First of all, congratulations on taking steps towards your recovery journey! Eating disorder recovery can be challenging, and it's important to be patient with yourself during this process.
Feeling a strong desire to eat more, especially after following a meal plan, can be a common experience during recovery. It's essential to differentiate between genuine hunger and emotional eating or binging. Here are some suggestions to help you understand and manage your eating:
Talk to your treatment team: Reach out to your therapist, dietitian, or any other healthcare professionals who are supporting you in your recovery. They are familiar with your situation and can offer personalized guidance and support.
Keep a food journal: Write down what you're eating, how you feel before and after meals, and any other thoughts or emotions related to food. This can help you identify patterns and potential triggers for overeating or binging.
Practice mindfulness: Learn to tune in to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Mindful eating involves paying attention to your eating experience, savoring each bite, and recognizing when you are truly satisfied.
Distract yourself: Engage in activities that can help take your mind off food. Pursue hobbies, spend time with friends, or find other ways to relax and reduce stress.
Avoid restrictive behaviors: It's important to follow your meal plan, but avoid restricting or skipping meals, as this can lead to increased feelings of hunger and potentially trigger overeating.
Seek support: Talk to friends or family members who can provide encouragement and understanding during this time. If you have access to a support group for eating disorder recovery, consider joining to connect with others who may be going through similar experiences.
Be kind to yourself: Remember that recovery is a journey, and setbacks may occur. If you find yourself overeating or struggling, be gentle with yourself and avoid self-criticism. Focus on progress and small victories.
Reach out for professional help: If you find that your eating becomes uncontrollable or you're engaging in binge eating behaviors, consider seeking help from a mental health professional or an eating disorder specialist. They can offer additional support and guidance specific to your needs.
Remember that recovery takes time, and it's okay to have ups and downs along the way. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your achievements, and seek support when needed. You deserve to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and recovery is a significant step towards achieving that goal.