Am I developing an eating disorder?

[Anonymous]

In the past year I've healthily lost 60 lbs and my body is slowly starting to tone up. Just about 10/15lbs left and I'll be perfect. I do cardio where I burn 700/800 calories an hour at different intervals and then weight training (twists, plank, crunches, bicep curl, lat pulldown, squats, chest press, tricep dips and other tricep workouts) about 2/3 times a week and cardio about 4/5 times a week. I'm getting scared because I'm getting obsessed about losing this last bit of weight, extremely obsessed. I don't count calories but if something isn't super healthy (sandwich or something) I get super anxious. I'm so scared of getting fat again it's ridiculous, I'm scared I'm never going to get the body I. want. I never felt this way when I was in the process of losing the 60lbs, now I'm obsessed. Tips? I'm not counting calories because I know it will turn into an eating disorder. Tips please! When I look in the mirror I don't see how far I've come I always see how much further I have to go and I still don't like my body.

[Anonymous]

Counting calories doesn't turn into an eating disorder. It's not a bad way to manage your diet. BUT you need to focus on a healthy amount - nothing under 1200 net calories is a loose guideline. You may just really want to achieve your goal - nothing wrong with that. But it could be more, too...

Eating disorders are tricky because they're not exactly based in weight/looks. It's a control thing. People with anorexia especially have an almost compulsion about it - similar to other compulsions like hand washing. There's a high overlap with other flawed coping mechanisms, including addiction and self injury. New studies are suggesting it's possibly a form of anxiety disorder. Rather than emphasis on dieting driving the anorexic mindset, the anorexic mind drives the starvation behavior. They're thinking that brain wiring, early experiences, genetics, etc all play a part.

Talking to a therapist can help you sort out your thoughts. I would guess that you are probably not becoming anorexic, but could have some other issues to resolve. With that much weight to lose, there is probably already a history of disordered eating. Is it rooted in depression? It sounds like you possibly have self esteem issues to work on at the least and could use some help learning how to change your thoughts.

[Asker]

Yeah I definetly was an emotional eater, and my self esteem is slowly going up as I'm losing weight and toning up. I just want to reach my goal so freaking bad it's driving me crazy!!! I've never felt so much motivation to go to the gym, it's like taking a pre workout drink to give you a buzz but I'm not taking them..

[Opinion Owner]

Your motivation sounds good - just keep working on your emotional issues at the same time. There's good stuff on the Internet, as long as you look closely at the source. Congrats on turning your life around! Sounds like your mind and body are headed towards wellness.

[523206720]

Without knowing your weight - I can't say whether you have an eating disorder or not. You mention eating sandwiches which gives me an indication that you are eating healthy since people who are trying to lose weight don't eat sandwiches - the bread makes you fat.

[MJas16]

Reach your goal and just continue to work out every once and a while. Don't completely disregard fast food. Still eat like you would just work out :)

[emerald77]

Go to a psychologist if this is affecting you.