counting calories=eating disorder?

fourteeners
fourteeners Posts: 35
edited October 26 in Health and Weight Loss
Is anyone else worried that counting calories will end up in an eating disorder?
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Replies

  • carrieous
    carrieous Posts: 1,024 Member
    nope.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    Depends what you are using the counting for I actually use my log as a guide and always over estimate. This keeps me from obsessing too much because I know that I'm under what I said I was.
  • purpleipod
    purpleipod Posts: 1,147 Member
    No?

    You'd have to be overly obsessive to get to that point if you ask me.
  • fourteeners
    fourteeners Posts: 35
    I am concerned. That I am starting to look at food in an unhealthy way, and that that won't stop when I reach my "goal."
  • lunarescape
    lunarescape Posts: 51 Member
    I've seen it happen and have almost let it happen myself. Being too obsessive of calorie counting to the point of it controlling every aspect of your life. Just don't go crazy with it and you'll be fine. c:
  • purpleipod
    purpleipod Posts: 1,147 Member
    Then go to a doctor.
  • emelia_
    emelia_ Posts: 91
    I can see how you could get obsessed with tracking your weight, I used to kind of freak out if I forgot my phone and couldn't enter a food. I think as long as you have healthy, realistic goals in the first place you're on the right track.
  • Saaaam42
    Saaaam42 Posts: 154 Member
    Not an eating disorder, but I definitely feel more obsessive about my weight since I joined MFP.
  • kprep
    kprep Posts: 11
    an eating disorder is a mental illness, you cannot just 'get' one...
  • ladyraven68
    ladyraven68 Posts: 2,003 Member
    Is anyone else worried that counting calories will end up in an eating disorder?

    I'd say the opposite.

    If yoe have a sensible calorie target, logging regularly will give you a better idea of portion size, and a better idea of the macros in foods so that when you do stop using MFP you will have a better chance of eating healthily on your own.

    Trying to hit the right macros is like doing a challenge - I see them as a goal to hit, not as a limit.
  • eimaj5575
    eimaj5575 Posts: 278 Member
    If this is something you are worried about perhaps there is a underlyning issues you should discuss with a Dr. before starting a diet plan. It is just a guide to help. 55lbs lost and I do not have a eating disorder.
  • stargazer008
    stargazer008 Posts: 531
    No, an eating disorder is more complex than what you assume.
  • Abner88
    Abner88 Posts: 7
    No,counting calories is good for your health i mean by doing this you will know what did you eat and how much did you eat so its will be little more easy for you to achieve you fitness goal,But there is nothing like eating disorders in that.Stay cool
  • KenosFeoh
    KenosFeoh Posts: 1,837 Member
    I don't think that counting calories in and of itself will lead you to an eating disorder. I do think that if you are prone to obsessive/compulsive type disorders, that might lead to being obsessive about calorie counting. So like somebody else already said, it's the other way around.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    A few people have accused me of having an eating disorder but they haven't seen me go full on beast mode in the gym. My body weight is low but the weight on my oly bar isn't :laugh: . I don't think I have the kind of mindset that could develop an eating disorder.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    Nope, because I view food as fuel and I continuously look for ways to eat more than 2500 calories and still lose weight. But if you have a small deficit and exercise so you can eat more, I would find it hard to develop an ED if you are eating 1700+ calories. Unfortunately, people make a game out of beating their calorie goal and over extend their goals. Like those with 20 lbs to lose aiming to lose 2 lbs per week. It's too aggressive.
  • briannadunn
    briannadunn Posts: 841 Member
    Purple--your picture is creepy!!!

    I think that calorie county and become obsessive and you can under eat when you need to eat because you are eating something nutritious. It is possible. Try not to stress to much about it though. Just eat what you are supposed to and let the rest take care of itself.
  • violinkeri
    violinkeri Posts: 212
    an eating disorder is a mental illness, you cannot just 'get' one...

    My sister has an eating disorder, but she wasnt born with it. She 'got' it after getting teased about being chunky, getting healthy by being fit, and then taking it too far. you can't CATCH an eating disorder, but you can sure as hell GET one.
  • PRMinx
    PRMinx Posts: 4,585 Member
    an eating disorder is a mental illness, you cannot just 'get' one...

    ^This

    An eating disorder is really a manifestation of a control disorder. I would ask you what is making you obsessive over counting your calories? Is it comforting to you because it's something you can control? Do you feel out of control in other areas of your life? If you think you are developing a problem, talk to a doctor. ED's spin out of control very quickly.
  • fourteeners
    fourteeners Posts: 35
    I have gone from feeling very normal about food, enjoying it with friends, loving to cook, to not eating at all when I am upset with myself for something, punishing myself in a way for something. I would rather be the first way, but I don't know how to do that while trying to count calories. (maybe I am an obsessive person?)
  • purpleipod
    purpleipod Posts: 1,147 Member
    Purple--your picture is creepy!!!

    I think that calorie county and become obsessive and you can under eat when you need to eat because you are eating something nutritious. It is possible. Try not to stress to much about it though. Just eat what you are supposed to and let the rest take care of itself.

    lol

    It's the Walking Dead app Dead Yourself, it's pretty fun.
  • tattoogal77
    tattoogal77 Posts: 72 Member
    I think you need to use this website as a tool, and remember that nothing is concrete and permanent. You can use it to look back and see where you made healthy and unhealthy choices, and learn what is making you feel healthier and happier about yourself.

    I know when I tried weight watchers I was feeling that obsessive compulsion when it came to calorie/point counteing. On here I don't feel that at all. If you are starting to feel that you are obsessing over calories and food, talk to you doctor. They may have other ideas for you that are not so overwhelming.

    Wishing you luck with your healthy journey!
  • PRMinx
    PRMinx Posts: 4,585 Member
    I have gone from feeling very normal about food, enjoying it with friends, loving to cook, to not eating at all when I am upset with myself for something, punishing myself in a way for something. I would rather be the first way, but I don't know how to do that while trying to count calories. (maybe I am an obsessive person?)

    If this is what is happening then, yes, you are obsessing and you are using food as punishment/reward for your own control or lack thereof. If this is impacting your life to that level, then I would strongly encourage you to speak to a professional about what's behind it. A professional will be able to give you better tools to handle life's ups and downs.
  • KristineW78
    KristineW78 Posts: 42 Member
    I think you have to be somewhat pre-disposed. I have found myself feeling guilty when I overindulge or eat "naughty" foods but then I look at how far I have come and know that yeah, I have to fight for what I want but that the goal is health, not being the skinniest chick on the block :) Having a positive support friend or group can help as well. I stay on track and allow myself occassional cheats, especially while on my cycle (a week before is my weak point) when I CRAVE it! When I do cheat, I take an organic, whole food fatfighter supplement which draws out the bad fat and blocks part of the carb intake. I also stop eating after 6pm. Turning off the TV at this time allows me to avoid those horrible commercials advertising food food food!
  • Lindseyelizabeth87
    Lindseyelizabeth87 Posts: 151 Member
    I think it's important to look at your counts as more than just the calories.
    I try to stay within my goal, but a lot of the time what I really get out of logging is tracking how close I'm getting to my iron, protein and fibre goals.

    Try not to look at just the calories, and see the additional benefits from the tracking. You're not just trying to stay under a number, you're trying to make healthy choices to fill out those other numbers in a healthy way too.
  • mfpcopine
    mfpcopine Posts: 3,093 Member
    Depends what you are using the counting for I actually use my log as a guide and always over estimate. This keeps me from obsessing too much because I know that I'm under what I said I was.

    I do the same thing.

    Admittedly, I haven't been counting everything for some time because it's tedious and fraught with inaccuracy, especially if you eat anything that didn't come with a label. But I have an excellent working knowledge of calorie content and I weigh myself several times a week to get feedback.

    I think that if you have a predisposition to clinical OCD or to anorexia counting could trigger them, but the ordinary person need have no concern.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    I have gone from feeling very normal about food, enjoying it with friends, loving to cook, to not eating at all when I am upset with myself for something, punishing myself in a way for something. I would rather be the first way, but I don't know how to do that while trying to count calories. (maybe I am an obsessive person?)

    From this ^^ and by looking at your username, I'm guessing you're really young. You don't have much weight to lose - maybe relax a little.

    Any obsessive behavior is worth exploring. Why don't you start a computer journal and talk this out to yourself? You are your own best therapist. As Sheryl Crow says, "Every man is his own Prophet, every Prophet just a man."

    Maybe come back to calorie counting when it doesn't cause this anxiety. It's just a tool. It shouldn't have emotional triggers.
  • TrishLG
    TrishLG Posts: 173 Member
    Over the years I have asked a lot of older small or slender women how they maintained their weight over the years.
    One woman said, "I eat all I want, I just don't want very much.'
    This was sort of a self hypnosis technique. It worked for her.

    Another woman said that for lunch, she always has 4 saltines with peanutbutter.

    Most slender women have the same breakfast, and sometimes the same lunch every day.
    Having that worked out, they only have to present one reasonable meal in the evening for her family.

    Most have learned portion control. Counting calories will eventually become so second nature to you that you will know what portions will keep you in control.

    Everything is really based on calories.
    Remember the Akins diet, just eat protein and light vegetables? If you over did it with the fats, you gained weight!

    20% of all anorexia end up dying. The first time I saw this was when we lost a once lovely young student.
    The binge and purge technique seems as if it gives the girls more control, but soon they find that they have no control.
    When you eat too much, you are suppose to feel stuffed, uncomfortable, and disgusted. That makes you control it better next time.
    Learning calorie intake, understanding more about food, fiber, nutrients, exercise give you knowledge.
    Knowledge gives you power and success.
  • Mjhnbgff
    Mjhnbgff Posts: 112
    Are you afraid you might have an eating disorder? Simply watching what you eat and counting calories does not lead to an eating disorder. Remember that eating disorders are really not about losing weight, but are symptoms of emotional and psychological issues. I can't tell you how eating disorders develop because I am not an eating disorder specialist, but from my own experience, I know that my eating disorder makes me a little obsessive and inflexible when it comes to food. People with eating disorders have an entirely different way of looking at food and they are very obsessive. No need to worry if you're just counting calories, but if you find yourself unable to eat an apple when you're hungry because it's 1) not on the plan and 2) has extra calories, maybe seek the help and guidance of a pro.
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