Welcome to Motivational Monday! Are you an emotional eater? A binge eater? Are you caught in a cycle of restrict/reward? I think it's pretty common, but a lot of us feel shameful about it, so avoid discussing it. I used to feel weak and powerless, angry at my lack of self-control and no willpower. I felt alone.
Today, I had a banking appointment and left feeling stressed, stupid and anxious. I ate 3 A&W cherry turnovers to stuff down those negative feelings! As I walked home, I forgave myself. I know it's an impulsive reaction to something unpleasant and I am not a crazed maniac out of control. I just ate something crappy, no big deal! I analyze that food choice, think about what's really bothering me and move forward with my day. I am okay and still worthy of love!
I've been fortunate to have the access, time and money to address the deep-rooted causes of my binge-eating. I am not "cured" but I have learned to love myself and be gentle. It took years of individual counselling, eating disorders groups (I was only fat one lol, rest were bulimics but we all have similar issues) and nutritional therapy with dieticians, bariatric nurse, and obesity clinic with an MD, to regain my sanity. I am still very overweight and am a work in progress; it's tough because I've had 50 years of disordered eating! I just wanted to let you know you are NOT alone! I just wanted to share some free online resources to help you at this time:
Pic and great article:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder.htm
Mental heath worksheets (ie anxiety, self-esteem):
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself
I used these worksheets with a counsellor:
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Disordered-Eating
Disordered eating is often tied in with perfectionism. This comes from a core belief based on low self-worth. There are so many levels to this and I don't want to overwhelm you. Just start believing in yourself. There is lots of information out there, such as books by Genee Roth ( "Feeding the Hungry Heart") (Amazon). Let me know if you want a more detailed list!
Wishing you a beautiful week of loving yourself, moving forward and being awesome!
See ya Wednesday for Walking Group & Friday for Weigh-In & Weekly Update!
