All should read! EDs, calories, and the truth
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So happy to hear you got everything under control!!! This was well written and hopefully it will help a lot of people out there!! Too many people are under eating and they don't realize what it's doing to their bodies.0
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Experience everything, indeed. When you are craving that ice cream, you eat an ice cream. And when you are full, stop. Eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full. You will lose weight, but I think that is less important than being satisfied with yourself. Because you're a human person and deserve pleasure and love.
No, I absolutely will not.
Afraid you are most definitely wrong in regards to me in this case.
I certainly don't get the 'full' feeling as quickly as others do. Everyone is different and while that may well work for you, it doesn't mean it will work for me.
It's probably worth mentioning that some people are simply more genetically disposed to eating greater amounts of food than they actually need. There have been experiments conducted on elementary school kids where after school lunches, additional delicious snacks were set down on everyone's table and the teachers observed the pattern of children who simply ignored the food because they weren't hungry, and those who kept eating the yummy snacks even though they were already full from their last meal. Some managed to clean the entire plate, whereas others didn't even touch a crumb.
My point is that I'm the sort of person who *has* to be mindful of what I'm eating all the time, otherwise I will just start putting on weight again. I eat what makes me feel good and when I like, but unfortunately that's usually more than I need. I don't really understand modesty, and I do a very bad job of practising it. My mind is just greedy - being hungry and craving is pretty much the same thing to me... that's exactly what got me to this stage of weight gain.
So I sort of agree with the above poster, that some people just have to be more ritualized about their eating, because to them doing things that feel good don't fall in line with doing things that are good for their body. Having suffered from a malnourishment-based eating disorder, I would suspect that the OP is in fact in the opposing category, therefore "enjoying life" is a piece of advice that will work well for her.
However, I suspect that if I'm not always careful about my food, I will never lose this weight or succeed in keeping it off for good.
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Let us take the Topic title as an example of why I thought it was worth offering my opinions:Wow, the OP was sharing the learnings and realisations that she gained during recovery from an eating disorder. Why would you want to go out of your way to try and disprove a set of beliefs that helped her recover from an illness that kills more people than any other psychological disorder???
This place baffles me sometimes :noway:
>>All should read! EDs, calories, and the truth<<
Had she used the following as a title instead, it would have been a lot better to my mind:
"My experience! EDs, calories and what worked for me"
But instead she is saying everyone should read it (so I did), then putting it forward as the truth.
I then took issue when she tried to suggest that this was what would work for everyone.
That is just bad advice and should be challenged - if I was offering advice on something that others knew to be wrong I'd hope someone told me. If I still believed it was right, I'd then offer my reasoning, ideally backed up by research.
I do have experience with my personal eating disorder. The fact I have many times been at 60lb more than I am now shows that - the fact that it is 'many times' part of that. The fact that I still have to often do a half hour cycle ride at 11pm to match my calories up before midnight shows I'm definitely not over it either.I don't think this applied to you and your response was completely uncalled for . This is the type of insensitive reply that makes MFP one of the worst "support" systems (while also being completely amazing in other regards). I cannot believe you went out of your way to refute the OPs points when clearly you have no experience with an eating disorder. You should be ashamed of yourself, just saying. She's a young girl encouraging other people who might be suffering and you just want to pick a fight.
I also am friends with people that have had eating disorders on the other side too. I have been accused of that myself too and certainly display a load of the signs, though that's certainly not the case for me (or so I'm pretty sure, in reality my goals are considered pretty realistic.)
Do you think people should ignore or encourage bad advice which will harm and could even be dangerous to other people on the basis they should be 'supported'?
In this case her response to my post used the words 'you'. While my post may seem arrogant, it was in reply to someone telling my something about myself which I will know from experience is not true.
I well appreciate what she's done and what's worked for her.
That does not mean it will work for everyone or is true for everyone.
Unlike others, I appreciate; I'm not on this site for emotional support.
I am however here for good information; so why wouldn't I respond to a post which says 'All should read!' and 'the truth', yet did not usefully cover either of those.
One of the problems I see with this site is so many that presume that worked for them most be the only way it will work for others. Then others will defend information that if considered a little must logically be wrong, because it "works for them" or because people offering alternate opinions are 'being nasty' and so on.
The human body and mind is vastly variable and this isn't a good tactic to take. If you are going to, it's nice to present some good research to back it up, so we can see why people hold that opinion.0 -
The number of *experts* on this site is hilarious. To the OP, you go girl. No good deed goes unpunished.0
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I have enjoyed reading this. Your very wise for someone so young.
Thanks.
i second this!!
Aye
Awesome read thank you!0 -
Your post was amazing thank you.0
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A lot of what is said here makes some sense. But no one set of rules works for everyone. I have high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Plus I do need to lose at least 20 lbs. In order to get my numbers down, I do need to regulate everything, i.e calories, protein, carbs, fat, cholesterol, salt. Myfitnesspal keeps track of all of these numbers for me. It is quite the balancing act on 1200 calories. And yes I am hungry and do feel deprived; but it is so much better than going on insulin or ending up with a stroke. I think to myself "there is no other option; I have to stick with this plan. It is a matter of life or death." Anyone else out there in the same boat and want to connect? Please do not hesitate.
I'm in the same boat. I use this site to help me and all of the tools do. We are all different and we do what ever we have to . Glad you have insight for yourself. I'm happy with myfitness pal and what it offers for free to me.0 -
I agree with everything EXCEPT number 5. Processed foods ARE unhealthy. Period. Its scientifically proven. Other then that my love well written!!0
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Bump, saving this to read over and over.0
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I believe that there are unhealthy foods & healthy foods. Some foods contain much more nutritional value per calorie than others, that's just a fact.
& there's nothing wrong with working out to look good.0 -
I don't deny I have many times 'comfort eaten' to make me feel better.
But I do this because in the first place I enjoy eating food.
If it wasn't was for the consequences I would happily eat a lot more even when I'm in a very good frame of mind. I do have plenty of 'bad history', but that's far from the complete story blaming it on that for me.
In an evolutionary sense it certainly makes sense that those who ate plenty of high calorie foods were more likely to survive to an age where they could procreate.Your body's survival method is not eating everything in sight immediately; that is what it has been trained to do, perhaps.
Do you have any evidence to suggest this is not the case, or is it just your opinion?
Either way, what are you basing this on?
Again. Eating below maintenance is the ONLY way to lose weight by definition.If you eat below your maintenance level of calories, all you do is train your body to be more efficient in conserving and storing calories.
So it's certainly not 'all you do'. I've lost around 60lb since May be eating between say 3000 and 1000 calories under what would be required for maintenance (starting higher and reducing as I got nearer my 10% BF goal).
No, I absolutely will not.Experience everything, indeed. When you are craving that ice cream, you eat an ice cream. And when you are full, stop. Eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full. You will lose weight, but I think that is less important than being satisfied with yourself. Because you're a human person and deserve pleasure and love.
Afraid you are most definitely wrong in regards to me in this case.
I certainly don't get the 'full' feeling as quickly as others do. Everyone is different and while that may well work for you, it doesn't mean it will work for me.
I think the way you approached this was insensitive as well. I thought the topic was very helpful and many other people agree. She learned things along the way that helped her and "could" help others, that of course doesn't apply to everybody.0 -
Cam you said this "People call MFP a great tool for weight loss, but I respectfully dissent. Calorie counting is quite unhealthy. " I don't agree. MRF is a great tool, most people need to count those calories to realize what they are eating and how fast those calories add up. I for one need this. I also have a dietitan who helps me and she agrees this is a great site and it helps to see where you are at in a day of eating. It is a tool for weight loss and there are many tools to use out there. I am grateful for MFP and so are many others.
I'm glad you got the help you needed but there are others who do not have your problem and we need these tools to help us. Glad you got your help . Good luck
I am thankful for MFP and friends on here that help me. Just my 2 cents worth.0 -
5. There are NO healthy or unhealthy foods. This was the first thing that my nutritionist told me. I had been categorizing, like many of you, food into "healthy", "okay occasionally," and "bad for you!". She debunked this rather quickly. Huge amounts of anything can be harmful. But no one food can destroy or restore health, so no one food is healthy or unhealthy.
Some people seem to be missing the point that the well written post relates to people who have an ED and are in recovery or looking to recover. However, the point above is particularly relevant for everyone.0 -
Eat until you're no longer hungry is exactly where I fell flat on my fat face. Apparently, to me, eating until I'm no longer hungry means eating until I'm so stuffed I'm miserable. I did that for years expecting that eventually I'd settle into my happy place weight-wise and stop gaining weight. At 207 pounds on a 5'7" medium frame is where I decided to engage my brain in the process. You better believe I'm going to count calories! I have no wish to weigh more ever again in my life!0
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Wise words have been spoken. Thanks so much, My Dear.0
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I believe that there are unhealthy foods & healthy foods. Some foods contain much more nutritional value per calorie than others, that's just a fact.
& there's nothing wrong with working out to look good.
Like what?0 -
This is a very sensible post. However, such an approach does not work for all people. If you are a postmenopausal woman, it is natural for you to put on weight. However, you will be healthier if you do not. May be it is natural for people to die at 60, but i want to live long and healthy, be strong and muscular, and have a good heart rate and blood pressure. If it takes calorie counting, i dont mind! Mfp is great help!0
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Very good post, but I have to say, I can't eat till I am full or eat when I am hungry because I am always hungry. Now whether this is my actual appetite or just an emotion appetite is debatable. I also have hypothyroidism and I can tell you, unless I count calories I will gain weight. I have to be aware of what I am eating...no choice here.0
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Wow, what an amazing young woman you are! Kudos to you on writing this post...very well written and very smart!0
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This was an awesome post.
To those who are so quick to say 'this doesn't apply to me' or 'that's why I'm fat'. Keep in mind that the OP was sharing what she learned and what worked for her in hopes that it would help other people.
For the parts that don't apply to you, ok they don't apply to you. You don't have to tear her down because of that. Learn what you can learn or what you are willing to learn and move on.
I don't get hungry and the reverse. when I eat I don't fill full until it is physically uncomfortable but I could see that what she was saying made sense for others.
She didn't say be irresponsible with eating what you want. She didn't say eat a huge amount of what you want. In fact she said even eating too much of what you considered 'good' was bad. So if you got fat eating what you want and you griped about it... you still missed the point of what she said.
again Cudos to the OP. I think most of that has needed to be said for a while now.0 -
Nice post, but don't agree with no.4 I don't see a problem with working out to look good...it makes me feel good!
Not too sure about no.5 either.0 -
Very nicely written. I am glad you found Yoga. The Eastern Philosophical beliefs are very cleansing and good at teaching you how to love yourself and focus on the moment.0
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Great post! But I dont agree with this .. Calorie counting is quite unhealthy. Eat until you're no longer hungry, and eat foods that make you feel GOOD. If I didn't count calories, I'd still be obese. If I ate until I was no longer hungry, I'd keep eating beyond what my body needs and eating foods that make me feel good.. well I'd be eating mac n cheese, chocolate, chips and all kinds of other junk rather than healthy vegetables that nourish me. Then I'd be huge, again. Yes, agree that 'treats' should be eaten, but in moderation and wtih planning so I don't go overboard, don't feel deprived, don't feel like im on a temporary 'diet', etc.
I'm a recovered anorexic/bulimic and I agreed with everything you said but that. I guess we all have our own ways to lose weight but I can't do it without knowing and seeing just what goes/has gone into my mouth.0 -
This was lovely and written so well. Good for you!0
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Very good post, but I have to say, I can't eat till I am full or eat when I am hungry because I am always hungry. Now whether this is my actual appetite or just an emotion appetite is debatable. I also have hypothyroidism and I can tell you, unless I count calories I will gain weight. I have to be aware of what I am eating...no choice here.
I agree with Swat in that until joining MFP and counting calories I was unable to recognize when I was no longer hungry. If it tasted good, I'd eat it till it was gone. I've read that every bite after the first one tastes a little less wonderful, but not to me. As others have posted, some of us need to count calories and measure and weigh portions particularly if no food is off limits. To me, I find that if I limit certain things, the scale rewards me. Maybe some day I can look at all foods as fuel and be able to eat a portion and no more. I'm not there now. But "Food is only fuel." is my mantra now.0 -
Hello. My name is Cam, and I'm a 19 year old girl, almost 20, living in San Francisco, CA. I had an eating disorder that developed in the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of high school. I was insecure with everything and just wanted some control. But even as I starved, I would slip and binge. My weight fluctuated between 90 pounds and 120 pounds (which for my 5'2" frame is quite large).
When my parents found out, when I was 16, they got me a therapist, an ED doctor, and a nutritionist. With their help, I changed how I see food and how I see weight loss.
1. Don't believe everything you read on the internet. My wonderful nutritionist had been in her profession for years and understood the science between weight gain and loss, and how calories actually work. You see, you NEED carbs. You need a healthy, normal, amount of carbs.
2. Do not ever eat below maintenance level of calories. Trying to gain weight and trying to lose weight have the same solution. If you've been starving, slowly reintroduce amounts of food to work up to a normal level. If you're trying to lose weight, decrease your amount of food until you're at your normal level. The body wants to be healthy. It's hard on the body to be fat. If you give it what it's aways needed, it will give you the body you need to have (over time). Not everyone needs to have THE perfect body, but every single person can have his or her perfect body.
3. Enjoy. People on here so often say that "food is only for nourishment" or "I will not treat my body like a trash can." Sure, it's irresponsible to eat 3 pans of brownies and 7 cheeseburgers and 5 ice cream cones. But really, do not restrict yourself on what you can and cannot eat. Seriously. Don't try to "add things back in later", eat how you're going to eat forever. Maybe physically, yes, food is only for nutrition, but people who say this fail to take culture into account. Sharing a meal or a dessert can be a wonderful culturally significant experience.
4. Don't exercise for weight or appearance. People need to stop running and doing crunches to get that "perf beach body". I understand the desire to want to look great, but unless you FEEL great, about yourself, that's not going to be possible anyway. If you exercise, it should be because of how it makes you feel happy, strong, relaxed, etc.
5. There are NO healthy or unhealthy foods. This was the first thing that my nutritionist told me. I had been categorizing, like many of you, food into "healthy", "okay occasionally," and "bad for you!". She debunked this rather quickly. Huge amounts of anything can be harmful. But no one food can destroy or restore health, so no one food is healthy or unhealthy.
6. Understand, respect, and love your body. Yoga really helped me with this. Your body has a purpose. That purpose is to survive. Help your body fulfill its purpose more efficiently and effectively. Understand why it does why it does. Your body needs to conserve fat sometimes, because fat can be healthy. Understand that, and stop fighting your body.
These are some of the most important lessons I learned through my treatment. People call MFP a great tool for weight loss, but I respectfully dissent. Calorie counting is quite unhealthy. Eat until you're no longer hungry, and eat foods that make you feel GOOD. This is life. If you spend your whole live at war with your body, will that really a be a life worth living? Enjoy everything, experience everything. And above all, love yourself.
You are a sweetheart and I loved reading this. Lots of wisdom here for such a young person.
I'm older (almost 52) and I must say I actually enjoy counting calories as well as sculpting my body with weight lifting. I enjoy it as if it was my destiny to enjoy. But I have never had eating disorders and I got fat because I just didn't know my portion sizes were too big for a small person. I never ate pans or brownies, bags of cookies, or whole gallons of ice cream or ate for boredom or mindlessly ate food. I grew up when there were no computers so to me having a tool that allows me to simply enter what I eat is fun,. It does the math and I don't have to use pen and paper, calories books and calculators.
I love food and I will only eat food that tastes so good it's too die for. I am recovered from all sorts of diets and extensive good food bad food lists and I feel such freedom in letting that go and just using a calorie budget that helps me maintain my health. I love having MFP to help me maintain my health, it does not feel obsessive to me, it's just one more thing I do like balancing my budget, brushing my teeth, tying my shoe, cleaning the house. I view my gym workouts the same way, I LOVE THEM and I LOVE my running.
I am super happy for you and I loved seeing your perspective.0 -
Nice post, but don't agree with no.4 I don't see a problem with working out to look good...it makes me feel good!
Not too sure about no.5 either.
Only a problem with working out to look good if you are recovering from an ED. So this doesn't apply to you maybe lol.0 -
bump. Thanks0
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Actually, you DON'T NEED carbs. If your nutritionist tells you this then she is wrong. Just wrong. John Hopkins children's neurology department released a book called the Ketogenic Diet. It details how they use diet to treat epilepsy in children whose seizures do not respond well or adequately to medication. This diet uses very high fat, low protein and very low carbs. They're not entirely sure how it works yet but the brain can function just fine using ketogenic bodies. Somehow changing the fuel the brain uses seems to reset the brain. After a few years on the diet, the child slowly transitions back to to a normal diet and the seizures are permanently reduced or even cured. This diet is so sensitive that using the wrong sunblock (some have carbs) on a child on the diet can bring the seizures back. Adults with epilepsy are generally treated with a modified Atkins diet.
This is not something that most people would want to do. It's hard. Heavy cream and butter become dietary staples. It's just used in cases where 3 or more medications have been tried and failed. But if your child is still going through dozens or hundreds of seizures a day, it's worth it.
I'm not trying to discount your experience. My grandmother suffered with anorexia and was generally 70-80 pounds when she was at her best and 65 pounds at her worst. It destroyed her body and eventually destroyed her mind. I also have a form of epilepsy and I know that I feel better when I decrease my carbs.
I just get upset when someone states that everyone unequivocally NEEDS something, especially when that something can be downright harmful to some people.0 -
Its a shame the OP concept and vision is lost.
Good intentions of the OP was meant but its turned into a point scoring match.
A young woman has found her inner zen and serenity from her disorder she had. She leans on these beliefs and she wants to share and others think this as an opportunity to tear the comfort zone down on the fact of being right or wrong when its such a gray area.
Good job guys0
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