Eating disorder vs. dieting?

therequiiem · August 2011

This is a difficult subject to analyze for me. I have been told that I may have an eating disorder NOS (not otherwise specified), but then my sister is telling me that I don't and my obsessiveness with tracking my food is what everyone does when they diet.

I overanalyze food, I am scared of going above my macros, I think about food all day and what I should eat next. It takes me twice as long to go through the grocery store because I check the labels, and then I compare them, and then I stand there pondering if I should buy it or not or if it could "fit in" anywhere in my eating habits.

I am very scared to gain weight again because I feel like my life will be much better when I am skinny. I feel like I will be able to do more things because I am more confident. Right now I just hide under tshirts and nothing cute.

I also have this obsessiveness with checking my belly fat throughout the day. \I lift my shirt up a little bit to check it out, and sometimes I do it even though I'm in a public place. I do it many times a day. I especially do it right after I eat. If I go up even the slightest on the scale, it makes me really upset and brings me down.

It is hard to tell. I feel that I do have obsession that is not healthy, but my sister seems to think its normal for anyone who is "dieting". It's such a chore trying to stay within my macros, especially carbs (i love carbs, who doesnt) but I found if I stay within my ranges then I won't gain. So it takes me a while to plan out what I'm going to eat, to make sure everything is PERFECT.

melizerd · August 2011

That is not normal. I've been here losing weight for over a year now and while early on sometimes I felt obsessive I really wasn't.

I do not weigh myself multiple times a day, I don't beat myself up if I go over one of my macros or heck even my calories. The world will not end if I go over.

Being skinny will not make me happy, being HEALTHY is what's most important.

I don't know if you have an eating disorder but it would be something I'd be very conscious of because it could turn into that.

NOTHING is perfect, no BODY is perfect. Being happy and healthy is important. I would be speaking with my doctor if I were you (HUGS)

honu18 · August 2011

I am in the EXACT same position. I worried at first too. Sometimes I think it's unhealthy as well. I do the same thing about checking my belly fat and what I'm wearing. And I obsess over the scale too. I spend hours looking up nutrition facts of things online. It is exhausting after awhile. I just started back up in college and this is taking up a serious amount of time I don't have. It has diminished slightly after I learned to be able to tell how many cals were in food. I'm a little less upset with myself if I go over. I don't want to be unhappy. I know being skinny makes me happy and feel good, as just in the amount of weight I've lost I do feel more confident. But I don't want to sacrifice my mental health in terms of food either. I love food. You just have to find the right balance. Good luck. We can do this together.

rockylucas · August 2011

No, "obsession" is the key pattern behind all disordered eating behaviors. From what you have described, you most definitely have emotional issues with food that go well beyond enthusiastic dieting. If eating and enjoying the process of nourishing your body as it contributes to your otherwise happy and fulfilled life is NOT what you are currently experiencing, (and it doesn't appear to be), I would consider seeking the advice of a mental health and/or medical professional to deal with your eating obsessions.

vettle · August 2011

it doesn't sound healthy - but we are not professionals. it's hard to know what you feel. when you say things like "scared" and "skinny" it sounds like you are worried too much about this. I am losing weight, but I am not obsessed about it, nor do I compare labels on everything. Little things and being over your goal here and there will not make you fat and it sounds like you do not know how your body works.

if you are emotionally tied to your weight and how you look in the mirror, then maybe it's time to sit down and think about things. write down how you feel along wtih your food diary. if you feel anger, are depressed or feel sick because you ate food then it's not normal. emotions come along with weight loss, but shouldn't run your life.

scagneti · August 2011

I was finding myself in a similar spot -- much less extreme that what you're describing, but since there are a lot of addictions in my family tree, I decided better safe than sorry and I simply stopped logging calories for a while.

I don't know if that would help you, but it was freeing for me. I still lost weight (I mean I already KNEW the basic caloric values of what I was eating anyways) but it made me feel more in control of the situation. Once I realized that my numbers didn't define me, I was able to think and talk about other things than food and cut down the measuring to less frequency (I still weigh myself every morning though because I enjoy it, but I know my body enough to know why I gain two pounds overnight).

jbeauchamp1 · August 2011

This can happen alot of times when people start losing weight because there is that fear of failure and going back to where you started. However, I would caution you that it sounds like you are getting obsessive about it. It is one thing to be concerned about what you should not eat but when it becomes all that consumes you it can become a problem. Having had friends with both types of eating disorders you can easily get to a point where you cannot control it. I would really have people help you hold yourself accountable because eating disorders are not fun. You need to be able to accept yourself for the great progress you have already made otherwise when you get to your goal weight it will be too tempting to see how far you can push yourself and that is when it can get dangerous. I am glad you are asking for advice because you are at least seeing that there may be the potential for a problem to arise. Try to make an effort to stop yourself when you go to lift up your shirt. If you see it is getting worse please talk to your doctor or a therapist. You are doing great already just enjoy the journey!

plantgrrl · August 2011

Sounds like a doctor said you had an ED NOS, right? Your sister isn't a doctor, she might be trying to make you feel better by minimizing the issue. I feel for you, I have a little bit of "terrier attitude" at times about weight loss. I know I have an unhealthy obsession with the scale (sometimes weight at least 3-4 times a day) and my Pedometer (tendency to want to track EVERY step, including getting up in the AM, debating walking to the laundry hamper to put clothes away or just throw them there, b/c those steps wouldn't be tracked). These behaviors lean towards the unhealthy. I'm working on them.

I'm worried because it sounds like you're thoughts are tending toward the unhealthy. Somewhere before the steps to a full on ED, but on the unhealthy side of "conscious of what you eat." I know this is hard, but maybe start pushing yourself to NOT check every label--maybe work toward giving yourself a "free day." Where you don't track. I know this sounds weird but we can actually force ourselves into a plateau by NOT eating enough. It's true. SO glad you're willing to ask and listen. *BIG HUG* for you. It's a long road when you want to loose weight without over analyzing your eating, but being a little OCD about it really isn't sustainable for a long healthy, happy life.

sinner069 · August 2011

it sounds like a stage in eating disorder. i actually suffer from one and am just starting the early stages of recovery and i know exactly what your talking about in regards to grocery shopping,scales and constantly thinking about food. it is a horrible, horrible road to go down and once your there its hell trying to get out, it takes over complete control of EVERYTHING in your life, and i mean EVERYTHING. please take this into consideration and take any precautionary steps and seek help, just to make sure you get a handle on this before its too late

Leanne3552000 · August 2011

If you are worried you should talk to someone like a doctor. There is nothing wrong with checking food labels and comparing. I never buy or eat anything without analysing its nutrient content. But fear of losing weight and constantly checking yourself sounds a little unhealthy. I went though an obsession with my weight and weight loss during high school and It was really hard to break but after my mum became suspicous of me skipping meals etc she hid the scales which helped.

espinozAgal · August 2011

I am so much the same way! but I don't consider myself to have an eating disorder. I guess it's something I should really ponder.

nannatron · August 2011

having had a severe eating disorder for many years, i recognise a lot of those behaviours. there's another side that hasn't been discussed here much though, which is the amount of self-worth that your weight and eating behaviours are contingent on. other than the common relief or dismay of dieters if they have lost or gain, do you feel as though your worth is entirely reliant on your weight and diet? preoccupation with food and numbers may be a symptom of not eating enough calories, not neccessarily of an eating disorder per se. they are extremely complex conditions, and some of what you are describing sounds like inadequate intake. it's probably best to go and speak to someone with extensive experience in eating disorders about your concerns, because an alarming amount of GPs (and even specialists) tend to do and say the most unhelpful things. take care xx

psuLemon · August 2011

I personally haven't had an ED but several of my friends have. You do sound like you are having early signs of an ED. I would definitely talk to your doctor because if you dont, you will destroy your body in time. It's bad enough, that you probably aren't eating enough as it is.. based on your diary. If you are truely concerned with fitness and a healthy lifestyle, then weight shouldn't really matter. Body composition is more important than weight. Also, your body weight will fluctuate throughout the day and checking yoru weight will only drive you crazy.

Good news is, you recognize it. Now you just need to take the steps to get some help before all your progress gets screwed up.

wolfchild59 · August 2011

Orthorexia - the unhealthy obsession with healthy eating.

From the Greek "orth-" (right and correct) + "orexia" (appetite) = right appetite.

BethanyMasters · August 2011

Obsessing over anything that much is not normal or healthy.

I have obsessive compulsive disorder (non food related) and even though I've come a long way in fixing some of my obsessions and improving on others I still find it exhausting.

I'm also a recovering bulimic with a scale obsession. I know what it feels like to want to jump on the scale constantly and how frustrating it is when the number goes the wrong way, even knowing that it's not logical and that weight doesn't work like that.

I really suggest seeing a doctor and / or a therapist before you get to far into something that will be hard to fix.

Note: it's ok to check labels and be cautious of what your eating but it sounds to me like you are letting it get a little out of hand.

cmonskinnylovee · August 2011

1. If a professional told you you have EDNOS, then you probably do. That's not a diagnosis they throw around, unlike most things.

2. Your sister should NOT be trying to tell you otherwise, that is cruel and does not help you whatsoever.

You're sick, you're sick in the same way I was for YEARS. Then my EDNOS slowly turned into anorexia- which is something that is VERY hard to get over.

So please, talk to a therapist and get help and most of all- stay off this site. The people in here are nice, and it's a great tool- when you're in a healthy mindset.

I wish you the best, feel free to add me if you decide to stay on the site, I know what you're going through

cmonskinnylovee · August 2011

I just want to reiterate that everything you posted is EXACTLY what I used to do, and still do at times. The belly fat thing? I am ALWAYS doing that. Please, please don't listen to your sister!

monstercakes · August 2011

i agree.. you do possess some eating disordered characteristics.
and who cares what your sister says! if you feel like you are being obsessive or unhealthy or disordered in some way, then you probably ARE. nobody knows you better than YOU

is there anybody you can talk to about this

i struggle with an ED &i know it's not fun
xo!

nannatron · August 2011

Orthorexia - the unhealthy obsession with healthy eating.

From the Greek "orth-" (right and correct) + "orexia" (appetite) = right appetite.

i disagree - there is a very good video series made by johnny g (http://www.youtube.com/user/MyOwnStickFigure#p/search/0/pn9oiiGzAG8) giving an account of othorexic thoughts.

stylin · August 2011

I went through the same thing..
don't constantly change your daily food by what your craving, once your daily food is the same its like clockwork

I have an obsessiveness with checking my belly fat also

i'm just like ugh but it keeps me on track

Macros don't have to be perfect, so don't try hitting every single macro on-spot, you should mainly focus on keeping sugar to a minimum, as it can easily convert to fat. and as long as you don't go way over on carbs you'll be good. Like going over fats with olive oil or salmon isn't bad at all.

your stomach will always look different if u just ate, your level of bloatness, sodium intake water weight etc

I don't think you have an eating disorder
good luck

Bluestar083 · August 2011

From someone who has had an ED and also dieted without an ED, it sounds to me like you may have a borderline ED.
I'd go see a doctor and counsellor. It is so hard to recover once a full blown ED sets it (I was only borderline and it took me a while) so I'd go now before it gets worse.
Best of luck

sixxx · August 2011

No, "obsession" is the key pattern behind all disordered eating behaviors. From what you have described, you most definitely have emotional issues with food that go well beyond enthusiastic dieting. If eating and enjoying the process of nourishing your body as it contributes to your otherwise happy and fulfilled life is NOT what you are currently experiencing, (and it doesn't appear to be), I would consider seeking the advice of a mental health and/or medical professional to deal with your eating obsessions.

Incorrect. The scope in which eating disorders are developed span far beyond just 'obsessions'.

I do agree though, about checking in with a mental health professional or a doctor.

kmbutler09 · August 2011

Only a professional can diagnose you with a eating disorder. Most people that do suffer are very secritive and in denial about their habits. Go talk to someone to get a straight answer.

kmbutler09 · August 2011

Only a professional can diagnose you with a eating disorder. Most people that do suffer are very secritive and in denial about their habits. Go talk to someone to get a straight answer. Eating disorders are a mental disease, OCD deals with obsession.

gritgirl · August 2011

Years I heard a speaker talk about the various forms of eating disorders. There was compulsive overeating, anorexia, bulimia, bulimarexia, and obsession with every bit of food you eat. I realized at that point that that was my thing. I didn't think I had an easting disorder until that point.

A_New_Horizon · August 2011

I am obsessive with my weigh/weight loss. I was 200 lbs at one point, and since I have lost 53 lbs I never want to go back there again. I step on the scale multiple times a day as well.

That being said, I don't harp if I am over in calories because it is going to happen. I don't even exercise as much as I used too. I do obsess a little but not extreme. Just be careful.

VeganGal84 · August 2011

I would definately go and see a doctor about this. Or a therapist who specializes in disordered eating.

I have recovered from anorexia/EDNOS, and had very simular behaviors/thoughts to what you are describing. I also restricted a LOT and over-exercised, so there are differences, but it does sound like disordered thinking, and it would be great if you got help before it gets worse.

hugs to you! Friend me if you want a supportive friend who's "been there".

femmerides · August 2011

i have an addiction to food so i have to be obsessive or i WILL overeat. i weigh myself daily to keep myself in check. i think you may be pushing it a bit too far but not far enough that you can't come back from it. just focus more on what you want in the long run. do you want to be this obsessive 10 years from now?

Eating disorder vs. dieting?

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