Success with eating disorders?

[moonmadchen]

Today is round 1, day 7.

Getting frustrated. I don't feel I have seen any victories. Past failed attempts at cutting out sugar are haunting me. All I can seem to think about is sugary treats.

I am not overweight, but have many health problems, including chronic migraines, that I hope to see improve.

I have long known I am addicted to sugar. I dealt with anorexia in the pAst and many days I only ate by promising myself a sweet reward. I knew going in to this program that I would battle this.

All I can think about is sugar. The not eating pattern is threatening.

Has anyone had a similar experience or have any advice?

[ladyshanny]

Hi moonmadchen,

 

First, it is possible that Whole30 is not the right program for someone who is in an active eating disorder or who is easily triggered by the relative restriction of this program.  

 

Read these two articles before you do anything else and decide if Whole30 is right for you at this time:

 

http://whole30.com/2012/02/whole30-gone-bad/

http://whole30.com/2014/06/dear-melissa-eating-disorders/

 

Next, know that you are barely through the first 7 days of a 30 day program.  And if you are coming from a serious restriction background you should know that the rebalancing and healing could take significantly longer than 30 days and could include some temporary weight gain while your body seeks out the nutrients it has been lacking all this time. Stay the course and know that your body is going to spend most of its energy healing what is damaged.

 

You could post a couple typical days of what you've been eating and we can review and see if anything stands out that you could tweak in order to get the best results overall.  Include portion sizes and meal timing as well as fluids, stress, sleep and exercise.  If you have any ongoing conditions (autoimmune, bowel disorders etc) please include those as well.

[moonmadchen]

Thank you for your reply. After reading the articles you suggested, I decided to put my whole30 on hold. When I am mentally stronger, I can try again. I will definitely keep some of the plan going by continuing to eat healthy fats with each meal.

[Doge1117]

I just want to say that I hope you're doing well. Long past of those difficulties for me, and especially the no-sugar stuff (and no diet pop, and no gum or Splenda) is tough. However, I find that really embracing this program with a support system (husband's doing it too, and I have a lot of therapy under my belt) is helping me do this in a healthy way. I hope you can find some peace. I'm on day 7 . . . we shall see if I can slay my sugar dragon. I fully accept that it may take longer than 30 days.