Anorexia and bulimia aren’t about
food. They’re about using food to cope with painful emotions such as anger,
self-loathing, vulnerability, and fear. Disordered eating is a coping mechanism whether
you refuse food to feel in control, binge for comfort, or purge to punish
yourself. But you can learn healthier
ways to cope with negative emotions.
The first step is figuring out
what’s really eating you up inside. Remember, “fat” is not a feeling, so if you
feel overweight and unattractive, stop and ask yourself what’s really going on.
Are you upset about something? Depressed? Stressed out? Lonely? Once you
identify the emotion you’re experiencing, you can choose a positive alternative
to starving or stuffing yourself.
Here are a few suggestions to get
you started:
Ø Call a friend
Ø Listen to music
Ø Play with a pet
Ø Read a good book
Ø Take a walk
Ø Write in a journal
Ø Go to the movies
Ø Get out into nature
Ø Play a favorite game
Ø Do something nice for someone else
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