Get rid of any apps, books and posters related to eating, dieting, fitness, etc. Anything that mentions calories. Instead, fill up your bookcase with colouring books, puzzle books and recovery books and stick positive affirmations around the house.
Know that the disorder is not about food. It’s about control), hence the disorder is a cousin of other conditions like OCD and OCPD. Be sure to ignore any preoccupations you have about other aspects of the concept and tell yourself that you’re in control, but that it has nothing to do with food and that the thoughts are just bullies.
Take up hobbies. Sewing, knitting, colouring, origami, reading, listening to music- anything unrelated to exercise (for the moment).
Wear oversized, comfy clothes and quit using the scale. Because your stomach will likely be swollen, you will experience a small amount of bloating as you recover, so it’s best to wear cosy clothes, and remember that it’s only a temporary thing.
Write or read about how much better it will be when you’re recovered. Watch out for toxic blogs that contain contrasting content, e.g. positivity one day and thinspo the next.
Create a fun meal plan. It can be themed, e.g. blue food day, Mexican food day, Harry Potter food day. Make sure it contains all the calories and vitamins you need to make a full recovery!
Don’t scold yourself for binging. Binging is your body’s response to being deprived of proper food. Try to adjust your meal plan to make sure it’s keeping you satisfied.
Try eating your fear food. It may sound like a big step, but eating food you used to love is a great move forward. If you feel uncomfortable, you can get a friend to make sure you don’t try and purge it.
Fake it ‘til you make it. Even if you have mixed emotions, pretend that you are the most pro-recovery person out there.
Remember that the ED is not a part of you. It does not define you or shape you in any way. It is a monster and a bully and its “goals” are not yours.
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