Why SE is so important?
The main reason for SE is to build trust with our bodies. Before the eating disorder, you were eating freely, free from fear and restrictions.
Your body trusts you. But, when day by day you restrict and eat less and less, your body and mind lose that trust. You become disconnected from your survival instinct: “I eat when I’m hungry” – but Instead – “I don’t eat”.
It’s hard to build trust back, but it’s also the first step you need to take toward recovery.
Build the trust back
Your body has been starved in the way of dieting, purging or exercising, your body suffers and you suffer.
I don’t link here the emotional traumas with the ED. I believe those two problems need to be dealt with at different levels. However, I know one – where a healthy body, there’s a healthy spirit. And if you heal and stop starving, your mind will be strong enough to deal with other problems.
Let’s start
Structure your meals in the way that you eat three main meals and three snacks. I’d suggest starting with the food you love. Switch off Dr Google, from now on Dr my Mind knows best, prevails.
It may sound scary but slowly introduce the forbidden food. Remember, you’re building back your relationship with food. Don’t follow false ED beliefs.
I never had a dietician, but that’s who I am. I love my ways. If you know or need any good dietician, they may help.
I started making my favourite scrambled eggs on seeded toast with butter and tomatoes, or a banana omelette with blueberries ( message me and I’ll send you a recipe). I also think Jamie Oliver’s ideas are brilliant. This guy dances with his food. That’s what you need at this stage! Tango with food. It won’t hurt you, it will heal you.
While introducing a healthy lifestyle and delicious meals, play with all the ingredients you can think of. Pasta, rice, butter, green veggies, meat, fish. Step by step. In a structured and healthy way. During my recovery, I ate a dessert after every meal. I asked myself once, “ How long will it last?”. Eventually, I was okay with one slice of cake or a few pieces of my favourite dark orange chocolate. My body gave me all the signs of healing.
I slowly introduced all the forbidden food and made peace with it. I stopped feeling guilty or ashamed. All food is good.
The scale went to the bin, plus ignoring the mirror became a norm. I advise you to do the same. You are beautiful in any way.
You may experience edema, which is water retention because you are re-feeding your body. Trust this process. It’s your honeymoon.
You will struggle. Accept it and get ready for it. Imagine that you are transforming your way of eating, and thinking, you are healing and building new neural pathways! Some people struggle to change the way they brush their teeth!
I also completely stopped counting calories. What is the point if I learn to listen to myself, eat what I love and stop stressing? Even if I had a slip, it didn’t matter. I had three meals and three snacks. It was my process. I was stubborn, fighting with old beliefs, ED patterns and self-doubt. I had nothing to lose but all to gain! – My whole life back. Oh yes.
Structured eating became my new habit, lifestyle, daily routine, and anchor.
I also introduced some new ways to my pathway: I always eat at the table and never eat in a rush. Since then when I eat I focus on eating. I practice mindfulness and it stayed till today.
Today I eat mindfully, I follow my pathway and have a great habit of structured eating. I love my breakfasts and cooked dinners. I love my Jaffa cakes too and the freedom which recovery gave me. When you recover from an eating disorder you cannot diet/restrict again. But do you even want to? No. The Recovery feels and is amazing in every single way.
It teaches you to trust, respect, and love yourself, in a beautiful and balanced way. Trust this process.
Love and light
Kasia
The Power in You 