Eating Disorder Recovery and Paleo/Primal

FluffyFontaine

Has anyone with an eating disorder found recovery through transitioning to a paleo/primal lifestyle? I have binge eating disorder (BED) and have read that the paleo/primal way of eating can assist in recovery by the simple fact that it eliminates addictive food sources. On the other hand, I've read that eliminating food groups are a hinderance to eating disorders because it creates cravings for those foods that have been eliminated.

Another issue is calorie counting. I've read in numerous articles that by eating a primitive diet, one will not need to count calories, because the only foods being consumed are whole and healthy. I've also read that if weight loss is the goal, one should keep their carb intake to less than 20%; that would mean counting calories and macronutrients. On the eating disorder end of things, many professionals say calorie counting can be detrimental to recovery, because its still a control mechanism.

I'm confused and don't know which route to take right now. Any thoughts or suggestions?

SerendipitySkye

I am not sure if this will help you at all, but I used to binge eat. I do not now if it was considered a disorder or my answer to ease depression, but I would just eat to eat...whenever I wanted to. I gained 50 pounds during my depression. Then, I found Paleo. By eating the Paleo way, I never had the urge to binge anymore. I am not exactly sure how it stopped it for me, though. I think it is because it is so mood boosting that I did not feel depression anymore, so I did not need to eat. I now believe the sugar and wheat were the culprits of my depression.

I do count calories, because I am still trying to lose 35 pounds. Once I get down to my goal weight, I may try and go it without counting, but the thought of that makes me nervous because I know I love to eat still--and Paleo food is sooo good!

Not sure if this helps. It is just my experience. If you want to add a fellow Paleo person, please feel free to add me. I would LOVE to make more Paleo friends.

Good luck to you!!

~Skye :flowerforyou:

LeenaGee

I'm confused and don't know which route to take right now. Any thoughts or suggestions?

So far what I see is you making really great choices already. Follow your motto honey -"Love yourself first and everything else will fall into line................................" Don't overthink it to begin with and just eat healthy Paleo foods - protein, fruit and veggies, omega 3s, water and eliminate wheat, processed food and as much sugar from your diet as possible.

Good luck.

animalldy

I have a history of restricting/binging since I was about 20. I would consider myself "recovered" but these sorts of things never go away, they just come and go, it will always be a part of me. I started counting calories about a year ago because I wanted to lose 20 lbs and I needed to, I was overweight. I've been maintaining a healthy weight for 6 months.

Now I'm doing a slow transition to paleo, last month I cut out grains and this month I am cutting out dairy. I also stopped counting calories. I've successfully maintained my weight for about 6 weeks now with no counting. I also feel better, less bloated, fewer cravings, more stable blood sugar. For me, the "rules" of paleo/primal have been helpful and give me guidance, but I believe in 80/20, or 90/10, which is basically moderation. I can see how following paleo too strictly could be very detrimental to recovery especially if you're not in the right headspace. I would recommend discussing with a therapist and nutritionist. Good luck!