This past Sunday marked the start of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Eating disorders come in many different forms, and people with an eating disorder often don’t recognize that they have one. Like other “awareness” weeks, the objective is to get the message out there.

 

The message that you don’t need to suffer, there is always someone there to help.

 

Here is some more information about different kinds of eating disorders that you may not even know about. I hope to shed some light on how to recognize an eating disorder.

 

The two commonly talked about eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia.

 

Bulimia is the act of bingeing and purging. A person with bulimia will often consume more calories in one sitting than they would in a normal day. This bingeing leads to guilt and self-shaming which turns into purging. The act of purging has a number of consequential effects that compromise your health. People with bulimia are often a healthy weight but are struggling on the inside.

 

Anorexia nervosa is disease that tricks your mind into seeing a distorted, often larger, version of yourself. It is the act of starvation that is a bit easier to identify because a person with anorexia nervosa typically appears thin and fragile. People with anorexia forfeit calories as well as many vitamins and minerals that are necessary to keep their body running.

 

While these may be two terms that you are familiar with, there are other disordered eating habits that exist. There is binge-eating disorder which is very similar to bulimia but without the purging. Binge-eating is uncontrollable, continuous eating past the point of fullness. Gymorexia, which is the act of over-exercising and pushing your body past its healthy limits. Orthorexia which is the act of obsessive “healthy eating”. And many more.

 

Regardless of which eating disorder is employed, those who struggle with eating disorders seek ways to change their body. It’s hard to avoid the media and the inevitable messages that come from the diet industry. But despite our cultures best efforts, it’s important to find happiness and peace in your own body.

 

In order to break free from the daunting stress and pressure that comes from dieting, I encourage my clients to embrace intuitive eating where they can begin to trust their inner body wisdom to guide their eating. This takes time, patience and support.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please share this information and seek help immediately. The sooner you do, the sooner you or your loved one will find peace with their body.

 

If I can help, please email me at Bonnie@DietFreeRadiantMe.com .