Tips on Losing Weight From an Eating Disorder Background

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I am trying to lose weight, think I could lose 20-30 pounds but I am just in recovery from a restrictive ED (was diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia alternately as I was at a normal weight but mostly restricted, with some bingeing/purging). I am not overweight or obese so I don't technically "need" to lose weight, but I feel like I would be happier if I were more in shape. I've tried just intuitively eating, but I have a major sweet tooth, and that has been concerning me. What are some small changes I can make to my diet/exercise routine to lose a little weight, without going to extremes like I have in the past? I don't want to drastically change my diet, but I do think I could be better about my exercise and sugar intake.

Hi, from age 16 to early 20s, I struggled with OCD, including hour+ showers. And for a time buying new soap and shampoo for each shower.

I found that if I could allow myself to get to that zen spot where it’s okay to do the precaution but also okay not to do it, that’s a pretty good place to be.

And there might be something similar for yourself.

I would guess that you might have a double dose of perfectionism, one from being on the spectrum itself and two from what I’ve read about eating disorders.

If you just occasionally slip, I’d recommend not making a particularly big deal about it.

As far as what exercises . . . there’s strength, flexibility, and endurance. Even professional athletes, such as baseball pitchers, have difficulty balancing these three.

I’d recommend embracing the non-perfection. Even adding something else, say maybe guitar playing. Oh, it is physical, and by its very nature, it cannot be done perfectly. If you make a mistake, you simply keep going and most listeners won’t even notice.

And/or maybe rock-climbing in a gym?

And for the sweet tooth, maybe you experiment with light-hearted schedules which add some fun and flex?

If I recall, the prevailing advice for any attempts at weight loss for someone with an ED, is that they be advised and monitored by a professional. I wouldn't want you to find yourself back in the restricting & purging realm. Do you have someone you've worked with in the past who you can seek guidance from?