It's essential to recognize that emotional eating and developing unhealthy eating patterns can have a significant impact on your physical and mental well-being. Given your history with anorexia and your current struggles, I strongly encourage you to seek help from a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian and therapist who specialize in eating disorders and mental health.
Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Reach out for professional help: A qualified healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and support based on your specific situation and history. They can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and address emotional eating or any other underlying issues.
Practice self-compassion: Be gentle with yourself and avoid self-judgment. Remember that setbacks are a normal part of recovery, and it's okay to seek help and take time to heal.
Create a support network: Surround yourself with understanding and supportive friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your struggles with people who empathize can be incredibly beneficial during your recovery journey.
Identify triggers: Try to identify situations, emotions, or stressors that lead to binge-eating episodes. Keeping a journal can help you recognize patterns and better understand your emotional triggers.
Establish a structured eating plan: Working with a dietitian, develop a structured and balanced eating plan that ensures you're getting the necessary nutrients without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.
Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help you manage stress and emotional eating tendencies.
Seek therapy: Consider therapy or counseling to address any emotional or psychological issues that may contribute to your current eating patterns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have shown effectiveness in treating binge eating disorder and emotional eating.
Avoid strict diets or restrictive eating: Restrictive eating patterns can exacerbate disordered eating behaviors. Focus on balanced, nourishing meals instead of trying to compensate for previous eating patterns.
Engage in enjoyable activities: Find activities that bring you joy and fulfillment that don't revolve around food. Engaging in hobbies or exercise can be helpful in redirecting your focus away from emotional eating.
Celebrate small victories: Recognize and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small. Recovery is a journey, and every step forward is worth acknowledging.
Remember, overcoming disordered eating patterns takes time and effort. Seeking professional help is crucial for your well-being and recovery. Don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional who can provide specialized support and guidance tailored to your individual needs.