By its definition,
an eating disorder means you aren't taking care of
yourself. Even when you're in treatment, it can be
hard to adopt or maintain healthy habits. And you
may have occasions when you return to your old,
unhealthy eating behaviours.
But proper self-care can help you feel
better during and after treatment and help maintain your health. Try to
follow through on some of these self-care steps, but if you can't, don't let
that fuel more self-criticism:
- Avoid dieting.
- Eat breakfast.
Most people with binge-eating disorder skip breakfast. But studies show
that people who eat breakfast are less prone to eating higher calorie
meals later in the day.
- Cut back on how
much food you stock at home. That may mean more-frequent trips to the
grocery store, but it may also take away the temptations.
- Talk to your
doctor about appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements. Just because
you may be eating a lot during binges doesn't mean you're eating the
kinds of food that supply all of your essential nutrients.
- Stick to your
treatment. Don't skip therapy sessions and try not to stray from meal
plans, even if they make you uncomfortable.
- Don't isolate
yourself from caring family members and friends who want to see you get
healthy. Understand that they have your best interests at heart.
- Talk to your
health care providers about what kind of exercise is appropriate for
you, especially if you have health problems related to being overweight.
- Read self-help
books that offer sound, practical advice. Consider discussing the books
with your health care providers.
- Find healthy ways
to nurture yourself by doing something just for fun or to relax.
