Naturally Thin Forum | overcoming many years of disturbed eating

overcoming many years of disturbed eating

Mar 14, 2007 04:04pm Helayna Total Posts: 145	I just want to encourage those who are coming out of eating disorders and disturbed eating patterns and say that even if you have engaged in this behavior for many years, it is possible to think of food in a normal way again. I was involved in restrictive eating for nearly 4 decades. Eventually, I stopped dieting and just cut to the chase…I fasted…often for long periods. It’s taken me over 4 years of intense concentration on NT principles and a lot of work, but I no longer see food (or certain foods) as evil or as my enemy. I don’t battle cravings or abuse my body by withholding adequate food. It hasn’t gotten me thin, but it has brought me to a place where I can enjoy eating and not follow the enjoyment with self-punishment.

Apr 17, 2007 07:38am naturally thin Total Posts: 381	recovering from dieting Helayna, Thank you for your encouragement to those still struggling, sometimes hopelessly, with food and eating issues. Your testimony is so valuable and it is so amazing—it can give hope and the courage to try to others still trapped. Sincerely, Jean Antonello

Sep 30, 2010 06:34pm Blue sky Total Posts: 12	I read this now and I have a question. Peace of mind that Helayna is describing is invaluable. Helayna also says that NT “hasn’t gotten her thin”. Something isn’t adding up here. I could be wrong but as I see it -either this lady didn’t manage NT properly and therefore isn’t thin - or this lady is in fact thin but doesn’t consider herself that, so therefore still has an element of inadequate perception of her body image - or NT hasn’t worked for her (doubt that!) Any suggestions as to what could be going on? P.S. Please don’t get me wrong, I don’t intend any offense, I am just asking for clarification.

Oct 01, 2010 11:14am naturally thin Total Posts: 381	I have counseled many people who say they are stuck and that Naturally Thin principles haven’t worked for them. Invariably, we discover that the feast or famine cycle continues, however it may be modified. If an individual stays on the feast or famine cycle, and is famine sensitive, significant weight loss will not occur. The body can’t afford it because of the stress of intermittent even mild famines. It really does take a lot of work and perseverence to get off and stay off the feast or famine cycle. In Helanya’s cast, her history is severe, given that she dieted for decades and was fasting before she started NT. It is possible that she is still recovering from the abuse she has experienced. But it is also possible that her eating patterns still do not allow for weight loss. Usually the latter is the case for people I counsel who say they can’t’ lose weight and yet they are “doing Naturally Thin.” It is important to remember that Naturally Thin doesn’t make anyone thin. The principles are just there. Whether or not someone applies them effectively is something else. I have always told those in recovery that they must discover, as individuals, how well they must eat in order to lose weight. I hope this helps to answer your question. Jean