Hey everybody! Happy Thursday!
and I know a video with Laura was supposed to come out today
but she had some technical difficulties
So I'm blogging at my mum's house, visiting
in Washington, so,
I'm getting a chance to relax and reboot
so If I haven't been on Twitter as much, Instagramming as much you know why because I'm visiting family
and catching up
But, it is Eating Disorder Awareness Week
so please share this video and please give it a thumbs up
it's really important that we share positive content
and let people know there are ways to get help
and we are not alone
and to recover is possible and all those wonderful things.
So, today I'm actually going to answer two questions
because I love you all so much!
And the first question says: "How would you define a binge?
I tend to eat a lot more than the rest of my family
and they constantly bring it up.
Like "Oh - [insert my name] will eat it if you're full!"
It's starting to really bother me
and am thinking I'm eating too much!
I never thought of it as a binge
but I do eat a lot.
How do I know if it is actually a binge or just require a lot of food?"
This is a really good question because I know
that a lot of us worry about what binging is
we think we all have different definitions of it
and the technical definition of it from the DSM if my memory serves me
'cos I didn't pack my DSM with me, am I right?
Is that a bing is when we eat more than a normal portion of food in a shorter period of time.
Usually it's like 30 minutes or less
So that's what they define as a binge.
People who eat different amounts are all going to be different
and I would encourage all of you to check-in with yourself.
Before you eat, check-in
and think "how hungry am I?"
Then when we're eating and then we're done eating;
"Oh OK, am I full?"
"Do I need more?"
We take time to actually check-into what I call "intuitive eating"
then we'll actually know how much food we eat.
The fact that your family, and this question
and the fact that your family is bringing it up and saying
"Hey, if you're full, surely you're eating more than them";
I would wonder as a therapist, I'd be suspicious and wonder that they have actual eating disorder habits
and do things that are a little unhealthy.
And they pay a little too much attention to what everyone else is eating because
If we're just all eating
I can honestly tell you that I can't tell you how much my friend eats versus me!
That is just something I would not notice
because as long as they're eating, why do I care?
Right? So they fact that they're noticing it makes me suspicious.
If you hear a noise it's because Larry is watering the plants outside.
and we've been washing the boat today.
And.... Second question:
Hope that that helps: know that a binge can be different for everyone
and it's always when you feel too much:
if you feel overly-full
Erm, that's definitely when you should notice the binge and pay more attention
so more intuitive eating
and there's a great alternative link in the description below
If I remember, The Intuitive Eating Workbook
It's in the widget on my website
The widget is an Amazon box, down the corner of every page
and it's in there because I really think The Intuitive Eating Workbook is amazing
it was written by two wonderful dietitians
and
It's just great!
Second question says: "Hey Katie, I've just started reaching out
for help, and I have a doctor's appointment soon.
I'm just wondering if I have to talk about EVERYTHING I'm struggling with to fully recover.
Thank you."
This is a really good question (I'm going to shut my laptop here)
Because
A lot of you wonder how much do you have to share
How do I tell my parents, what do I say to my doctor?
How do I tell my therapist?
And we all have these questions about how much we need to share.
And the truth of it is, share as much as you're comfortable sharing.
It depends on where you live
so, you may have a doctor's appointment
and you tell the doctor EVERYTHING so you get a proper referral to a therapist
So, you have to consider some things
when deciding what to tell them
But I really do think I would air on the side of sharing as much as is comfortable
with them because then you'll get the care you really need.
And I know it's hard: maybe that means writing it down and giving them this piece of paper, this list
Maybe it means practising in the mirror with yourself saying it out loud
and admitting the issues
I know it seems really scary and hard,
but when we start speaking the truth and telling them what we really struggle with
that's when we really get the help that we need.
OK?
Hope you found this helpful!
Please share it this Eating Disorder Awareness Week which is ending on Saturday
so make sure Saturday 27th, yep
So make sure you please share and give it the thumbs up
and share your information in the comments
What helped you?
Did you tell all the things you struggle with first? How do you do that?
And all those wonderful things, because the more we share
the better!
And I love you all, and will see you Monday
BYE!!!