Eating Disorders Support Group

Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.

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Advice Please

wanttobeok
wanttobeok
I was wondering if anyone would have any advice about stopping calorie counting. I have tried so hard to stop and just make up normal meals for myself, but in the end I just find it impossible. Sometimes I am able to eat the meal before I count but in the end anxiety gets the better of me and I panic and have to count, it drives me mad, I really want to stop and be able to focus on life. I'd really appreciate advice on how I could stop counting.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi! I have just started going to ABA. They stress the importance of meal support. I don't really know how to explain it properly but it may be worth taking a look at.

Also, eating less processed foods so the calories are not printed for you to count.

Trying to count food groups through the american/canadian food guide has worked for some people too.
jonroland
jonroland
I never even really realised that i do that too? I wind up counting everything obsessively. How long have you done this for???
wanttobeok
wanttobeok
I don't eat any processed foods, I just know the calories of everything. It is like an obsession. Thank you for your suggestions, I will look into them.

I have been doing it for about 8 years (since I first developed anorexia) I think it is so embedded in me to count, and that is why I cant stop, it is second nature to me to count now. How long have you done it?
deleted_user
deleted_user
What helps me sometimes is, when I start to list the calories I make myself list all the good things the food will do for my body. All the special properties it has that will keep me healthy. I don't know if that will help you or not.
jonroland
jonroland
Ghostgirl that's actually really good advice. It's easy to forget our bodies are designed to be fuelled with all these macro-nutrients if they are used correctly.

And i guess its been around 3 years. I know i never used to. Wow, even just thinking back to how i used to think about food is a breath of fresh air, if i could have that mindset again with a little more discipline (healthier anyway) then this problem would be pretty much done with..