Restriction is a Disordered Behavior
I’ve been having lots of conversations lately with clients who feel embarrassed about certain parts of their interactions with food, and revere other parts.
To be clear, restriction is a disordered behavior. As are binging, purging, and exercise abuse. There is no such thing as a “good” eating disorder. There are just different symptoms. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. I take every single symptom seriously. I do not care what your body looks like. I do not care what your BMI is. (Ugh.) I do not care if you are able to hide your behaviors or not.
If you are in a place where you are upset by one part of your eating disorder behaviors, but are apathetic or pleased by another, please know that they are connected. Restriction is a wonderful invitation for binging. This is about survival. This is about persistence of the specie.
Human bodies are incredible.
Please give yourself permission to eat food. Regularly. Your body exists with the sole purpose of taking care of you. Return the favor.
I believe in you.
If you are stuck in a series of shifts between restriction and other behaviors, know that that is your body protecting you. An underfed body is going to seek out food. This is biology. This is factual, not a fault.
For reflection:
1. Why/when/what was going on when restrictive eating or avoidance of certain foods began? Is this helpful in the same way that it first was? Have the rules shapeshifted?
2. Is avoidance of foods based on MY experiences of them? Or someone else’s? Society’s?
3. What might happen if I incorporated these foods? Pros/Cons list time. There can and will be both. That doesn’t need to stop you from challenging this belief. The existence of the pro is probably what keeps you stuck. Use the cons with equal attention.
4. Create a mantra and make a change.
“This is my parent’s rule. Feeding myself differently is my parenting myself. I deserve gentle care.”
“This food is safe. My body knows how to handle foods. All of them.”
“The glorification of restriction is about making me quiet and small. I am here to take up space.”
