Eating disorders come in different forms and affect many people, both men and women, young and old. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder and you want to learn more about it and how to treat it, read on for helpful information.
By getting to know ourselves, we can learn to set reasonable boundaries. It is hard to do this when we are not in touch with our feelings, thoughts, beliefs, likes, and dislikes. When we disconnect from our wants and needs, and instead focus on weight, body image, diet, and food, we lose valuable information. We also lose awareness of the inner guidance system that says “Something is wrong—a boundary needs to be set here.”
Cravings may also be caused by low fat intake or low blood sugar levels from inadequate eating during the day. They can also be triggered by simply smelling or seeing food. An example of this would be Cinnabon. The smell draws a person in and the sight of the warm, gooey, cinnamon pastry is irresistible.
Relationships take time and energy to develop, but so does disordered eating. I spent so much time around the thoughts of what or what not to eat, eating, and then hiding what I had done, that I didn't have the time necessary to create healthy, authentic relationships. I was uncomfortable being around other people because I felt inadequate and ashamed of my eating disorder.