Where does weight loss stop and disordered eating start?

[Isadora2007]

i know I don’t have a great relationship with food or my body. And as such I avoid weighing myself as I know it often causes an “all or nothing” situation with my restricting eating and then ending up bingeing etc… I am currently overweight but not obese…

So 2 months ago I was at hospital and required to be weighed- and I even “joked” that I don’t want to know the number but of course they said anyway. Following that minor op, I naturally didn’t really want much food and since then I have been actively restricting calories to the point that I don’t really eat enough in a day. I know I have lost weight due to my clothing fitting but I don’t weigh myself…

I am still overweight as I don’t fit into size 14 trousers so I know I still have weight to lose, but I am now worried as I know this isn’t healthy. I had a family event this weekend and so ate a slice of toast first think then nothing till dinner and then ate “normally” with family. But that evening I had horrendous cramps and diarrhoea as if my body couldn’t handle fatty food… although it could have been IBS.

I am slightly worried I’ve tipped myself into disordered eating but I know I still want to restrict my calories in order to become a healthy weight. I just don’t know how to tell myself that less isn’t more- and ease back into normal eating again. Currently I’d eat maybe a crumpet (plain) or yoghurt for breakfast. Soup for lunch and then cereal and a banana for tea and tell my husband i had a big lunch… though over the last few weeks I have had the odd big meal but I’ve gone to the toilet and brought a lot of it up again right away…

I am a grown ass woman with kids, grandkids and a responsible job. Wtf am I thinking?

I have noticed a lot of what you eat is carbs and sugar, protein will be better for maintaining muscle, keeping you fuller for longer. Carbs increases blood sugar and makes us crave more carbs and sugar. It also leads to IBS symptoms, I was diagnosed ibs since 27 and I had a terrible carb heavy diet due to cravings from prediabetes and insulin resistance. Since switching to a high protein diet and lower carb, not a single symptom.
If you are purposefully bringing up food that you've eaten, then you need to speak to a GP as it indicates an eating disorder and you need support and advice.

I'm on a weight loss journey due to being prediabetic and a size 14-16 and weigh daily and track all my food, so I eat less anyway but I do aim for at least 1g protein per kg body weight. I am super strict myself like last Xmas I only had 1000 cals all day. I've lost almost 4 stones and down to 9st 2.5lbs with a healthy bmi of 23.1.
I enjoy the tracking of my food as it gives me control over my diet and I know I'm eating better.

“though over the last few weeks I have had the odd big meal but I’ve gone to the toilet and brought a lot of it up again right away”

⬆️ disordered eating

I hope you can get some help to get yourself back on track and be able to lose the weight without it risking your health and becoming a long term mental/physical issue. Maybe start by being honest with your DH although I’d be surprised if he doesn’t already know/suspect. Be honest with yourself too.

Thank you. Protein would be good to focus on and yes I should cut down the carbs. Appreciate your reply. :)

The stupidest question op but do you bring it up on purpose?

This is disordered eating as you know💐

I definitely think you need to try and reframe your thinking about your daily intake and focus on more protein and whole foods, try to move away from calories. Protein keeps you fuller for longer. Avoid ultra processed foods where you can.

I’ve a history of a very unhealthy relationship with food but I’ve managed to get things under control by focusing on health and nutrition rather than calories authentic weight has gone, I’ve lost 4 stone this year and feel fitter and stronger than I ever have.

I do weigh daily which I struggled with at first but I’m very used to the daily fluctuations now and I track it on an app that smooths out the ups and downs.

Oh wow @Doyouthinktheyknow I cannot imagine being able to weigh regularly. I know I don’t need to, and you’re right about the UPF and focussing on healthier foods and whole foods. Thank you. It does help to get it out here… safe space and all.