I just had this convo with my nutritionist on Friday. My husband is like your friend ... eats a few bites once in a while, never plans anything, will hold out eating if the food isn't just right, etc.

I was complaining that I hate eating "big meals" (i.e. whatever is on my meal plan) when I know he's only going to take 2 bites and claim to be full. I feel like a cow in comparison to a kitten.

She let me whine for a while and then said, with firmness in her voice, "Because you have an eating disorder. Other people can get away with eating patterns that you cannot. If you want to get well, you will eat according to your meal plan each and every day."

Y'know what? It helped me.

When I feel like the cow next to the kitten, I remind myself that this is necessary for my health and that it's something I HAVE TO DO to be well. I think more clearly, I feel better, my skin looks better, and I'm healthier when I am correctly nourished.

Sometimes knowing that I have another meal/snack coming works to my advantage too. When I really want to binge on something because I feel upset/mad/happy (insert any other emotion), I remind myself that in 2 hours I'll be eating something again and usually I can wait. It's not easy - and I'm just coming off a relapse, so take everything I just said with a huge grain of salt, but I do understand exactly what you're saying.

Thanks for reading-sorry it was so long.