Break the Rewind Button.

November 2, 2019

7 PM

Disclaimer: the following post may contain trigger words for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. From the bottom of my heart, if you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a licensed therapist or a treatment facility for help. From my own personal experience, there is no shame in asking for help as everyone deserves to live their best life possible. I also recommend checking https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ for more information.

For those who already suffer from an eating disorder, I think you’d agree with me when I say you know when you’re on the verge of a relapse. There are times when I wake up just knowing I am not in a stable state and immediately feel anxiety about the day ahead.

Fortunately, there are different ways to prevent a bingeing episode from happening that I practice myself.

Tips to Prevent

• Let’s start with trigger foods. DON’T BUY THEM. Trigger foods (for those who may not know) are foods that you have been binged on in the past or that you know will cause a domino effect into an episode. For me personally, trigger foods are oreos, cinnamon rolls, bear claws, and peanut butter. I almost always tend to gravitate towards sweet over savory (just how I’ve always been!) so it’s rarely fries or things like that. If it’s not in your home, you cannot eat it. Granted, I know I’ve had delivery or pick up or have even made a special trip to the grocery store just to buy specific things, but sometimes pure laziness or lack of money has “saved” me.

• Stay busy and get out of the house. This is HUGE for me. If I’m feeling unstable, and I’m home alone in my apartment, it is almost a guarantee an episode will happen. I highly recommend doing something that makes you physically active (like the gym!). Or go shopping and buy something that makes you feel like the sexy thang you are.

...Go shopping and buy something that makes you feel like the sexy thang you are.

• Hang out with a loved one. Find someone...anyone...seriously. An acquaintance, whoever, that can distract you from thinking about food. I’d be comfortable in saying that 100% of bingeing episodes occur when you are alone, so stay with someone as long as it takes. If you feel comfortable enough, TELL THEM that you are not having a good mental/emotional day so that they are aware that their presence is very special to you. If you can’t be with someone in person, call someone. My mom is my number one when I need help.

• Give in a little...if you’re craving something specific, let yourself have it, but PUT UP BARRIERS. Again, the best thing is to be with someone so if you want fries, invite that person to get fries. Therefore, you’re getting what you’re craving, but you have that person there to monitor the amount (whether they are aware they are monitoring or not). I honestly don’t recommend trying to eat a “healthy” version of whatever you’re craving ESPECIALLY if you’re feeling a relapse coming on (Note: it’s a different story if you’re just on a diet and not on the verge of a relapse). Healthified versions of foods are great (I basically live off of them), but when you’re in this state, it’s like slapping a band aid on a broken ankle and 9 times out of 10, you’ll still eat the unhealthy version anyways.

• Write in a journal (or start a blog!). Write down or express in someway what is causing you to feel the need to binge. Really try to find WHY you’re feeling a certain way and then try to resolve it. Find a solution...make a plan and don’t stop until you have that solution or plan. Because once you do, you’ll lose that feeling of lack of control, anxiety, and stress and will feel SO much better because you accomplished something. I personally love blogging because it is a great outlet for me and helping others literally changes my entire outlook for the day. I also want to be as honest and open as possible, so if I’m not working on my own issues, how can I possibly help someone else, right?

Story Time

For those who follow me on Instagram (@shan_fitlife), you all know that I was recently in a car accident, and unfortunately, was my fault. For many reasons, I have to pay for the damages out of pocket. Talk about stress. So here I am without a car to drive, money to pay for a rental or Uber everywhere, stuck at home and VERY emotionally unstable. This is what we call Shannon’s perfect concoction for an episode. So what did I do? I walked to places, reached out to my friends, and called my mom (thank you Mama!). I cleaned my apartment and did laundry. I stayed BUSY and threw myself into finding a solution to my car crash problem. Relapse prevented.

One Last Thing

Remember that a relapse is an episode that shouldn't come with a rewind button. If you are unable to stop, then find the way to move forward. Learn from it. Constantly remind yourself that food does not define you. Having an eating disorder does not define you. You are loved, you are cherished, you are wonderful, and we ALL are struggling in one way or another. You are not alone.

So raise your hot apple cider, loves (because it’s Fall and that’s all I want)…

...Here’s to Health. Cheers.