Counting Calories as an Eating Disorder?
Replies
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Here's my view.
Anyone who is not a professional in the field really has no business telling you what an eating disorder is. There are people with completely rational thinking that are simply more focused on particular things and it's an easy way for outside people to judge something.
That applies to people online as well. When I see people crying "eating disoder!" I have to wonder where they got their internet psychologist training at. Unless someone is really obviously out of their mind over nothing, even someone who appears to have a problem to most of us would probably better be served with a simple suggestion that they might want to go talk to a professional if they are in doubt.
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So, the question is: "Should we, or should we not, continue to track our calories, weight, and body measurements our entire lives, and measure out our food portions as well, while we are maintaining our weight?" I myself am doing all of this and so far, I have been very successful in keeping my weight down to normal. I do not think I have an eating disorder. I had my eating disorder 40 years ago, when I was an anorexic/bulimic teenager in the mid 1970's. What I am experiencing now, is nothing like that. Believe me.0
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For what it's worth, I doubt so many dietitians would recommend it, if it was an eating disorder. Food for thoughts...0
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If you look at our society and at how many people are overweight, obese or morbidly obese...then you have an answer. About 60% of our society displays an unhealthy relationship with food. Overeating chips, ice cream, pies , cookies etc is unhealthy , over consumption of food is disordered eating.
Eating beyond all reason is what is largely being done by many people. In order to balance your life and your meals, you may need to protect the information you share with others who have clearly "lost their way".0 -
The definition of an "eating disorder" is too variable in common conversation, but mostly - as others have mentioned - centers around binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, pica, rumination disorder, purging, avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, night eating syndrome, or falls into something called "unspecified feeding or eating disorder".
I've often thought about this since I got on the MFP wagon 2 years ago to trim away my visceral fat for health and my bike racing reasons. Whether I was reading interviews, the book "Racing Weight", using an online calculator (such as - http://racingweight.com/rwe/#/), watching a video interview of a professional runner or bike racer talking about the discipline required to maintain weight for racing season, following these forums - or hearing things such as the OP said from friends, family, colleagues - the definition of "eating disorder" can get misconstrued by many observers.
Those of us who have lost weight via a calorie deficit (with or without exercise) understand the discipline required in the math to achieve that weight loss. And those of us who have maintained our weight understand the daily discipline required in the math to achieve our maintenance weight and keep it there. I don't want to say that bulking up is an easy process for everyone because for many, it is very difficult.
Counting calories to lose weight, maintain weight, or bulk up I believe is misconstrued by many as a "disorder" - or so it seems when we get comments from friends, family, colleagues. Is there any crossover with some elements or symptoms from some of the "disorders" with one who is using CICO to achieve or maintain their goals? If it is misconstrued by some that those who lose weight, or maintain weight using the math discipline required to do either could be labeled a "disorder" when they encounter said discipline (such as the OP mentioned in her post), then isn't eating more calories with no care for one's weight gain also in the same camp?
The discipline required to achieve one's goals is not easy as it does involve a great deal of both mental and physical elements.
The OP stated:
I see people say that they regained once they got complacent with accountability. I'm determined to not be a re-gainer, so that's why I do such big planning and stick to my plans.
That's simply good discipline. And even if a little weight gain happens, life goes on and the OP knows the discipline in her math to get back to her maintenance weight.
In terms of restaurant food, with all of the nutritional information available, portion sizes, Apps that help guesstimate what we are about to order or eat or what we just ate - sure, one can socialize and still remain disciplined. Go out and have a good time, but keep the discipline. That's normal. Not a disorder...0 -
Here's what I tell people: We live in an unnatural, unhealthy, obesogenic environment. Many (most) people in that environment will need to work hard if they want to maintain a healthy body. You sound fine to me.0
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robingmurphy wrote: »Here's what I tell people: We live in an unnatural, unhealthy, obesogenic environment. Many (most) people in that environment will need to work hard if they want to maintain a healthy body. You sound fine to me.
I had to look that one up!
The term “obesogenic environment” refers to “an environment that promotes gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss” within the home or workplace (Swinburn, et al., 1999). In other words, the obesogenic environment refers to an environment that helps, or contributes to, obesity.
Is it politically correct to say? ;-)
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SingingSingleTracker wrote: »The term “obesogenic environment” refers to “an environment that promotes gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss” within the home or workplace (Swinburn, et al., 1999). In other words, the obesogenic environment refers to an environment that helps, or contributes to, obesity.
Oh, so everyone is being force fed and forbidden to exercise in our society? Nope. Not buying it.
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If your body weight and composition are healthy and you're able to work and have relationships, I think you're fine.0
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Hmmmm, this term "obesogenic enviroment" stopped me in my tracks.vivmom2014 wrote: »SingingSingleTracker wrote: »The term “obesogenic environment” refers to “an environment that promotes gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss” within the home or workplace (Swinburn, et al., 1999). In other words, the obesogenic environment refers to an environment that helps, or contributes to, obesity.
Oh, so everyone is being force fed and forbidden to exercise in our society? Nope. Not buying it.
While United States is not force feeding or preventing exercise, our society, big business and politics does not promote that healthy of a life style. We moved to Northern Italy in May and difference in our societies is amazing. We frequently see 70 and 80's out for bike rides and walks everyday. Everyone in my small town goes to the farmer market once or twice a week for fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, cheese and meats. The lattisere has fresh milk and yogurt...not chocked full of preservatives. There is not one fast food place in town except on American base. Pizza and pasta place make everything fresh. Gelato has much less sugar than ice-cream. There are miles of walking and hiking trails in our city. From 1-4pm is Riposa. Shops are closed as Italians workers go home for a cooked meal and nap. Then they walk back to work. You can set your clock by it.
In United States there is so much cheap, non- nutritious food all around plus so many convinces. This is from the NIH:
"More than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of adults are considered to be overweight or obese. More than one-third (35.7 percent) of adults are considered to be obese. More than 1 in 20 (6.3 percent) have extreme obesity. Almost 3 in 4 men (74 percent) are considered to be overweight or obese."
High fructose corn syrup, aspartame and trans fats should have all been outlawed if our society cared enough about health. There would not be so much resistance for healthier food plans at schools if our society has a high value on nutritious foods for our children. The goal of a lot of diets is to lose weight quickly to look better not to be healthier.
While we are each personally responsible for our food intake and exercise there is a lot of pressure in our society to eat foods that are not healthy and to observe athletes rather than be one.0 -
people don't accept changes, that's the problem
they suddenly become psychologist and nutritionist
no one worries about you when you are obese and cannot run for 100m, but suddenly everyone is very worried when you have a healthy BMI and enjoy running/walking...
are you happy and have found your balance, have an healthy life style, so your food/fitness choices don't negatively impact your life/people around you? this is what really matters
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I'm just giving my two cents here because you and I are about the same size (well, usually. I had a baby a few weeks ago so I have baby weight to lose). I'm 5'2" and was 120 with a goal of 115 before baby #2 was born. Your goals aren't unrealistic or unhealthy. About 10 years ago I lost 20 lbs and successfully maintained that loss, except for my two pregnancies of course. After baby #1, I lost all the weight and I have no doubt that I will do that same again with baby #2.
You do have to be a little extra careful when you're small. When I first started out, I was really strict but I definitely didn't have an eating disorder. That didn't stop people from constantly asking me if I was "sick" or encouraging me to eat. If you're getting comments like that, they probably won't go away entirely but they will become less frequent once people adjust to the "new" you.
Anyway, over time I learned to adjust so that I don't have to be quite so strict, but maintenance is hard and you can never just forget about it and go back entirely to not ever logging or eating whatever you want. You're never "done". That's what most people don't understand, and it's also why a lot of those who lose gain the weight back.
Give yourself a little break from calorie counting every now and then if it starts to get to you and allow yourself treats here and there. You're doing great. Best of luck
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Just sounds like you're super committed and dedicated to your goals. Great job!!0
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Eating disorder - WTF!?
Okay - my 2 cents. I've been overweight since the 3rd grade. I'm 54 years old. I don't think I will EVER know maintenance "naturally." I can almost guarantee that I will need to log forever.
I have 2 choices.....be fat (and have "that" kind of eating disorder)....or be thin and log...but I guess that's an eating disorder too. Rant over
I'm guessing you will be able to relax a bit eventually. But tell your friend that figuring all these things out takes time. Besides you're only 5'2".....that makes the job harder still.0 -
eating disorder? definitely not. VERY good with planning and sticking with a routine. YES! i hope one day i can be half as good as you with planning and sticking with it. it seems that you are very disciplined, but allow for treats and off days. i think your friend is very jealous of you and couldn't think of a nicer way to say "congrats" on the loss and maintenance.0
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vivmom2014 wrote: »Good point. I don't eat main meals that aren't homemade, so when my friends go out to eat with me, I go along for the experience.
It's a fine line between staying committed to your fitness program and sitting there on a high horse while your friends eat the banished restaurant food. (No offense.)
Eh, I've gone to bars and not drank or made value judgments about my friends who do drink.
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How does one get from:an environment that promotes gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss
to:Oh, so everyone is being force fed and forbidden to exercise in our society?
I am genuinely curious.
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I see it this way, an eating disorder is exactly that, disordered eating - either on the positive (overeating) or negative (undereating) side.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet to get a healthy, balanced body is NOT disordered eating and is not an eating disorder.0 -
grinning_chick wrote: »How does one get from:an environment that promotes gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss
to:Oh, so everyone is being force fed and forbidden to exercise in our society?
I am genuinely curious.
I guess it can depend on where you live. Here, there are myriad health food stores & restaurants, an abundance of gyms and rec centers, not to mention all the free exercise videos on youtube (which can be taken advantage of anywhere.)
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You do not have an eating disorder and anyone that suggests you do is not too smart I've kept all my weight off for 10 years or so and I've continued to count calories. It's easy, it's quick and it keeps me accountable. I give myself one day a week where I can eat what I want and I don't count calories to give myself a break. I've been highly successful at this whole maintenance game and monitoring what I eat is a huge part of that. I do know people who don't count but I'm a numbers gal, love those numbers
Keep doing what you're doing and ignore her! 0 -
LOL no, that's not an ED. An ED causes constant obsession with food, weight, and calories. Counting and planning is not the same at all.0
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Counting calories CAN be indicative of an eating disorder, but it is the obsessive counting and freaking out over a 10 calorie overage that is disordered, not the actual monitoring of your intake.
this... this pretty much sums it up.
I've taken a food scale to a restaurant before- because science and data... and people thing that's extreme but sometimes you just gotta get more data. It doesn't mean I have a problem_ I know when it's to much and when I've crossed the line.
Going out with your friends and not being able to take a "break" or just know that 'today- today is not a day that I will be in my calorie goals for now" that's more problematic to me.
You can count calorie and still go out to eat- and still have high and low days.0 -
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If you are aware of what you eat, pay attention, gather data, analyze and adjust in order to improve your health, you probably don;t have an eating disorder.
If you have a meltdown because you;re 5 calories over, saw red on your ticker, and cried yourself to sleep over it .. you have an eating disorder.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »vivmom2014 wrote: »Good point. I don't eat main meals that aren't homemade, so when my friends go out to eat with me, I go along for the experience.
It's a fine line between staying committed to your fitness program and sitting there on a high horse while your friends eat the banished restaurant food. (No offense.)
Eh, I've gone to bars and not drank or made value judgments about my friends who do drink.
I think this is a great example!! I work in a bar and lots of people come for the fun with friends, the companionship, the conversation... and don't drink at all. Hell we call it a designated driver and give them free cokes as a reward. If you are not at the restaurant drooling over the food and complaining that you "can't" eat it who cares if you order.0 -
Mabye, you (we) plan out your your meals in advance is the cure to your eating disorder. which is eating too much !0
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I recently was having lunch with a group. They decided to go to Five Guys. I love that place! However, I did not have the calories available and Chipotle was next door. A couple of people remarked that I shouldn't be on a diet that doesn't allow for splurges. I did explain that I agreed but needed to be choosy about when the splurge happens. I don't think that's disordered.
Hmmmm, this term "obesogenic enviroment" stopped me in my tracks.vivmom2014 wrote: »SingingSingleTracker wrote: »The term “obesogenic environment” refers to “an environment that promotes gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss” within the home or workplace (Swinburn, et al., 1999). In other words, the obesogenic environment refers to an environment that helps, or contributes to, obesity.
Oh, so everyone is being force fed and forbidden to exercise in our society? Nope. Not buying it.
While United States is not force feeding or preventing exercise, our society, big business and politics does not promote that healthy of a life style. We moved to Northern Italy in May and difference in our societies is amazing. We frequently see 70 and 80's out for bike rides and walks everyday. Everyone in my small town goes to the farmer market once or twice a week for fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, cheese and meats. The lattisere has fresh milk and yogurt...not chocked full of preservatives. There is not one fast food place in town except on American base. Pizza and pasta place make everything fresh. Gelato has much less sugar than ice-cream. There are miles of walking and hiking trails in our city. From 1-4pm is Riposa. Shops are closed as Italians workers go home for a cooked meal and nap. Then they walk back to work. You can set your clock by it.
In United States there is so much cheap, non- nutritious food all around plus so many convinces. This is from the NIH:
"More than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of adults are considered to be overweight or obese. More than one-third (35.7 percent) of adults are considered to be obese. More than 1 in 20 (6.3 percent) have extreme obesity. Almost 3 in 4 men (74 percent) are considered to be overweight or obese."
High fructose corn syrup, aspartame and trans fats should have all been outlawed if our society cared enough about health. There would not be so much resistance for healthier food plans at schools if our society has a high value on nutritious foods for our children. The goal of a lot of diets is to lose weight quickly to look better not to be healthier.
While we are each personally responsible for our food intake and exercise there is a lot of pressure in our society to eat foods that are not healthy and to observe athletes rather than be one.
I wonder if restaurants in other countries advertise "unlimited" or bottomless baskets of french fries like Applebees and Red Robin. Another ad I noticed this summer was for Pizza Hut - pizza with hotdogs in a blanket outside of the crust. The commercials have really made me think about the obesity rate in the US. If I went to these places and took advantage of having 5 baskets of fries, it's on me definitely. I think it's interesting that it's available. These restaurants are only doing what the market and law allows.
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susan100df wrote: »I wonder if restaurants in other countries advertise "unlimited" or bottomless baskets of french fries like Applebees and Red Robin. Another ad I noticed this summer was for Pizza Hut - pizza with hotdogs in a blanket outside of the crust. The commercials have really made me think about the obesity rate in the US. If I went to these places and took advantage of having 5 baskets of fries, it's on me definitely. I think it's interesting that it's available. These restaurants are only doing what the market and law allows.
I tried the hot dog crust pizza. Wasn't worth the calories
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susan100df wrote: »I recently was having lunch with a group. They decided to go to Five Guys. I love that place! However, I did not have the calories available and Chipotle was next door. A couple of people remarked that I shouldn't be on a diet that doesn't allow for splurges. I did explain that I agreed but needed to be choosy about when the splurge happens. I don't think that's disordered.
Hmmmm, this term "obesogenic enviroment" stopped me in my tracks.vivmom2014 wrote: »SingingSingleTracker wrote: »The term “obesogenic environment” refers to “an environment that promotes gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss” within the home or workplace (Swinburn, et al., 1999). In other words, the obesogenic environment refers to an environment that helps, or contributes to, obesity.
Oh, so everyone is being force fed and forbidden to exercise in our society? Nope. Not buying it.
While United States is not force feeding or preventing exercise, our society, big business and politics does not promote that healthy of a life style. We moved to Northern Italy in May and difference in our societies is amazing. We frequently see 70 and 80's out for bike rides and walks everyday. Everyone in my small town goes to the farmer market once or twice a week for fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, cheese and meats. The lattisere has fresh milk and yogurt...not chocked full of preservatives. There is not one fast food place in town except on American base. Pizza and pasta place make everything fresh. Gelato has much less sugar than ice-cream. There are miles of walking and hiking trails in our city. From 1-4pm is Riposa. Shops are closed as Italians workers go home for a cooked meal and nap. Then they walk back to work. You can set your clock by it.
In United States there is so much cheap, non- nutritious food all around plus so many convinces. This is from the NIH:
"More than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of adults are considered to be overweight or obese. More than one-third (35.7 percent) of adults are considered to be obese. More than 1 in 20 (6.3 percent) have extreme obesity. Almost 3 in 4 men (74 percent) are considered to be overweight or obese."
High fructose corn syrup, aspartame and trans fats should have all been outlawed if our society cared enough about health. There would not be so much resistance for healthier food plans at schools if our society has a high value on nutritious foods for our children. The goal of a lot of diets is to lose weight quickly to look better not to be healthier.
While we are each personally responsible for our food intake and exercise there is a lot of pressure in our society to eat foods that are not healthy and to observe athletes rather than be one.
I wonder if restaurants in other countries advertise "unlimited" or bottomless baskets of french fries like Applebees and Red Robin. Another ad I noticed this summer was for Pizza Hut - pizza with hotdogs in a blanket outside of the crust. The commercials have really made me think about the obesity rate in the US. If I went to these places and took advantage of having 5 baskets of fries, it's on me definitely. I think it's interesting that it's available. These restaurants are only doing what the market and law allows.
No, I think that's definitely an American thing. I am often taken aback at the portion sizes,cheap prices and fries with EVERYTHING they have in America. We used to have the "all you can eat" pizza huts here, but they all closed down years ago.0 -
Eating disorder - WTF!?
Okay - my 2 cents. I've been overweight since the 3rd grade. I'm 54 years old. I don't think I will EVER know maintenance "naturally." I can almost guarantee that I will need to log forever.
I have 2 choices.....be fat (and have "that" kind of eating disorder)....or be thin and log...but I guess that's an eating disorder too. Rant over
I'm guessing you will be able to relax a bit eventually. But tell your friend that figuring all these things out takes time. Besides you're only 5'2".....that makes the job harder still.
I'm in the Perpetual Loggers Club too! Why stop when it works so well?0
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