to a park with your little sis or bro and play tag. (That's what I do and damn, I'm telling you, it's a workout!) take a walk or get you rollerskates, or bike and go have an adventure!
*Remember, every little thing you do counts. Move around, clean the house, dance, run, stand up and sit up straight or take the stairs instead of the elevator. There are so many chances to get that little bit of exercise throught out your day!
What's the best way to lose weight?
Rule 1
If you are overweight, you are eating too much. The body uses food as fuel and what it doesn't need it stores as fat. Usually, it's that simple. If your body needs 2500 calories a day to perform all the functions you ask of it and you eat 3000 calories a day, you will put on weight. To lose weight you have to eat less than you need.
Rule 2
If it has taken 5 years for you to put on weight, you cannot expect to lose the excess in a few weeks. Crash diets don't work. You might lose some weight in the first two or three weeks but, in the long term, they are counter-productive. First of all, it is very hard to stay on a strict diet without cheating. Secondly, if you are eating too few calories your body will start to consume muscle, not fat. When you come off a crash diet your body will be far more likely to lay down fat as an insurance against a future famine, i.e. a strict diet.
Rule 3
Strange eating regimes only work because they restrict your calorie intake. Perhaps you have tried diets where you don't mix food groups. Have you thought how these work? If you eat protein without carbohydrate, that actually restricts the amount of protein you can eat as well. Most protein (or fat) is unpalatable without carbohydrates. If you eat meat, you really want something like bread or potatoes to go with it. Similarly, if you are on a low fat diet, it restricts the amount of carbohydrates because they are unpalatable without some kind of fat.
Rule 4
Potatoes, pasta, bread and other carbohydrates are not necessarily fattening. More than that, they can actually be beneficial when trying to lose weight. The way you cook them and what you put on them is important. Mashed potatoes with full fat cream are obviously not helpful on a diet. On the other hand, a couple of plain boiled potatoes as part of a calorie controlled meal will help you to feel less hungry for longer because they take more time to digest.
Rule 5
Going on a weight reducing diet isn't enough. You must try to work out a diet that reforms your eating habits. When you have lost the required weight, hopefully, your sensible diet will have reformed your old eating habits. If this isn't the case, you will very quickly put all the weight back on. Remember, it was your old eating pattern that led to excess weight.
Rule 6
Really this is a continuation of Rule 5. Try to eat as normally as possible on your diet. Just reduce the quantities and cut out calorie rich food like cakes, cream, cookies and candy. If you can eat fairly normally whilst losing weight, it will be much easier to keep the weight off afterwards.
Rule 7
If you succumb to temptation, don't beat yourself up or take that as an excuse to come off the diet. Just forgive yourself and remember that tomorrow is another day. It is even a good idea to work a treat into your diet occasionally, that way you won't get bored and depressed. It will also mean that if you go out for a meal, you won't become a 'diet bore' because you can eat smaller portions and choose the least fattening options.
Rule 8
Don't snack! Eat at least three meals a day and, most importantly, eat a proper breakfast because that is the meal that is least likely to migrate to your hips! It will also stop you becoming ravenously hungry mid morning. When you eat, sit down and concentrate on what you are doing. Eat slowly, chew properly and enjoy your meal. If you are really hungry between meals, have a glass of water or something like a stick of celery.
Rule 9
Practise leaving some food on your plate when you have finished a meal. So many of us are conditioned to eat everything put in front of us. Similarly, don't clean the children's plates by eating what they have left.
Rule 10
Exercise helps in a weight reduction programme. Walking, swimming, cycling or other exercise requires more calories than a more sedentary lifestyle. It also tones your body. Don't have a lengthy exercise session once every week or two, it is better to have shorter sessions at least two or three times a week.
How can I lose fat without even trying?
1. Eat smaller more frequent meals - not only is your metabolism boosted every time you eat something, your body can more efficiently process smaller meals. Instead of having 3 large meals in a day, try to break them up into 5 or 6 smaller meals...2. Drink more water - regular water intake helps to flush away waste products in the body. Get at least six to eight 8 oz. glasses per day. An easy way to do this is to keep a water bottle handy and drink from it frequently.
3. Be inefficient - do you need to go to the kitchen to get a couple of things? Break it up into to two trips even if you can do it in one. Being inefficient like this can easily double your activity level, burning calories without even trying.
4. Eat more protein - sources of protein include foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, lean red meats, etc. Your body burns more calories processing protein than either carbohydrates or fats. Protein also helps to support your muscle tissue, which burns calories all day long!
5. Take the stairs instead of the elevator - any time you can add in a little more physical activity, do it. This doesn?t mean you need to slog up 20 flights of stairs. Even a flight or two done regularly will add up.
6. Don?t let yourself get hungry - when you get hungry you will have a much greater tendency to overeat when you do finally get something to eat. As well, because your body is starting to go into starvation mode, it will be much more likely to hold onto whatever you give it.
7. Order small portions at restaurants - it?s tough to order small french fries when "supersizing" your order is such a great "value." Take note, however, your real savings will occur in the calories that don?t end up on your backside.
8. Eat more fiber - fiber is very filling. By eating more fiber you will find yourself full sooner. This feeling of fullness will last a long time as well.
9. Wait 20 minutes between servings - your brain takes at least 20 minutes to register that you?re full. By waiting that long, you?ll give your brain a chance to realize that you don?t really need any more food.
10. Cheat on your diet - one thing I always make my clients promise is that they will cheat on their diet. The only thing I ask that they do is to cheat ONLY when they have planned to cheat. By planning when you are going to eat the foods you crave, you take back control of your eating habits.
This way you no longer "give in" to your cravings. You "reward yourself" for sticking to proper nutritional habits. Do this once or twice a week and you will feel far more in control of your eating.
In conclusion, if you follow even a few of these 10 easy tips in the long term, you will certainly notice a difference in your overall weight and health.
How can I find my BMI? (Body mass Index)
To find your BMI: you can go online to other websites like ivillage.com or you can do it manually by following the equation:
(your weight times 704) then divided that by (your height in inches times your height in inches) 60" is =to 5ft...so just count from there.
example:
My weight 130 times 704 is = to
(130 * 704) =91520
height is 5"1 = 61"
(61 * 61) = 3721
So then you divide
91520 / 3721 =24.595 round and that would be 24.6
(your weight times 704) then divided that by (your height in inches times your height in inches) 60" is =to 5ft...so just count from there.
example:
My weight 130 times 704 is = to
(130 * 704) =91520
height is 5"1 = 61"
(61 * 61) = 3721
So then you divide
91520 / 3721 =24.595 round and that would be 24.6
What are some reasons not to overweight?
Being overweight increases your risk for many medical problems: like Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, gall bladder diesease and arthritis. Obesity is the 2nd most important factor contributing to death in the U.S. Not only is medical problems an issue but also: Aesthetic: In our society, overweight is NOT the "look we like". It's hard to look your best when your clothes are either too tight or shapeless to hide your fat!!!
Social: There is a strong biases againts fatties. Many people regard them as a character flaw, a sign of laziness and lack of self-control.
Emotional: Self-esteem and a positve image is harder when your overweight.
Financial: People who are overweight spend more money on medical care than people of normal weight!
If all this reasons aren't enought then there is something seriously wrong with you!
Answers to the common misconceptions, questions, legends, rumors, stories and lies that surround eating disorders.
Myth - Until the 1980's, anorexia didn’t exist
Fact - Anorexia has been prevalent all through history, although never before has it affected so many people at once. Early church records speak of saints who starved themselves to death and were glorified as martyrs for their actions. Accounts throughout the sixteen, seventeen and eighteen hundreds abound of young girls who refused to eat. Many were considered selfless and virtuous for their actions, but others were thought to be demon possessed or mad because they would not eat even when their health suffered for it. In the eighteen hundreds the first cases of anorexia nervosa were recorded, and it was a puzzle to the doctors of the time.
Myth - Anorexics never get hungry
Fact - Are you kidding? We get hungry all the time, and we have the same hunger pangs, cravings and appetites that everyone else has. The only difference is that we are choosing not to eat. The body in starvation sends signals to the brain in order to try and survive, and it is only through a combination of will, fear and self-determination that we are able to maintain our habits.
Myth - Anorexics are vain
Fact - In some cases this is true, but anorexia nervosa is not the product of vanity or superficiality. While many girls start dieting in hopes of improving their appearance, anorexia develops as a defence mechanism, a coping skill, an obsession and a way to avert attention from real pain to food. Dieting is a symptom of vanity, eating disorders are a sign of emotional illness.
Myth - Anorexics hate fat people
Fact - As individuals, some anorexics make those kinds of judgements, but many do not. Anorexia does not stem from a hatred of overweight individuals. Rather, internal issues are acted out in the arena of food and weight obsession. Anorexia is not intended to belittle those people who are overweight nor to convey dislike of someone based on their weight. Most anorexics are sufficiently mature and informed to understand that bias against others because of their weight is irrational and cruel. Those who don’t know it will grow up someday, we hope.
Myth - Anorexics are only doing this for attention
Fact - While some anorexics do receive more attention because of their low weights or ill health, the majority can only expect to receive negative attention - in the form of lectures, punishments, disappointment, abandonment, rejection and forced hospitalization. Many anorexics and recovered anorexics tell stories of friends giving up on them, parents being disgusted with them and doctors failing to treat them properly. Anorexia nervosa is much more complicated then simply using a tool to get attention.
Myth - Anorexics know they are too thin normal_undertheskin4
Fact - On some level, some anorexics do understand that they are underweight. However, they often are unable to see this and to internalize it. While they can understand what the scale says and compare their weights to that of others in the normal range, they still see fat when they look in the mirror. Because anorexics are not seeing their true selves but distorted images of their body compiled with their fears and failures, anorexics see obesity when they look at their reflection. It is important to keep in mind that eating disorders are not logical, and thus the symptoms, like fear of fat, aren’t always logical.
Myth - Anorexics are suicidal
Fact - Anorexia does not stem from a desire to kill oneself. Even at the lowest weights, anorexics are not doing it to kill themselves but to deal with unresolved personal issues and to maintain some semblance of control. It is true, however, that some anorexics become suicidal, often after years of struggling with the chronic disease. Anorexics have a much higher rate of suicide then the average. The reason for this is pretty clear - anorexia leaves you hating yourself in many cases. Because the goal of thinness is not real, it can never be satisfactorily achieved. Also, the issues which anorexia stems from often can cause depression and other problems. The rate of self-injury, depression and mental illness like borderline personality is much higher among anorexics then the general population.
Myth - Anorexics never get better
Fact - Anorexics can recover if they have access to good, consistent therapy and medical treatment. Establishing a connection with a competent therapist is the most important step, and once it occurs anorexic individuals can began to express their feelings and deal with past issues. Unfortunately, many are not able to receive that kind of treatment, or they leave treatment before the issues are resolved. Anorexia is often chronic, lasting years, even decades, and many go back and forth between hospitals and “recovery”. 15% die.
Myth - Anorexics don’t want to get better
Fact - Some don’t, but most reach a point in their life where they are sick of the inner turmoil, the self-hatred, the paralyzing fear and the stress. It is pretty easy to understand the reluctance of many anorexics to enter treatment - going into psychotherapy means admitting something is wrong. Recovery often means exploring painful issues and difficult memories, learning to face fears, accept inability and imperfection, and most scary, surrender control to a therapist, doctor or treatment team. In addition, anorexic eating habits often become a way of identifying oneself, and some anorexics question how they will define their identity without an eating disorder. Recovery also requires tremendous strength, courage and patience, and it’s never easy - is there any doubt why some would rather not try?
Myth - If anorexics would just eat something, they would be cured
Fact - Eating disorders are not just about one’s relationship with food. They go much deeper then that. Often, disordered eating results as an individual tries to assert control in a situation where they have none, or as a method of dealing with inner pain or relational problems. Through starvation, anorexics find a way to control their body and have influence over the people in their lives. They also can focus on food, fear of fat and obsession with thinness instead of what is really bothering them. Thus, eating alone will not solve the problem. In fact, many anorexics who are hospitalized or pushed into treatment before they are ready do eat in order to please the doctors and be released, but as soon as they come home the pattern starts up again. Real cures involve long term counseling and psychotherapy, as well as solving the problems that caused the person to become ill in the first place.
Myth - Bulimics are just gluttonous people with no self control
Fact - Value judgements are no way to help someone with a serious mental illness. Bulimia is not the product of gluttony, laziness or lack of will power. It is a disorder which arises to help an individual deal with emotional anguish and other difficulties in life. Bulimics binge to relieve mental stress, not because they are so hungry or out of control.
Myth - What bulimics need to do is just quit bingeing
Fact - What an alcoholic needs to do is just quit drinking. Easier said then done. Bulimia is not usually a choice, it is a way of dealing with emotional conflict and pain, which manifests itself in an eating disorder. In order to be relieved of the problem, bulimics need good therapy to help uncover and resolve the issues which are fueling the bulimia. Many bulimics do learn to space out their binges or to consume less when they binge, but without treating the underlying issues recovery will not occur.
Myth - Bulimia is a new thing, like a fad
Fact - bingeing, or eating a large quantity of food at one time, and purging (vomiting, or getting rid of it by other means) is nothing new. In fact, it has a long history. It was quite common in early Rome, when people would stuff themselves at feasts, purge in vomitoriums and return to the meal for more. There are other historical accounts of individuals eating great amounts and then purging in some fashion.
Myth - Bulimics can quit whenever they want to
Fact - Just like most people with other eating disorders, bulimics cannot quit on will. In nearly all cases, recovery requires extensive psychology treatment and sometimes medical care. One reason is that bulimia is a manifestation of deeper problems and not just a food issue. Another is that for many bulimics, purging becomes an automatic physical response to eating. Some bulimics say that even when they have started recovery and have no intention of purging, their body expels food by vomiting after every meal. In some cases, behavior modification is required, and for others medical procedures and time are needed before the body goes back to normal.
Myth - Everyone with an eating disorder is skinny
Fact - People with eating disorders come in all sizes. In order to be diagnosed as an anorexic by conventional standards, an individual must be 15% under the expected weight for their height. However, there are many cases of people with anorectic type eating patterns who demonstrate the same obsessions and who share virtually all symptoms but who are not severely emaciated. This could be because they were overweight or obese when their disorder developed and despite their tremendous weight loss they haven’t dipped into the underweight zone yet. It is also possible that someone has not had anorexia for a long time, and hence haven’t lost all the weight yet. Usually, when the criteria matches but the weight does not, the individual is diagnosed with ednos, or eating disorder not otherwise specified.
Of course, anorexia is not the only eating disorder. Bulimics are usually within or close to the normal weight ranges. Individuals with compulsive overeating disorders are often normal weight, overweight or obese. People with these disorders deserve just as much compassion and care as emaciated anorexics do.
Myth - Eating disorders are about hurting other people
Fact - That is not the intention or desire of most people who suffer from eating disorders. There are some people who utilize short term refusal to eat as a way to get what they want or to intimidate others, but that is not the norm among people with eating disorders. Many individuals with disordered eating habits are conscientious people who care a great deal for the feelings of others. Often, guilt is a byproduct of eating disorders, as eating disordered people feel horrible for making their loved ones worry.
Myth - Eating disorders only affect middle class, white females
Fact - Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their nationality, race, age, gender, economic class or numerous other background factors. Statistically, about 8% of all cases of anorexia occur in males, and there are anorexics of many races. Compulsive overeating disorder has an even higher number of male victims and crosses racial lines.
Myth - Eating disorders are the product of our diet obsessed culture
Fact - To some degree, this is true. Many of the individuals who start out dieting and then develop an eating disorder are influenced strongly by the beauty standards of the culture. It’s hard not to be. However, everyone is affected by the standards of the culture, and not everyone develops an eating disorder, so clearly there are other factors involved.
Myth - “Fat acceptance” movements and tolerance of the overweight will help reduce the number of people eating disorders
Fact - This presumption is false for two reasons. To begin with, eating disorders do not develop just because someone is teased for being fat. Eating disorders are the symptoms of much deeper problems, and are not just about someone’s feelings on food or weight. Fat phobias and fear of weight gain are the product of eating disorders, not the cause, and are often irrational and unreal. While less pressure to be thin might curb dieting, it will not solve eating disorders, which require probing into deeper issues.
Secondly, the idea of accepting obesity is just plain unhealthy. Being overweight is a health risk and brings with it the threat of diabetes, impaired movement, heart problems and early death. It is not a wise idea to teach people that being overweight is okay - although it’s acceptable culturally or politically, it’s not a good move health-wise. Of course it is a wise move to educate the public in diversity and to refuse to tolerate discrimination against people who are overweight, but on a health level it is nor wise. Telling people that it is okay to be overweight robs them of the opportunity to solve the problem behind the weight gain, be it depression, underactive thyroid, emotional problems or compulsive overeating disorder. While I certainly advocate showing respect, love and kindness to people regardless of their weight, it’s irresponsible to pretend that being overweight is good for you.
Myth - Eating disorders like COE and EdNos aren’t as important as the ones like anorexia, which are more well known
Fact - All eating disorders are serious, and all sufferers deserve attention and treatment, even if they don’t have the ‘glamorous’ disorders like anorexia nervosa. Compulsive over eating is damaging to the body, because it can result in congestive heart failure, heart attacks, some types of cancers, type two diabetes and other illnesses caused by excess weight. It is also damaging to the spirit, because this is not a culture which treats overweight people, especially women, with respect. Failure to deal with coe can mean a lifetime of teasing and contempt, as well as depression, self-hatred and misery. No one deserves that. Ednos is also a serious problem, which can lead to muscle deterioration, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and the host of problems that come with that, fainting spells, low blood pressure, weakened walls of the heart, osteoporosis and others.
Myth - On Monday I started a diet, and now it’s Tuesday and I haven’t eaten anything. I must be an anorexic
Fact - Going on a diet, skipping some meals or fasting does not make you an anorexic. Many dieters use short term fasting or extreme calorie restriction to lose weight. Anorexia is much more then dieting or wanting to be thin. It is an obsession used as a coping mechanism and an assertion of control. Also, anorexia differs from dieting in it’s severity and length. Anorexics sometimes go without eating for days or weeks at a time, but unlike normal dieters they do this when they are already at a normal weight or low weight. The purpose is to relieve tension, not just to get thinner.
Myth - I wish I was anorexic for a few weeks
Fact - No, you don’t. Anorexia is not just iron will power and weight loss, it is an extremely difficult disorder to live with. Sufferers of anorexia never feel good enough. They are constantly comparing themselves to their ideals and falling far short. They experience constant self hatred, perpetual fear and unyielding nervousness. Imagine constant hunger and constant denial, always arguing with yourself. Worst of all, it’s never short term and it doesn’t end when you reach your initial weight loss goal. It is a difficult, rigid life. If you want to live in torment for a while, wish for anorexia. Otherwise, try the SlimFast plan.
Myth - I occasionally vomit after I eat for weight control, but it’s no big deal
Fact - Actually, it is an indication of a serious problem, namely bulimia nervosa. While it has become common, even popular in some cases, for people to use purging as a way to maintain weight that doesn’t make the problem any lighter. You may wish to ask yourself why you have such a strong desire to lose weight that you are willing to hurt yourself. Bulimia is one of the more risky psychiatric disorders out their. Even without acknowledging the mental torment, the stress and emotional imbalance you run the risk of ruining your teeth with acid, choking on purged food, going into shock from electrolyte imbalance and/or low blood pressure (fatal), rupturing your epiglottis (fatal), having cardiac arrest (fatal) and having your stomach rupture from bingeing (fatal).
Myth - I use syrup of Ipecac to make myself vomit. That must be safe, since it’s sold in drug stores
Fact - Using Ipecac to cause vomiting is one of the most dangerous methods possible. Ipecac is a poison, and ingesting it can cause serious health risks, even death, which is why it is recommended only for emergency cases. Any time you vomit you are putting yourself in harms way, but Ipecac is more dangerous then the other methods.
Myth - I heard that a good way to make yourself vomit is to tie a Lifesaver to a string and swallow it, then pull it up
Fact - This method can cause serious problems to your body, not to mention you could snap the string and end up with string wrapped around your intestines (fatal!). You also run the risk of inadvertently scraping or hitting the epiglottis, which can lead to a bunch of problems. Choking is a factor as well. If you must vomit, use your fingers or a technique like drinking a glass of salt water, or milk mixed with mustard.
Myth - Using laxatives will help me control my weight
Fact - Laxatives don’t have much of an impact on your weight or the amount of fat in your body. The purpose of a laxative is to stimulate the intestines to expel the waste that is in them. What they do is force the digested matter in the intestines to come out, but by the time it gets to the intestine the nutrients (calories) have been removed. Typically, laxatives just make you lose water weight or rush the waste through your system faster. They can also be dangerous, as they dehydrate you, mess up your electrolytes and can eventually cause an dependency where you cannot have a bowel movement without them. Same goes for diuretics; they just make you lose water, and the fat stays on.
Myth - People should eat cotton for weight control, since it expands in the stomach and makes people feel full
Fact - This type of action is extremely dangerous and doesn’t work very well anyway. Cotton can unravel inside your body and cut or damage your internal organs by tangling around them. It can also be abrasive on your stomach and cause stomach cuts or ulcers. Never eat anything that isn’t food - this includes sponges, fabrics, paper, etc. It can kill you. If you are desperate for a feeling of fullness, consume a large quantity of liquids like water or diet soda or broth. If these don’t work for you take a fiber tablet with a large glass of water. It will expand in the stomach and make you feel full. A Rolaids type acid neutralizer can make you feel fuller too.
Myth - One diet pill helps me lose weight, so a handful ought to make me lose more
Fact - Doesn’t work that way, sorry. Diet pills are usually a combination of caffeine or another stimulant plus an appetite suppressant. Taking more just gives you more of the same thing, but no diet pill can combat all the effects of dieting, or starvation as the case may be. Your body will continue to feel tired because it doesn’t have fuel, and you will keep being hungry because your body needs to eat. There are some dangers in doubling up the pills as well. The megadose of caffeine will make your heart beat faster, and if your heart walls are already thin from an eating disorder you can have irregular heartbeat or palpitations, even cardiac failure in extreme cases. You’re body may heat up too high and sweat away water, dehydrating you. Using too much stimulants will also render them less effective next time, so you can develop a dependency.
Myth - I’ve got an eating disorder, so I have no chance of staying healthy
Fact - While you may not be as healthy as someone who eats normally, you can keep up your health even while being eating disordered. One important suggestion is to take a good multivitamin each day, since you aren’t getting the vitamins and minerals you need through food. Also, taking a calcium supplement is a wise idea. You may wish to speak to your doctor about going on iron (helps with anaemia), potassium (aids blood pressure) and/or other medicines, but don’t start these ones on your own since overdose can cause worse trouble. JP
Another way to maintain better health is to eat wisely when you do eat. Even at a very low calorie level you can make wise choices with your food. Make sure to have some protein at least every few days, especially lean red meat or vitamin packed ‘veggie’ burger type products. Protein added to your system will fuel your body so it doesn’t use up all your muscle tissue. Complex carbohydrates like cereal provide energy and help maintain good levels of blood sugar. Fruits and vegetables are good for you because they have a lot of nutrients and are very low calorie. If possible, have some dairy like non-fat yogurt or skim milk, because starving thins your bones and makes them brittle. If you are suffering a disorder like coe, you can also try to improve your diet. Try to make sure you are getting all your servings of fruit and vegetables, and turn to lower fat products instead of full fat ones, like in milk. If possible, balance your eating. You should be getting 20-30% of your calories from fat, 10-20% from protein and the rest from carbohydrates. If you are able, shift down the fat intake and consume more carbohydrates.
Myth - When I am stressed or sad I overeat for comfort, but that’s fairly common, so it must be okay
Fact - Yes, it is fairly common but it is still not a wise choice. Many people who turn to food for solace are in fact compulsive eaters, who suffer from an eating disorder without even being aware of it. Using food to self-medicate or calm yourself, turning to food when you are stressed out or depressed or anxious, eating as a means of coping and/or altering your moods through consumption are all indicators of an eating disorder. Compulsive eating is by far the most common eating disorder, so you are not alone, but I would suggest getting help. Perhaps working on the underlying causes of stress and depression will help you not rely on food so much.
Myth - I don’t deserve better
Fact - No one deserves to suffer from an eating disorder. Regardless of your weight, you are a valuable, worthwhile person who deserves love and respect and admiration. You do not deserve to live with the many problems an eating disorder brings. When you are ready, seek help.
Myth - Pro-anorexia means you want to get an eating disorder.
Fact - Pro anorexia is a movement of people who already have eating disorders, and understand the struggle and pain an eating disorder can cause. To most people, "pro-ana" or "pro-mia" means you respect the right of an individual to make choices with their own life and to refrain from seeking help until they are ready.
There are some visitors to pro-anorexia web sites who are under the mistaken impression that an eating disorder is something you can play with or do short term, but most of these people are just dieters who want to claim the will power of anorexia and/or use the sites they visit for weight loss tips.
Myth - The purpose of pro-ana is to recruit new victims of the disease and to encourage others to eat in ways that aren’t healthy
Fact - The vast majority of pro-ana’s would disagree with this claim. The purpose of "pro ana" is to provide a supportive, nurturing environment for eating disordered people who are not ready to enter recovery yet. Most sites offer a warning to non-eating disordered visitors warning them of the danger of trying on eating disordered behavior and encouraging them to look else where healthy diet information. Very few want to encourage other people to develop disorders. If you see a site where this is the case, rest assured the person does not represent the majority of pro-ana individuals.
Myth - Showing diet tips and “thinspiration” on your web site will teach someone how to be an anorexic
Fact - You cannot learn anorexia nervosa or any other eating disorder. They are not chosen; they develop. Using the diet tips or triggering yourself to want to lose weight by viewing pictures of thin models may help you drop a few pounds, but will not make you eating disordered. Real eating disorders go deeper then that, and involve intense self-hatred, fear, anger, frustration, medical illness, mental illness, emotional damage and trauma.
The information posted on this site is intended to help people who are not in treatment stay alive and stay focussed, because unfortunately a "screw up" like over eating can cause an anorexic to kill herself. While the tips might seem to encourage sickness, they are provided to help girls who otherwise might end up hurting themselves as punishment.
Myth - Pro-ana groups and web sites discourage people from getting help and going into recovery.
Fact - Very few pro-ana groups actively discourage going into treatment for eating disorders. The purpose of pro-ana is not to pressure others into getting sicker, but to be there for them. Most pro-anorexics do support those who enter into treatment. The only difference is that we understand not everyone is ready to go into therapy right away, and we seek to provide a place where they can find community until they are ready. This site and many of the other pro-anorexia sites I have visited offer information on recovery.
Myth - Until the 1980's, anorexia didn’t exist
Fact - Anorexia has been prevalent all through history, although never before has it affected so many people at once. Early church records speak of saints who starved themselves to death and were glorified as martyrs for their actions. Accounts throughout the sixteen, seventeen and eighteen hundreds abound of young girls who refused to eat. Many were considered selfless and virtuous for their actions, but others were thought to be demon possessed or mad because they would not eat even when their health suffered for it. In the eighteen hundreds the first cases of anorexia nervosa were recorded, and it was a puzzle to the doctors of the time.
Myth - Anorexics never get hungry
Fact - Are you kidding? We get hungry all the time, and we have the same hunger pangs, cravings and appetites that everyone else has. The only difference is that we are choosing not to eat. The body in starvation sends signals to the brain in order to try and survive, and it is only through a combination of will, fear and self-determination that we are able to maintain our habits.
Myth - Anorexics are vain
Fact - In some cases this is true, but anorexia nervosa is not the product of vanity or superficiality. While many girls start dieting in hopes of improving their appearance, anorexia develops as a defence mechanism, a coping skill, an obsession and a way to avert attention from real pain to food. Dieting is a symptom of vanity, eating disorders are a sign of emotional illness.
Myth - Anorexics hate fat people
Fact - As individuals, some anorexics make those kinds of judgements, but many do not. Anorexia does not stem from a hatred of overweight individuals. Rather, internal issues are acted out in the arena of food and weight obsession. Anorexia is not intended to belittle those people who are overweight nor to convey dislike of someone based on their weight. Most anorexics are sufficiently mature and informed to understand that bias against others because of their weight is irrational and cruel. Those who don’t know it will grow up someday, we hope.
Myth - Anorexics are only doing this for attention
Fact - While some anorexics do receive more attention because of their low weights or ill health, the majority can only expect to receive negative attention - in the form of lectures, punishments, disappointment, abandonment, rejection and forced hospitalization. Many anorexics and recovered anorexics tell stories of friends giving up on them, parents being disgusted with them and doctors failing to treat them properly. Anorexia nervosa is much more complicated then simply using a tool to get attention.
Myth - Anorexics know they are too thin normal_undertheskin4
Fact - On some level, some anorexics do understand that they are underweight. However, they often are unable to see this and to internalize it. While they can understand what the scale says and compare their weights to that of others in the normal range, they still see fat when they look in the mirror. Because anorexics are not seeing their true selves but distorted images of their body compiled with their fears and failures, anorexics see obesity when they look at their reflection. It is important to keep in mind that eating disorders are not logical, and thus the symptoms, like fear of fat, aren’t always logical.
Myth - Anorexics are suicidal
Fact - Anorexia does not stem from a desire to kill oneself. Even at the lowest weights, anorexics are not doing it to kill themselves but to deal with unresolved personal issues and to maintain some semblance of control. It is true, however, that some anorexics become suicidal, often after years of struggling with the chronic disease. Anorexics have a much higher rate of suicide then the average. The reason for this is pretty clear - anorexia leaves you hating yourself in many cases. Because the goal of thinness is not real, it can never be satisfactorily achieved. Also, the issues which anorexia stems from often can cause depression and other problems. The rate of self-injury, depression and mental illness like borderline personality is much higher among anorexics then the general population.
Myth - Anorexics never get better
Fact - Anorexics can recover if they have access to good, consistent therapy and medical treatment. Establishing a connection with a competent therapist is the most important step, and once it occurs anorexic individuals can began to express their feelings and deal with past issues. Unfortunately, many are not able to receive that kind of treatment, or they leave treatment before the issues are resolved. Anorexia is often chronic, lasting years, even decades, and many go back and forth between hospitals and “recovery”. 15% die.
Myth - Anorexics don’t want to get better
Fact - Some don’t, but most reach a point in their life where they are sick of the inner turmoil, the self-hatred, the paralyzing fear and the stress. It is pretty easy to understand the reluctance of many anorexics to enter treatment - going into psychotherapy means admitting something is wrong. Recovery often means exploring painful issues and difficult memories, learning to face fears, accept inability and imperfection, and most scary, surrender control to a therapist, doctor or treatment team. In addition, anorexic eating habits often become a way of identifying oneself, and some anorexics question how they will define their identity without an eating disorder. Recovery also requires tremendous strength, courage and patience, and it’s never easy - is there any doubt why some would rather not try?
Myth - If anorexics would just eat something, they would be cured
Fact - Eating disorders are not just about one’s relationship with food. They go much deeper then that. Often, disordered eating results as an individual tries to assert control in a situation where they have none, or as a method of dealing with inner pain or relational problems. Through starvation, anorexics find a way to control their body and have influence over the people in their lives. They also can focus on food, fear of fat and obsession with thinness instead of what is really bothering them. Thus, eating alone will not solve the problem. In fact, many anorexics who are hospitalized or pushed into treatment before they are ready do eat in order to please the doctors and be released, but as soon as they come home the pattern starts up again. Real cures involve long term counseling and psychotherapy, as well as solving the problems that caused the person to become ill in the first place.
Myth - Bulimics are just gluttonous people with no self control
Fact - Value judgements are no way to help someone with a serious mental illness. Bulimia is not the product of gluttony, laziness or lack of will power. It is a disorder which arises to help an individual deal with emotional anguish and other difficulties in life. Bulimics binge to relieve mental stress, not because they are so hungry or out of control.
Myth - What bulimics need to do is just quit bingeing
Fact - What an alcoholic needs to do is just quit drinking. Easier said then done. Bulimia is not usually a choice, it is a way of dealing with emotional conflict and pain, which manifests itself in an eating disorder. In order to be relieved of the problem, bulimics need good therapy to help uncover and resolve the issues which are fueling the bulimia. Many bulimics do learn to space out their binges or to consume less when they binge, but without treating the underlying issues recovery will not occur.
Myth - Bulimia is a new thing, like a fad
Fact - bingeing, or eating a large quantity of food at one time, and purging (vomiting, or getting rid of it by other means) is nothing new. In fact, it has a long history. It was quite common in early Rome, when people would stuff themselves at feasts, purge in vomitoriums and return to the meal for more. There are other historical accounts of individuals eating great amounts and then purging in some fashion.
Myth - Bulimics can quit whenever they want to
Fact - Just like most people with other eating disorders, bulimics cannot quit on will. In nearly all cases, recovery requires extensive psychology treatment and sometimes medical care. One reason is that bulimia is a manifestation of deeper problems and not just a food issue. Another is that for many bulimics, purging becomes an automatic physical response to eating. Some bulimics say that even when they have started recovery and have no intention of purging, their body expels food by vomiting after every meal. In some cases, behavior modification is required, and for others medical procedures and time are needed before the body goes back to normal.
Myth - Everyone with an eating disorder is skinny
Fact - People with eating disorders come in all sizes. In order to be diagnosed as an anorexic by conventional standards, an individual must be 15% under the expected weight for their height. However, there are many cases of people with anorectic type eating patterns who demonstrate the same obsessions and who share virtually all symptoms but who are not severely emaciated. This could be because they were overweight or obese when their disorder developed and despite their tremendous weight loss they haven’t dipped into the underweight zone yet. It is also possible that someone has not had anorexia for a long time, and hence haven’t lost all the weight yet. Usually, when the criteria matches but the weight does not, the individual is diagnosed with ednos, or eating disorder not otherwise specified.
Of course, anorexia is not the only eating disorder. Bulimics are usually within or close to the normal weight ranges. Individuals with compulsive overeating disorders are often normal weight, overweight or obese. People with these disorders deserve just as much compassion and care as emaciated anorexics do.
Myth - Eating disorders are about hurting other people
Fact - That is not the intention or desire of most people who suffer from eating disorders. There are some people who utilize short term refusal to eat as a way to get what they want or to intimidate others, but that is not the norm among people with eating disorders. Many individuals with disordered eating habits are conscientious people who care a great deal for the feelings of others. Often, guilt is a byproduct of eating disorders, as eating disordered people feel horrible for making their loved ones worry.
Myth - Eating disorders only affect middle class, white females
Fact - Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their nationality, race, age, gender, economic class or numerous other background factors. Statistically, about 8% of all cases of anorexia occur in males, and there are anorexics of many races. Compulsive overeating disorder has an even higher number of male victims and crosses racial lines.
Myth - Eating disorders are the product of our diet obsessed culture
Fact - To some degree, this is true. Many of the individuals who start out dieting and then develop an eating disorder are influenced strongly by the beauty standards of the culture. It’s hard not to be. However, everyone is affected by the standards of the culture, and not everyone develops an eating disorder, so clearly there are other factors involved.
Myth - “Fat acceptance” movements and tolerance of the overweight will help reduce the number of people eating disorders
Fact - This presumption is false for two reasons. To begin with, eating disorders do not develop just because someone is teased for being fat. Eating disorders are the symptoms of much deeper problems, and are not just about someone’s feelings on food or weight. Fat phobias and fear of weight gain are the product of eating disorders, not the cause, and are often irrational and unreal. While less pressure to be thin might curb dieting, it will not solve eating disorders, which require probing into deeper issues.
Secondly, the idea of accepting obesity is just plain unhealthy. Being overweight is a health risk and brings with it the threat of diabetes, impaired movement, heart problems and early death. It is not a wise idea to teach people that being overweight is okay - although it’s acceptable culturally or politically, it’s not a good move health-wise. Of course it is a wise move to educate the public in diversity and to refuse to tolerate discrimination against people who are overweight, but on a health level it is nor wise. Telling people that it is okay to be overweight robs them of the opportunity to solve the problem behind the weight gain, be it depression, underactive thyroid, emotional problems or compulsive overeating disorder. While I certainly advocate showing respect, love and kindness to people regardless of their weight, it’s irresponsible to pretend that being overweight is good for you.
Myth - Eating disorders like COE and EdNos aren’t as important as the ones like anorexia, which are more well known
Fact - All eating disorders are serious, and all sufferers deserve attention and treatment, even if they don’t have the ‘glamorous’ disorders like anorexia nervosa. Compulsive over eating is damaging to the body, because it can result in congestive heart failure, heart attacks, some types of cancers, type two diabetes and other illnesses caused by excess weight. It is also damaging to the spirit, because this is not a culture which treats overweight people, especially women, with respect. Failure to deal with coe can mean a lifetime of teasing and contempt, as well as depression, self-hatred and misery. No one deserves that. Ednos is also a serious problem, which can lead to muscle deterioration, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and the host of problems that come with that, fainting spells, low blood pressure, weakened walls of the heart, osteoporosis and others.
Myth - On Monday I started a diet, and now it’s Tuesday and I haven’t eaten anything. I must be an anorexic
Fact - Going on a diet, skipping some meals or fasting does not make you an anorexic. Many dieters use short term fasting or extreme calorie restriction to lose weight. Anorexia is much more then dieting or wanting to be thin. It is an obsession used as a coping mechanism and an assertion of control. Also, anorexia differs from dieting in it’s severity and length. Anorexics sometimes go without eating for days or weeks at a time, but unlike normal dieters they do this when they are already at a normal weight or low weight. The purpose is to relieve tension, not just to get thinner.
Myth - I wish I was anorexic for a few weeks
Fact - No, you don’t. Anorexia is not just iron will power and weight loss, it is an extremely difficult disorder to live with. Sufferers of anorexia never feel good enough. They are constantly comparing themselves to their ideals and falling far short. They experience constant self hatred, perpetual fear and unyielding nervousness. Imagine constant hunger and constant denial, always arguing with yourself. Worst of all, it’s never short term and it doesn’t end when you reach your initial weight loss goal. It is a difficult, rigid life. If you want to live in torment for a while, wish for anorexia. Otherwise, try the SlimFast plan.
Myth - I occasionally vomit after I eat for weight control, but it’s no big deal
Fact - Actually, it is an indication of a serious problem, namely bulimia nervosa. While it has become common, even popular in some cases, for people to use purging as a way to maintain weight that doesn’t make the problem any lighter. You may wish to ask yourself why you have such a strong desire to lose weight that you are willing to hurt yourself. Bulimia is one of the more risky psychiatric disorders out their. Even without acknowledging the mental torment, the stress and emotional imbalance you run the risk of ruining your teeth with acid, choking on purged food, going into shock from electrolyte imbalance and/or low blood pressure (fatal), rupturing your epiglottis (fatal), having cardiac arrest (fatal) and having your stomach rupture from bingeing (fatal).
Myth - I use syrup of Ipecac to make myself vomit. That must be safe, since it’s sold in drug stores
Fact - Using Ipecac to cause vomiting is one of the most dangerous methods possible. Ipecac is a poison, and ingesting it can cause serious health risks, even death, which is why it is recommended only for emergency cases. Any time you vomit you are putting yourself in harms way, but Ipecac is more dangerous then the other methods.
Myth - I heard that a good way to make yourself vomit is to tie a Lifesaver to a string and swallow it, then pull it up
Fact - This method can cause serious problems to your body, not to mention you could snap the string and end up with string wrapped around your intestines (fatal!). You also run the risk of inadvertently scraping or hitting the epiglottis, which can lead to a bunch of problems. Choking is a factor as well. If you must vomit, use your fingers or a technique like drinking a glass of salt water, or milk mixed with mustard.
Myth - Using laxatives will help me control my weight
Fact - Laxatives don’t have much of an impact on your weight or the amount of fat in your body. The purpose of a laxative is to stimulate the intestines to expel the waste that is in them. What they do is force the digested matter in the intestines to come out, but by the time it gets to the intestine the nutrients (calories) have been removed. Typically, laxatives just make you lose water weight or rush the waste through your system faster. They can also be dangerous, as they dehydrate you, mess up your electrolytes and can eventually cause an dependency where you cannot have a bowel movement without them. Same goes for diuretics; they just make you lose water, and the fat stays on.
Myth - People should eat cotton for weight control, since it expands in the stomach and makes people feel full
Fact - This type of action is extremely dangerous and doesn’t work very well anyway. Cotton can unravel inside your body and cut or damage your internal organs by tangling around them. It can also be abrasive on your stomach and cause stomach cuts or ulcers. Never eat anything that isn’t food - this includes sponges, fabrics, paper, etc. It can kill you. If you are desperate for a feeling of fullness, consume a large quantity of liquids like water or diet soda or broth. If these don’t work for you take a fiber tablet with a large glass of water. It will expand in the stomach and make you feel full. A Rolaids type acid neutralizer can make you feel fuller too.
Myth - One diet pill helps me lose weight, so a handful ought to make me lose more
Fact - Doesn’t work that way, sorry. Diet pills are usually a combination of caffeine or another stimulant plus an appetite suppressant. Taking more just gives you more of the same thing, but no diet pill can combat all the effects of dieting, or starvation as the case may be. Your body will continue to feel tired because it doesn’t have fuel, and you will keep being hungry because your body needs to eat. There are some dangers in doubling up the pills as well. The megadose of caffeine will make your heart beat faster, and if your heart walls are already thin from an eating disorder you can have irregular heartbeat or palpitations, even cardiac failure in extreme cases. You’re body may heat up too high and sweat away water, dehydrating you. Using too much stimulants will also render them less effective next time, so you can develop a dependency.
Myth - I’ve got an eating disorder, so I have no chance of staying healthy
Fact - While you may not be as healthy as someone who eats normally, you can keep up your health even while being eating disordered. One important suggestion is to take a good multivitamin each day, since you aren’t getting the vitamins and minerals you need through food. Also, taking a calcium supplement is a wise idea. You may wish to speak to your doctor about going on iron (helps with anaemia), potassium (aids blood pressure) and/or other medicines, but don’t start these ones on your own since overdose can cause worse trouble. JP
Another way to maintain better health is to eat wisely when you do eat. Even at a very low calorie level you can make wise choices with your food. Make sure to have some protein at least every few days, especially lean red meat or vitamin packed ‘veggie’ burger type products. Protein added to your system will fuel your body so it doesn’t use up all your muscle tissue. Complex carbohydrates like cereal provide energy and help maintain good levels of blood sugar. Fruits and vegetables are good for you because they have a lot of nutrients and are very low calorie. If possible, have some dairy like non-fat yogurt or skim milk, because starving thins your bones and makes them brittle. If you are suffering a disorder like coe, you can also try to improve your diet. Try to make sure you are getting all your servings of fruit and vegetables, and turn to lower fat products instead of full fat ones, like in milk. If possible, balance your eating. You should be getting 20-30% of your calories from fat, 10-20% from protein and the rest from carbohydrates. If you are able, shift down the fat intake and consume more carbohydrates.
Myth - When I am stressed or sad I overeat for comfort, but that’s fairly common, so it must be okay
Fact - Yes, it is fairly common but it is still not a wise choice. Many people who turn to food for solace are in fact compulsive eaters, who suffer from an eating disorder without even being aware of it. Using food to self-medicate or calm yourself, turning to food when you are stressed out or depressed or anxious, eating as a means of coping and/or altering your moods through consumption are all indicators of an eating disorder. Compulsive eating is by far the most common eating disorder, so you are not alone, but I would suggest getting help. Perhaps working on the underlying causes of stress and depression will help you not rely on food so much.
Myth - I don’t deserve better
Fact - No one deserves to suffer from an eating disorder. Regardless of your weight, you are a valuable, worthwhile person who deserves love and respect and admiration. You do not deserve to live with the many problems an eating disorder brings. When you are ready, seek help.
Myth - Pro-anorexia means you want to get an eating disorder.
Fact - Pro anorexia is a movement of people who already have eating disorders, and understand the struggle and pain an eating disorder can cause. To most people, "pro-ana" or "pro-mia" means you respect the right of an individual to make choices with their own life and to refrain from seeking help until they are ready.
There are some visitors to pro-anorexia web sites who are under the mistaken impression that an eating disorder is something you can play with or do short term, but most of these people are just dieters who want to claim the will power of anorexia and/or use the sites they visit for weight loss tips.
Myth - The purpose of pro-ana is to recruit new victims of the disease and to encourage others to eat in ways that aren’t healthy
Fact - The vast majority of pro-ana’s would disagree with this claim. The purpose of "pro ana" is to provide a supportive, nurturing environment for eating disordered people who are not ready to enter recovery yet. Most sites offer a warning to non-eating disordered visitors warning them of the danger of trying on eating disordered behavior and encouraging them to look else where healthy diet information. Very few want to encourage other people to develop disorders. If you see a site where this is the case, rest assured the person does not represent the majority of pro-ana individuals.
Myth - Showing diet tips and “thinspiration” on your web site will teach someone how to be an anorexic
Fact - You cannot learn anorexia nervosa or any other eating disorder. They are not chosen; they develop. Using the diet tips or triggering yourself to want to lose weight by viewing pictures of thin models may help you drop a few pounds, but will not make you eating disordered. Real eating disorders go deeper then that, and involve intense self-hatred, fear, anger, frustration, medical illness, mental illness, emotional damage and trauma.
The information posted on this site is intended to help people who are not in treatment stay alive and stay focussed, because unfortunately a "screw up" like over eating can cause an anorexic to kill herself. While the tips might seem to encourage sickness, they are provided to help girls who otherwise might end up hurting themselves as punishment.
Myth - Pro-ana groups and web sites discourage people from getting help and going into recovery.
Fact - Very few pro-ana groups actively discourage going into treatment for eating disorders. The purpose of pro-ana is not to pressure others into getting sicker, but to be there for them. Most pro-anorexics do support those who enter into treatment. The only difference is that we understand not everyone is ready to go into therapy right away, and we seek to provide a place where they can find community until they are ready. This site and many of the other pro-anorexia sites I have visited offer information on recovery.