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lulabellesvoice@yahoo.comGender:
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Jewelry Design/Massage TherapyMember Since:
September 12, 2005Answers:
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I'm a raw and living foodest. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what that is I only eat foods that have not been cooked. I do this because it maintains all of the nutrients and enzymes intact and is much healthier. I'm not here to try to convert anyone. I think you can reach maximum health by eating all kinds of foods fixed all kinds of ways. This is simply my life choice. What I'm here to do is help educate people as to what is happening to thier food. Did you know that the pharmaceutical companies have lobbied to have a law voted on called "Codex Aimentarius" that will take away our freedom to take suppliments? It has already been implemented in Europe. Of course it is still ok for them to put steroids, antiboitics and harmones in our foods. Have you wondered why there is a great influx of people acting aggressively and out of character? I'm here to help guide you through this mess. If you want to eat meat...eat meat...just get chemically free meat. I'm here to help you understand what is happening to you.
advice
I'm 20, female. My psychologist informed me that I have EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). I can see where she's coming from, but at the same time, I think she's wrong.
I know I have eating issues. I stay under 600 calories per day, lately it's been under 500. I think about food a lot. I've lost almost 60 pounds (but I'm still overweight--I was obese to begin with).
But I've only been doing this for five or six months. I AM still eating. So it hasn't been that long, and I haven't restricted that much.
First of all, can a psychologist actually diagnose an eating disorder, or is it unofficial unless it comes from a doctor?
Second, is it unfair to classify me as eating disordered? Does it not take away from those who are more severe, for longer? Did my therapist jump the gun?
I know what I'm doing is unhealthy. I just don't think it's as severe as everyone is making it out to be.
You do come across in this question as someone who has an eating disorder. I'd have to talk to you a little more to be sure. Limiting your caloric intake to 600 is a bit savvier. Try eating at least 1000 calories a day and add a good 20 minute workout to your daily schedule. Work out in the morning because this increases your metabolism for the day. This should help you towards a less life threatening lifestyle. You're fine right now because you've only been doing this for a short while. It already sounds like your transitioning into the danger zone by your going down to 500 cals a day. This behavior is indicative of Anorexia. I've known people who have suffered this and what you are doing is very familiar to me. See how this works? Your psychologist could have worked w/so many people w/eating disorders that they know the signs. Most people who have an eating disorder can't see they have a problem. They usually live in denial. You may want to reassess your view of yourself. I think you really know what is going on, but are afraid to admit it because what you are doing is working and you don't want to stop doing something that works for you. The problem w/this is that it won't work forever. Eventually you will either die of complications due to insufficient nutrients or start eating regular again and gain more weight than you lost. This is your body’s protective response to having gone through a starvation mode. Your body will slow down your metabolism so that you store and hold onto food more efficiently. It will be come afraid that there will be another period of famine. Your body can’t tell the difference between you intentionally wanting to restrict your caloric intake or an environment depleted of food. It will do what it is programmed to do and that is to help you survive the famine. It is because of this type of dieting that we have an obesity problem, among other things, in this country. Relax and settle down in a quiet place and look w/in you to find the answer here.
I'm not sure if psychologists are suppose to diagnose. I have been of the opinion that psychologists head up the therapy programs based on the diagnosis of a Doctor or psychiatrist. It is my opinion that only a Doctor can diagnose an illness. But, sometimes people have been doing what they do for years and have developed a good sense for these things. You may want to at least listen to what they have to say before you make your final decision.
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor towards weight loss.
Namste!
LULABELLE
(Rating: 5) You're probably right. In fact, you're almost certainly right. It's just a matter of telling myself until I believe it.