Food For Thought

Disordered eating is not actually "about" food.  Whatever is going on with food, whether you're turning to it or from it, the behavior is a symptom of a deeper problem, conflict or emotion - it isn't "the" problem (but it sure feels like it).  

That said, disordered eating involves food.  Here's some food for thought to get you thinking about what part food plays in your relationship to yourself:

To me, food represents… 

(i.e., food represents love and comfort)

Eating (or restricting food) has been a way for me to…

(i.e., eating has been a way for me to escape painful emotions)

(i.e., restricting food has been a way for me to feel strong and powerful)

All my life I’ve used food as…

(i.e., I’ve used food as a way to numb/comfort/attack/punish myself)

The feelings I use food to bury are…

(mad, sad, fearful, anxious, guilty, etc.)

Food helps me avoid…

(i.e., food helps me avoid disappointment in my life or in other people)

Sometimes I’m afraid to eat because…

(i.e., I’m afraid to eat because I don’t want to give up the sense of power I get from restricting…. I’m afraid I won’t stop eating… I don’t want to need anything, including food)

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Legal Disclaimer:  The content on this site is for educational and informational purposes only.  It is not intended as psychotherapy or as a substitute for psychotherapy advice, diagnosis or treatment.