QUESTIONS I HAD WHILE RECOVERING FROM AN EATING DISORDER

When I was recovering, I had reoccurring questions consuming my daily mind. To put some of your thoughts at ease I thought I would share some of mine…

1. When will my hair grow back?

When your hormones are balanced and you are at a healthy body weight.

2. When will I stop gaining so much weight?

When your hormones are balanced.

3. Why does all my weight sit in my stomach?

You are not digesting food properly and would benefit from digestive enzymes and ginger tea to help with the bloating and constipation.

4. When will I be going to the bathroom normally?

For me, it took 6+ months; however, this is not relevant or accurate for everyone else.

5. How can normal people eat and not get fat?

Because they have a healthy functioning body and you do not (yet).

6. Why am I working so hard and seeing little to no reward?

Welcome to recovery! That means it’s working!

7. Why am I ugly when I am fat?

You are not. This is body dysmorphia talking. Let her cruel words go. This does not apply to your new, healed reality. Self-love only

8. When will my extreme hunger end?

When your body sits at a healthy weight, food is no longer a novelty but instead a necessity.

9. When will I lose the excess weight?

You may lose it you may not. That depends on how much water or hormonal weight you have gained throughout recovery.

10. Will I ever eat without feeling anxious?

YES!! Keep pushing through the fear, and eventually, it will pass!

11. Will I ever be beautiful?

You already are you just have to start believing it. Beauty is coded in who you are not how you look, always remember that.

12. When can I wear cute clothes without hating myself in them?

In a few months, you will feel more comfortable in your ever-changing body. Give yourself time to adjust to your new body and start wearing clothes that actually fit you and flatter your figure. For a while, it might be baggy clothes until you are ready to try a mini skirt. That’s okay be patient.

13. Why is my skin breaking out so badly?

You are lacking nutrition and your body is trying to adjust to its new food intake.

14. When will my period come back?

When your body is ready to exit fight or flight mode.

15. Am I healthy yet?

Do you feel healthy yet?

16. Why am I hungry all the time?

Google extreme hunger. Your body is malnourished and crying out for food, this is not binging its weight restoration.

17. Is this a normal portion?

Your perception of portion control is warped. It’s okay to gaze at ‘normal’ meal sizes online for self-comparisons; however, your body will tell you when it wants more food, and it's up to you to listen.

18. What does a normal meal look like?

There is no normal; however, a healthy meal includes protein, fat and carbs.

19. What does a normal day of eating look like?

For you in recovery, 3 meals and two snacks, maybe even dessert each day. For normal people, 3 meals or whatever works within their schedule. You need more food than most to recover; the key is weight gain, not weight maintenance.

21. Why do I suck at recovery?

You don't; relapses happen.

Breakdowns happen.

Emotional instability is normal.

Not liking your body is normal in this phase of recovery.

Breathe and be patient.

22. Will I ever let go of my ed thoughts?

Yes, revisit this question in a year.

23. When will I not be so bloated and fat?

When your body can digest food well and not be stuck in fight or flight mode.

24. Will I ever look pretty?

You are, be patient learning to love yourself. Healing is emotional; the glow-up is a physical reaction to emotional well-being.