NEDA Week: What Counts

1,520 days.  That's how long I've been counting.  In those 1,520 days, I recorded every single morsel of food that went into my mouth.  I recorded every single iota of beverage, of snack, of sweet.... everything that entered my body has been recorded for the last 1,520 days.

And it's been a constant weight in my brain, in my world, in my life.... but I did it.  I counted everything.  Up until now.

I recently spent two weeks traveling abroad, where counting my food was next to impossible.  I tried, believe me, but it was way more complicated than anything I anticipate, so I had to press pause on the counting and recording.  It's probably a good thing, because I spent much of my energy on the trip staying present and not losing my mind to anxiety.

Anyway.  I'm home now.  I've been home for a bit.  And I'm not counting.  And it's not easy.  Not easy at all.

There's a small sense of relief that I no longer need to record every single bite that enters my body.  Small.  There's a large sense of anxiety that I will under eat, or over eat, or eat really, really badly, and since I have no record of that..... more anxiety.

But I'm gonna give it a go.  A trial.  My dietitian reminded me that we can see how it goes and adjust as needed.  My therapist was thrilled.  Supposedly letting go of counting calories will free up space in my brain for other, more positively helpful.  I hope they're right.

NEDA Week - Light it up blue

Tonight, all around the country, landmarks and buildings will be lit up blue to raise awareness about eating disorders.  The list has grown from years past, and while not every state is included, each new location added to the list that lights it up blue makes a difference!

Landmarks Lit Up

Yup.  Truth.  Depression and anxiety can even mask eating disorders.  They're good at that.  Take a few minutes, take the screening, share it with a friend you're concerned about, talk to your doctor.... take the time to take care of you....

NEDA Week 2016

It's that time of year again - National Eating Disorder Awareness week.  This year's theme is 3 minutes can save a life.  And they can.  All it takes is 3 minutes to take a screening of which you can bring the results to your doctor and you can begin getting the support you need to regain a positive relationship with food.  Or in my case, begin building a positive relationship with food.

As an aside, most of the time, if not all of the time, eating disorders are not about food.  Not even close.  Food is the tool, the drug so to speak, that covers the real issues.  If you think you have an eating disorder, get help.  You're worth it.