Disordered eating is amongst the most common and dangerous habits in the United States. Although it’s often associated with teenagers, the fact is that anybody can suffer from disordered eating. In many cases, this entails a person eating less than they should in order to meet a certain weight goal. However, after achieving that goal, they will tend to keep lowering the bar, and that’s when it becomes a serious and dangerous issue. If either you or someone you love suffers from disordered eating, the good news is that there are a few things you can do to combat the issue before it gets too severe.
Speak to a Professional Psychologist
One of the most common reasons you may be experiencing disordered eating is due to past trauma in your life. However, the fact is that sometimes trauma tends to get hidden deep in each other, thus making it difficult to pinpoint as the reason for your disordered eating. One of the best treatment options for eating disorders is to set up an appointment with a professional psychologist. This will help to both uncover the issue plaguing your mind and work toward removing it so you can live a happy and healthy life.
Stop Categorizing Food as Good or Bad
Those suffering from disordered eating will often categorize food into good and bad groups. However, a healthy life involves finding a balance with your food. This means that yes, whole foods must always be prioritized, but they should never dictate your life. If you want to eat out with your friends once a week, do it. Constantly avoiding “bad” foods is not only going to ruin your relationship with good foods, but it can also cause mental fatigue over time.
Research Disordered Eating
If you’re reading this looking for answers, congratulations, you’re moving in the right direction. This is because taking the time to research and understand exactly what disordered eating is can do wonders for your recovery. Furthermore, when you know the scientific aspect of the issue, you are taking control of it. Suddenly, it’s not this invisible force within your head. Instead, the research you conduct provides you with the sword and shield needed to combat it and come out healthy and happy.
There’s no doubt about it; disordered eating habits can be frustrating, scary, and dangerous. This is why it is so important to seek the right help as soon as possible. Although researching is a great first step, concrete actions are highly recommended to truly begin seeing positive results.