Good Morning! Happy Tuesday!
Hopefully everyone had a fantastic Monday, mine was pretty low key! I can’t believe we are nearing the end of August, crazy talk! Things are going well this morning, I’ve already got my workout done and over with, so now the day is free.
Recently, I’ve come to a decision that it is essential for me to increase my intake of calories. I think this is something that is really hard for my head to wrap around, as my mind gets filled with a lot of insecurities as I think of this process. However, I know the signs that I am eating too little, and the cold hard truth is that I suffer from a lot of the signs I’ve experienced in the past.
* This may look like an odd combo, but I swear its awesome. For lunch yesterday I had 2 slices of ezekiel bread, with creamy almond butter, an egg, 2 egg whites, and spinach. So tasty. *
It may not be as significant as the warning signs were when I was seriously ill, but they are still there and there are still changes needed to me dealt with if I want to recover from certain problems I’m still suffering with.
A lot of the time people may not even be aware of the fact that they need to increase calories, our bodies want to preverse themselves and hold onto every calorie we feed them. There are many signs we need to be aware of if calorie restriction is a problem.
You may even be at a normal weight and not realize your body is suffering. Calorie restriction can be a problem for any person, and can certainly happen to people even if they aren’t extremely thin. And that is a confusing thing for people to see and accept.
* I still have been loving blended cottage cheese as a snack, this had cottage cheese, stevia, 2% greek yogurt, and coconut flour. *
I don’t believe in low calorie diets. I believe in eating what you are craving, consuming whole, unprocessed foods (for the most part), with some daily indulgences. Moderation is key in our lifestyle, if we want to stay sane;)
There are many consequences of eating too few calories and the one’s that stand out the most for me include:
Unclear thinking. When I’m not listening to my body, and don’t give it the right amount of food, it starts to fight back.
I may wake up in a “mental fog” and not be able to quite shake it for days, I also suffer from headaches and concentrating on daily tasks. Its more difficult to focus on things happening in my life and don’t have the motivation to do things I normally love doing.
* I topped the cottage cheese mixture with fresh strawberries, please berry season don’t leave! *
Food obsession. As much as I love creating recipes, and planning my meals. There comes a point when that is too much. If your thinking about food all day, everyday than I believe that is a problem.
If I find myself thinking about my next meal as soon as I’ve just finished one, its time for me to step back and reevaluate my eating habits, and realize I am clearly not nourishing myself because I am obsessing about food.
If you can only concentrate on food and fitness, there may be a problem with this thinking. You begin to become so interested in food, yet can’t get yourself to eat what your body craves. And you lose interest in things you enjoyed before.
Workout progress declines. When I switch fitness routines, especially increasing strength training I first may notice I’m improving a lot and gaining more strength. When my workouts start to suffer, from not being able to lift as much weight, complete cardio how I’m used to, or start dreading workouts then usually this is a sign I am restricting calories more than usual.
My body can’t keep up with the things I’m demanding it to keep up with, so I will start to lose motivation to even want to workout, or I become more obsessed that I need to workout every single day, no matter how I am feeling. And those things make me feel more anxious.
* My favourite roasted vegetable method is getting a mixture of nutritional yeast, coconut oil, paprika, and a little sprinkle red pepper flakes. Roasted in a 400 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes. Perfect everytime. This was also had with a hidden turkey burger and my favourite marinara that I will share tomorrow. *
Becoming anxious, moody, or emotional. This can be a red flag to me, since I’m normally pretty positive and upbeat. When I’m not eating enough, I can become extremely emotional, crying at almost anything, or I get anxious over very small things.
When I deny myself food, there is a noticeable change in the way I normally act. If you are feeling shaky, emotional, or more anxious these are clear signs that you need more fuel!
Not sleeping. It is almost impossible for me to have a good nights rest if my body is asking for more food. I may not feel hungry, but I won’t be able to sleep well. I will toss and turn all night, won’t be able to fall asleep, or wake up continuously throughout the night.
This is why I chose to eat a large snack before bed, sometimes my night snacks are bigger than my breakfasts. Seriously.
* I’ve been relaxing every night with a cup of tea, thanks to some fabulous suggestions from Meg. Who’s basically the queen of tea. David’s tea is my jam. *
Losing hunger signals. The weird thing about eating a low amount of calories, is that our bodies will adapt to this and not allow us to feel hunger. When I was at my lowest weight, hardly eating anything I never felt hungry, and felt that I could live that way forever.
This is simply our bodies signs its shutting down. Its not a normal thing to never feel hunger, because we need food for energy and to thrive. Extreme hunger may result in nausea or even stomach bloating.
When your body is functioning normally, it will ask for food. Unfortunately there are more serious effects of lowering calories too far. Such as osteopenia, bone loss in general, anemia, and thyroid problems. In return, your metabolism slows to maintain needed energy, because it is stuck in “survival mode” and will only trust you when you simply eat more food.
Other problems like only eating “safe foods”, constant mirror checking, food rituals, becoming influenced in “fad diets”, and obsessively measuring or weighing food and yourself are huge red flags.
[Source]
Everyone’s calorie intake differs, some people function on a lot of calories, other people don’t. If someone is eating a lower calorie diet, don’t feel the need to follow it. Eat what is right for your body, not anyone else’s. Your body will tell you when it is suffering and when it needs more energy.
Sorry for the lengthy post, sheesh I seem to do that a lot! Spiel over for today, I’m sure I’ll have another one soon;)
Have you ever suffered from any of these signs from calorie restriction? Any more you can add to the list.
Do you tend to push you body too far?
Are you able to eat intuitively without relying on these unfortunate side effects?
I hope you all have an amazing day!
About Lisa
I eat pretty intuitively but my issue is overeating when I get overly hungry! So like you said – itz finding that balance and finding what works for you!
Exactly!
I am glad you addressed this, I think a lot of people under feed their body which doesn’t help at all. I hope you find a balance that works for you!
Yeah, its definitely a common problem! Especially when we are stuffing ourselves too much with veggies and are too “full feeling” to reach our calorie needs while eating more vegetables than we need, which can be just as bad. I’ve been learning to cut down on bulky veggies and use other ingredients instead.
I think this is a fabulous decision, Lisa! I bet you’ll start turning around those symptoms you listed in this post in no time
Thanks Paige! I’m really hoping this turns my unhealthy ways again! I think its a great start at least!
First of all, almond butter and eggs? Hmmm I’ll have to try that one
Second, this was such a well written post! I think there are SO many people that undereat and don’t even realize it.
I’m usually pretty good at listening to my body since I eat like 24/7 haha, but sometimes if I’m having a super busy day or I’m constantly in a rush, I get stressed, forget to bring a snack and don’t eat as much as usual. I usually know when that happens because I get hungry only like an hour after dinner! I ALWAYS have to have a snack before bed. I usually have cottage cheese and nut butter so that it fuels my muscles for sleeping.
Even my mom wasn’t eating enough sometimes and I would always yell at her and make her bring snacks/etc. lol
I just wrote like a novel…… anyway, great post girl!
I know, it sounds totally weird together! But, it really tastes good ha ha.
I think its such a huge thing now-a-days that people don’t even realize they are under-eating! Its so sad, because of that.
Haha, I like that you yell at your mom for that;)
I love long comments, they are never too long!
I’ve never thought that eggs & almond butter would be a good combo.. but i’ll take your word for it and give it a try one of these days
.
Yet again, what a wonderful and well-written post. You truly are amazing @ opening all of our eyes to different scenerios in life. I completely understand with that you about people not realizing they aren’t eating enough. I hope this has helped you in finding the balance you need <3
Ha ha. Swear its tasty!
Thanks so much for that Jessie! I’m glad other people can relate to this!
This is a really great post Lisa! I’ve experienced all of these symptoms during certain periods of my life and I now know that when they come up it is a sign to step back and reevaluate my eating habits! The mental fog is one of those feelings I thought no one else experienced but it really is troubling and somehow seems to take over your entire body! I also agree with being overly obsessed with meals! It is hard to find the balance considering many of us blog our meals daily but there is something to be said for a balance between healthy and overthinking!
Definitely! I think when they come up it sometimes makes it harder to an extent, because of the anxiety that comes along with the under-eating. Its just important to address is asap, so we can take care of our health. Its crazy how many of the effects I feel just by not eating enough! Oh yes, there is a huge balance between healthy and over-thinking, and many of us bloggers over-think a ton ha ha. Its hard no to, when we write about food and fitness daily!
i think i’m eating enough….but there were a few times in the last 2 weeks where I totally skipped out on dinner. horrible, I know. I was working 2 jobs and from 1 job right to the other, not getting home until 1am some nights. I opted for sleep over food. That’s definitely not the way I like to take care of my body.
your lunch yesterday looks soooo good. i want to eat it! with those strawberries.
Oh man, it definitely is hard when work stress gets in the way. I definitely skip meals when I’m working and its not so good for my body the next days. Its sometimes hard to keep up that balance when we have a lot on our plates, but just do the best we can in the moment.
Yah, that lunch was pretty darn awesome:)
Hi Lisa
Been reading for a while and I figured I’d delurk and say hi ’cause I’m loving this post. I can relate to ALL of these symptoms, having suffered with them on a day to day basis when my ED was plaguing my life. I know it’s hard to truly convince your mind that you need to eat more, and scary as hell at first, but it gets a lot easier when you realize that more food = less nasty symptoms. We get so used to feeling like crap, and only half living our lives, that we don’t realize how good life can be when we’re treating our bodies properly. Your body is definitely sending you reminders that it wants more food, and they’ll only keep getting stronger until you start to listen. Be strong, girl 
You’re surrounded by a community of beautiful and supportive people who’ll be there for you every step of the way.
Yay! So happy you commented! I loved your blog when I was a reader!!
Its definitely a difficult stage in recovery to be in because you “look healthy” and are healthier but stuck in that anxiety, disordered mind still. And its almost like I’m more afraid, since I feel like I can’t gain more weight without “looking fat”. How silly are these ED’s?! I definitely want to live a full life, not a half life of awful symptoms and in constant food battles with my head!
I needed this post. My problem remains and always remains over/ under eating, always over exercising, over thinking, and obsessing over food. I am trying to not think so much about food but it’s really hard. I’ve been trying to loose weight for a while and I feel like such a failure when I loose control. I need to take a step back and live.
Thank you for this post.
Becca Xoxo
Its definitely important to take steps back and just live without the anxiety our mind creates for us. Being too obsessed about anything is never good. Its usually our emotions that want us to lose control and not our bodies, which is helpful when trying to get over these things!
Love this post!! Too many of us push our bodies too far and don’t compensate for the calories! I’ve told you before… I’m so proud of you for listening to your body! We will both be back at it in no time!
We definitely will get there! Just takes effort and time!
Love you girl!!! Once I upped my calories {with higher protein} my body transformed for the better! Hello muscles finally!!!
I love this post girl!! Thank you
xxoo
Its great to hear people who have gone through positive transformations with this journey! Makes me believe I’m doing the best for my body!
xox
Oh yes! Definitely been there with all of these symptoms along with dry and brittle hair and nails and never saw positive changes in my body (i.e. toning up, muscle gain, etc). Increasing the calorie intake with protein, carbs, and healthy fats is SO worth it and makes a huge difference!
Same here, and then I complain I’m not getting results. Hm, wonder why;)
I’m so happy to hear about your journey and all the positive things that came from it!!! Seriously, jumped for joy when I read the news!
I’m so pleased you devoted a post to this subject. I mean, not only have you admirably opened up & been truthful about your struggles, but you have written a fantastic portrayal of calorie restriction & what it entails.
I guess the hard part is acting on the fact that you know that you aren’t eating enough. Eating more reeeally can bring up uncomfortable feelings! Just have to keep the mind on the prize I think- health, energy & all the other fabulous things being properely nourished allow to happen:). I really hope you start to feel better soon Lisa.
I’m pretty much in the same boat . I suffer pretty much all the symptoms of under-eating (urgh!)+ I’m (fairly considerably) underweight. As someone who has been consuming around 3000-3500 cals a day, for like , ever, this is hard for me to wrap my head around & accept:(. Just goes to show that peoples calorific needs really are a very individual thing.
I’m a huuuge evening snacker, mine is always bigger than breaky too! That time of day seems to be when I’m hungriest & like eating the best.
Ooh, pb & eggs! Iv never tried it…iv gotta get on that. You’ve been holding out on that marinara recipe girly, grrr, I can’t wait for it any longer !
Xxx
Oh yes, the hardest part is not knowing I’m doing this, but actually following through with what comes along with these realizations. I need to act on the fact I need more calories. I admit, some days are tough! And I dislike them, but the long term goal is what is the important thing.
Its definitely crazy how our calorie needs differ so much! Calories and bodies are weird ha ha.
Girl, I am seriously so proud of you for recognizing and owning this. You’re going to do AMAZING!!! Keep truckin’ girl – you’re on the path to A+ health. I love you! <3
I'm a very goal-oriented and competitive person with myself so while I don't often push my body past its limits, I'm still aware of it because of my tendency to want to go above and beyond. That being said, I feel amazing and I know that I'm doing what's best for my body. Especially now.
Thanks Heather! Love you too!!
Oh yes, we are both definitely making amazing strides in doing best for our bodies!
xox
I looked and this and thought: I’m eating TOO much. LOL! This training diet it kicking my arse, but I am proof that fueling your body properly gives you much more energy AND results in the gym.
I think your “random” lunch looks awesome, btw.
You definitely don’t eat too much ha ha.
I can imagine the training diet is INTENSE. I definitely have felt myself lacking energy and motivation at the gym, which means I need to adjust those calories. You can’t make gains without energy!
Another amazing post Lisa! I can certainly relate to experiencing these symptoms during the height of my ED and during the recovery process. The biggest for me was the obsession over food and exercise. For example, during college I literally scheduled my classes around workout times and when I could get home to eat my “safe” foods (which was very detrimental to my education process, I graduated two years later than I could have). Controlling my calorie intake became the most important thing to me while things that should have take priority were put on the back burner.
I think it’s so great that you a recognizing your ED symptoms; you do have power over them and the ability to not let them interfere with the kind of life you want! !The fact that you are actively increasing your calories (and in a healthy way too) shows that you are on the path to success, just keep working at it! A healthy, happy life is yours for the taking!
Btw, that roasted veggie bowl looks bomb! I think I know what I’m making for dinner now
Thanks Karah!
Oh yes, the obsession can just get crazy its certainly eye opening! I would get such anxiety if friends wanted to hang out during my “meal or fitness” times, how lame!
Thanks for the comment girl!
I think that sandwich sounds GOOD. I’m pretty sure a lot of women are not eating enough. I don’t think people can really tell until they ARE eating enough and realize how much better they feel. You’re absolutely right that a person doesn’t have to look “too skinny” for their health to be suffering inside. I’m so happy to say I sure do eat enough now and all those areas you listed are not a problem for me anymore. And they have been for as long as I can remember. Gosh that’s weird for me to even say that. My ED recovery has been on track for about a year now but paleo is really completing the puzzle for me. I feel truly nourished.
That’s definitely true. I think once I saw my energy soar up from increasing calories was when I really realized how far under my calorie limit I truly was!
I’m so happy things are all good with your health now, and that paleo has been a complete blessing for you! What an amazing feeling, I’m hoping to get myself back there!!
That sandwich sounds so awesome especially with the whole egg and not just the whites. The yolk is so satisfying and I love the idea of combining it with something unique like AB. You are certainly a more adventurous foodie than you give yourself credit for!
I really appreciate this post because I have experienced all of these symptoms in the past and sometimes still experience them now, particularly the obsessing with food. Some days I find I am constantly planning what and when I should eat all day long, even while I am eating a meal, I’ll be thinking about the next one. That’s probably the symptom in this post I can most relate to at this current time, but also the not feeling hungry all the time. For me a huge thing is letting myself eat lunch or dinner or breakfast even when I am not technically “feeling hungry”. Just a couple nights ago I was frustrated because I hadn’t eaten since lunch and it was 8PM, and I knew I NEEDED a dinner, but did not feel any hunger. However I was proud of myself for fixing up a plate and eating dinner anyway, and boy am I glad I did because once I started eating my appetite kicked in and I felt that hunger and knew I needed the fuel!
I think this post is going to help so many people like it’s helping me (even right at this very moment) so thanks Lisa! <3
Ha ha, thanks Cait:) Yah, the whole egg really does rock! Much more satisfying. Although, I don’t usually like it in baked goods for some reason, I guess it tastes weird with sweet things.
Yep, I’m definitely feeling this way now which is why I realized I need to change. Its totally not normal to think this way.
When we skip meals, our bodies slow our metabolisms so we don’t feel the hunger because it doesn’t want us to use up all of our energy stores, so it starts conserving energy. Which is why people recommend eating several times a day.
Yay, I’m proud of you for doing that as well! Everyday is a new day and new time to start fresh on our journey to health.
Love you<3xox
I can totally relate to all of the above symptoms and then some… As per usual ED sufferers, theres also amenhorrhea (loss of period,) thin/brittle nails and hair, edema, constant low blood pressure and body temp. Oh I could go on; anyways, suffice it to say is I experience all of the above on a daily basis, and I never feel hungry, its just my energy levels stump to an all time low, whereas I can’t even walk up a flight of stairs. Loss of motivation and emotion has also reared its ugly head, and I feel that I physically and mentally cannot deal with some of the life issues I used to deal with all the time. It scares me to think that what I was once so passionate about, now peaks my interest, all for just a short stint within my decreased attention span and ability to grasp and hold on to information (loss of short term memory.) I will seek out and find the lowest calorie bang for my buck (ie: full of fiber, low in cal’s, high in “nutrients.” and have consistantly eaten the same meals for basically two years now. I do occasionally treat myself at my favorite restaurant, but I know I must change. It is so easy to say this, I know, and I am not making excuses. But thankfully for inspirational girls like you, I feel that this outlet of my obsessions will actually promote rather than hinder my recovery. Thank you!
Amen, sister
Oh yes, I can relate to the never ever feeling hungry, but am just at a total loss for energy. It gets frustrating when that happens. But, our bodies are just begging for food at this point, and we just can’t realize it, so its trying to show us other ways its hungry.
I definitely agree in everything you stated here. Thanks for this wonderful comment!
Great, great post Lisa!
It’s taken me a while, but I think I’m at the point where I can eat intuitively. I know if I’m hungry and don’t eat (or undereat) I’m only hurting myself, and I don’t want to do that.
Some of the scariest side effects I had with an ED: when I would walk up a few flights of stairs, I would feel like I was having a heart attack. My heart would be pounding so hard and I’d be completely out of breath.
Also: lanugo. Growing peach fuzz on your back and arms is NOT cute. And it definitely scared me into rethinking my eating habits and eventually getting help.
I’m so glad you’ve decided to up your calories! It can only do good things for you right now.
I went through those side effects to and they are so scary, although they didn’t feel scary at the time. Now I look back and think what the heck was I thinking doing that to my body!
Yep, that lanugo was no fun either!!
Awesome post Lisa! I’m really proud of you.
It takes a lot of guts to admit to yourself and your readers that you’re not eating enough. I’m glad you realized it and are going to fix it though! <3
I experienced all of these symptoms when I went through my ED. But the biggest thing that pushed me to recover was all the negative physical side effects like pale skin, hair loss, and basically just looking like death. I never want to experience that ever again!!!
Thanks Chlesea!:)
Oh man, at the worst of my ED, I experienced all those awful things as well. And never want to be that deep in it ever again. Even though I’m not at a really low weight, all these side effects are happening and they definitely need to change.
Certainly relate to this… oh you know, just a tad
The fixation on food is a major one for me… and makes perfect sense as I am depriving myself of something that all living species need to survive, FOOD. During the worst times, I would CONSTANTLY be looking up recipes, making food for others, looking at pictures of food… it’s how I spent all of my time. The physical symptoms were a major wake up call for me though- my thinning hair scared the hell out of me, as I used to have luxurious, thick hair! It’s still a bit thinner than I want, so hopefully with proper nutrition it continues to come back in
Ha ha, just a little;)
Oh man, I remember the times I would purely watch the food network just so I could watch others make food, and be on the internet for so long just looking at recipes, it was so sad.
I was the same when I lost most of my hair, since I loved my long hair. Ha ha, I was so sad to watch it disappear as I got sicker. I think as our bodies learn to trust us again, our nutrition will eventually improve, even though its such a long cycle! And eventually your thicker hair will come back in.
Well, I hate to say it, but every time you seem to mention your workouts, you say it in a way that proves you’re doing them because you feel you have to, or if you didn’t, you’d feel terrible anxiety over it. If you’re intent on recovering, isn’t that a relationship you should be mending instead of thinking an extra zucchini will help you out? I mean, I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again because it’s just incredible to me — even given what you say you eat during the day — that A (meaning 1) vegetable for dinner is NOT dinner. A vegetable has so few calories, you can essentially eat it as a tiny snack, not a meal that should be rounding out your entire day and nourishing your body after a full day of, well, living and mending after a strenuous workout.
While I appreciate you trying to educate others on the signals they may not be aware of or simply are ignoring when it comes to under eating, I think it’s something most people who suffer or have suffered from an ED are very much aware of. YOU, Lisa, know you are undereating. And you know that you’re doing it because you can’t handle the anxiety that comes with eating more or not working out enough to balance it. You’re afraid you will gain weight. It’s normal to feel all that stuff when you’re going through an ED or even through recovery, and it’s very hard to shake no matter how far along you are in recovery, but the important thing is to ACT on it. We all know what our faults are with our EDs and what our fears are… but when witnessing others leading normal, balanced lives, we should strive to let go of our rigidity because only then can you realize first-hand, “Hey, I’m not turning into a whale!”
Hey Lisa, I actually haven’t been working out much lately. Besides a few spin classes and mostly pilates. So I’m not too sure what you are referring too. I definitely do miss the high intensity workouts I was doing before because I love working out. I’ve grown up an athlete my whole life. But, I’m sorry if you got that impression.
I also understand that to increase my nourishment I will need to expand outside of safe foods like vegetables. I think as long as I’m eating enough for right now it doesn’t matter what I’m eating. Until I get enough calories, and then I’ll obviously have to vary my intake because its obvious I will be too full to eat more if I’m filling up on vegetables, I’m working with a nutritionist and she seems fine with this.
Its still a very hard process and I definitely am afraid of weight gain, but I know more than anything I want to recover. Thanks for your comment, I truly appreciate your insite!
Gosh, you are so intelligent. Everything you say is so beautifully written. When I was in my “low-calorie” mindset awhile ago, I can attest to feeling all of these things. Especially, the bit about the workouts. I felt the need to work out all the darn time but I never had the motivation. Riding the stationary bike became a burden because I didn’t have enough energy to do it. Heck, I even dreaded climbing stairs but my mind justified it by telling me that I was burning calories. Ridiculous! I am glad that you realized you need more food. Like I said, you are very intelligent. Personally, I operate very well on a high-calorie diet. It seems sad to me that I never realized this and damaged my body! But I’ve been on track for awhile now. It’s all worth it in the end.
Thanks Brittany!! Oh yes, the workouts are hard because we want to do them, maybe for the wrong reasons, but our motivation is shot. And that can be very frustrating.
Same here, I definitely dreaded climbing stairs, I’d be exhausted after! How sad ha ha.
I too, believe I function on more calories than normal. Fine by me, just more nut butter:)
great post girl! i’ve definitely been there with not enough calories – it screws with your mind in a crazy way! eat up girlfriend – you’re totally on the right track with that fab sandwich you made
i hope you scooped EXTRA nut butter on there! fear not the food – it’s a part of life!
Its insane how much of a difference it makes in my mind! Under-eating sucks in every way. True words Julie! I’ve got to live up the extra nut butter now:) I sure don’t have a problem with that.
I’ve never seen blended cottage cheese before – is it store bought or do you blend the cottage cheese yourself?
I blend it myself, either in my magic bullet or food processor!
Hi Lisa! I usually read your blog but don’t comment but this time wanted to.
I think eating intuitively is a great topic. It does require being mentally balanced so that you don’t “use” food in some way, when you feel “fat”, or “ugly”, or “unhappy”. I am not there yet, as I have a tendency to restrict, almost in a view to reach a spiritual body. So I do count calories, to protect myself from my natural inclination, and to make sure I eat plenty. That means whether I am hungry or not, I eat according to my meal plan, and I’m OK with that. 
Eating intuitively requires using food just like fuel, and nothing else, and not getting more pleasure from the food than there is there. Come on, this is just food, not nirvana.
It also requires not using too many low fat foods. For example, let’s suppose I am intuitively eating and I eat 2lb of veggies. I will definitely feel full. But have I reached my caloric needs? Of course not! At the end of the day, I may end up at 1500 calories only (way too low) and feeling full because of my fear of caloric foods such as pasta, full fat cottage cheese, normal PB (not the lightened kind). So my point is, to eat intuitively requires having resolved a lot of mental issues with oneself. And talking about myself, I am not there yet. But I do eat lots of foods. 
Just a comment – i’m so glad you’re challenging yourself to eat more! The above photos show a quantity of food that still seems quite “light” to my eyes, but it’s probably because you’re not posting all of what you are eating?
Much love, and it takes courage to challenge the fear the way you are doing. You can be successful. Keep challenging the negative voice and the fear and they will vanish into their nothingness!
Francoise
I’m definitely not at the point where I can intuitively eat. I agree it requires a lot of body trust, and a positive view of food both “unhealthy and healthy” groups. I count calories for the same reason, because I know if I don’t I would for sure under-eat and be very unhealthy. I don’t see a problem with that now, but hopefully I’ll get over that.
Exactly, I’ve had to stop eating SO many veggies in bulk, otherwise I just get too full to eat other foods and my calorie requirements suffer because of that. Veggie stomach aches are not the funnest thing out there;)
I’m definitely not quite to the point of using all full-fat products, because I still do like a lot of “low calorie foods” but I know it will get easier with time!
I definitely agree, the photos above do look quite light still, I am working with a nutritionist. And we’re increasing about 100 calories per week, so I don’t get to overwhelmed and relapse, which is what happened last time. I’m hoping this works out. We may increase faster though, and yes definitely not all I eat in a day!!
Thanks for the sweet comment! Much love to you as well!!
Huge hug, Lisa!! <3 Thank you for always being so honest about these touchy issues; discussion like this truly benefits everyone–both you and your readers! Having met you in person, I KNOW that you genuinely DO want to push through these fears and recover strong. <3 So many healthy living bloggers (including me) have struggled with (or are still struggling with) the symptoms you listed. When I was under-nourishing my body, I struggled to think clearly, which actually made it really difficult to do well in school. I had to work much harder than I ever had to remember information for tests, to write papers etc. It was exhausting! Lack of progress in the workout room was one I really struggled with too; I'd spend over an hour each day lifting weights, but never ever saw progress (in fact, my muscles shrunk!). When I finally started eating more, I FINALLY saw results. I think lack of hunger cues is the most frustrating, especially when you're trying to overcome voices telling you not to eat. It's so much harder to do that when you're not hungry, isn't it?! I like what Cait said though; often our bodies don't let us know they need fuel until we begin eating! Now, when I'm not hungry but know I need nourishment, I'll always prepare something anyways. 99% of the time, I become hungry a few bites into my meal.
The best indicator that I've pushed myself too far is constant fatigue and disinterest in going out with friends. When these things happen, I know its time for me to take a step back and refocus my priorities on HEALTH. I'm finally at a point where I have that control, and it feels really good.
Love you to the moon and back! xoxo <3
When I was in school I had the hardest time keeping up with my grades! I can’t believe I managed to do it, because I was suffering so much.
I definitely want this to happen, but no it takes more than just words. I need to push and add in those “uncomfortable” calories. I’m working with a nutritionist now, so I’m hoping that makes it a bit easier for me.
I definitely want to be progressing in the gym and get into weight lifting more, but my energy just won’t take that. And I know progress will come when I nourish myself better!
Those are great indicators to know when your under-nourishing yourself, I’ll have to keep those in mind too!!
Love you!!xoxo
You are spot on! Totally good for your energy, mental health and well being to not restrict yourself. Also it is better for your metabolism! Good you are so aware!
Thanks Jess!
As you know I struggle with many of the same issues and have immense guilt now that I have uooed ny caloric intake, BUT i keep trying to remind myself that all the things I do not care for in my life (a lot of the symptoms you describe here) can ONLY go away if i put in the effort.
or an extra scoop of yougurt here or there.
There is no magic pill or quick cure for this and the mental work that comes with recovery is SO hard but I have to trust that it will be worth it.
Did you make a plan to increase? Sometimes for my not obsessively planning but at least targeting areas where I can add things helps.
I started adding things as small as a handful of nuts to my breakfast…which go deliciously as a pancake topper
Small steps, love! and please remember I am here with you every inch of the way!
If only there was a magic pill to make all this go away, but at least when we overcome this it will be such a sense of accomplishment. It will happen its just a very slow process. The guilt is one of the hardest things for me to deal with, but I know that once I get past the guilt, a better life awaits me on the other side. I mean whats more fun, being underweight and miserable or happy and living a fulfilling life.
I have met with a nutritionist and we made a plan together to increase, so it will be done “slowly”, as to not overwhelm myself or my feelings and I know it was best for me to see a nutritionist, otherwise I wouldn’t have done it on my own. I just felt like I needed that extra push from someone.
Love you CJ! I’m so happy to hear your making progress!
Inspirational post, Lisa! Way to take a stand – a stand for yourself! I can identify with so many point that you brought up and I applaud you for doing is to openly and honestly! Not only is it a tough thing to do share with the blogging world, but it’s tough enough to admit it to yourself! I’ve experienced the ‘guilt’ that you’ve mentioned, and the symptoms of under-nourishment, and yet it’s still such a difficult task to own up to it! Isn’t it ironic that, in this type of situation, we tend to lie more to ourselves than to others? I think the first step, as you have so clearly shown and exemplified, is to be truthful with yourself. We need to listen to our bodies, as you have said, and not be afraid.
Just know that I am with you, together, on this journey – and I look forward to our progress
Thanks for the encouragement!
excuse the few typos – clearly malnourished ‘brain fog’ has, once again, gotten the best of me! :O)
Ha ha, no worries on the typos.
Thank you so much for your comment. Its definitely tough to own up to the fact that I’m not the healthiest that I could be right now. I wish you the best in your journey to recover!! If you ever need to, feel free to e-mail me anytime!
Just re-reading old posts…Loving this one- and very timely for me! I have started running again after months of stopping as it was interfering with my recovery. I MUST ensure that I continue fueling well AND adding more to give me energy!!! This is non-negotiable in my mind- if my body needs it, I will provide it. That’s the plan anyways
I just found this post! I love it! I think I need to up my intake but unfortunately I am scared too. I don’t sometimes have trouble sleeping at night and I feel hungry a lot of the time. Thanks for sharing!
yeah, anxiety is a lot stronger when you don’t have enough calories, especially if one got some kind of disorder like hypochondria, it gets worse without proper nutritions.