No Weighing ????

I have a problem with binging and most of it is done in front of the TV. So my P'doc (who specializes in ED's) asked me just to eat my food at a table. Fine I did that for one week. It has given me control over eating for the moment.

I went a bought a new set of scales. He doesn't want me to use them. He said I might get disappointed and that will cause the binging cycle to start again. I agree with him, even though it feels weird.

Has any-one else tried this method to gain control? And has it worked?

Hi Possum220!

Weighing scales are a killer for self-esteem, and that’s the last thing we need if we have a problem with food! Our weight naturally goes up and down within a range of several pounds, which means its really easy to weigh ourselves at one of those natural rises, then get all disappointed and reproach ourselves for being a failure…..which triggers another binge because of all those bad feelings. So weigh scales can help us GAIN weight!
Far better to look after ourselves in ways that nurture and improve our sense of worth.

If you are trying to lose weight for health reasons and you need to measure your progress, then looking at lifestyle issues; going by the fit of your clothes; your energy levels; mood stability; and things like how far you can walk before stopping for a breather are all better ways than using scales.

Just think – weighing scales are quite a recent invention in human history….and so is the increase in eating disorders!

You are progressing already in regaining some control, and have seen some benefit from what your doc advised about eating only at the table. So trust her/him on this one as well!

The fact that you say it feels ‘weird’ not to be weighing yourself does suggest that you may have been putting too much importance on what the scales were telling you!

Onwards and upwards Possum!

Post back about how you are getting on,

Matt c

At the eating disorders clinic I attend, they emphasize not weighing ourselves. They track our weight there to measure our progress, but we have to stand with our back to the readout.
I find that when I weigh myself often I very quickly get back into the numbers game, whether it is having a goal number I want to see on the scale (which is generally an unrealistic one) or counting calories, the other numbers that tyrannize me.

I am not saying I never weigh myself, I don't own a scale, but I have a hard time staying off the ones at my sister's and brother's houses. Still, I don't visit them every day, so the daily obsession is not able to operate.

I congratulate you on finding the courage to address your food issues. Best of success to you...whatever that looks like for you

I forgot to say I love Possums avatar!!

Dear Matt - I really need to lose weigh for health reasons. My back yells at me a lot. I get very tired too quickly. I am also very clumsy, my sense of balance is not good.

Like everybody I would like a quick fix - that doesn't exist. Grrr.

Dear ripley - I catch myself playing the numbers game with calories too and then I think I will never lose weight either.

I must confess I did use the scales to get a starting point this morning, but have put the scales away. I wont use them again as my natural weight does fluctuate. I will use other methods to remind myself I am on the right track. (Like how tight the seat belt is).

My p'doc loaned me his turtle on the desk to put a message in of how many days I hadn't eaten in front of the telly. I really want to give him the highest number of days i can. If I binge I have to start back at day 1 again. I know somewhere that this should be about MY self esteem and acceptance, but right now I just want to please him.
But we will talk about that. I am also scared of slipping and falling back into bad habits.

I am pleased with my progress so far. Lol its only been 17 days - but that's 17 good days. I have lost large amounts of weight in the past and then regained it. My p'doc doesn't have any set point for me. Anything has to be better than where I was 17 days ago.

Thank you for your replies, Matt and ripley. I love cats.

Onwards and Upwards

Whatever it takes to get you on the right track...use it!

There is nothing only about 17 days! You absolutely should be pleased and proud!

Yes ripley I should be pleased and proud. And I am.

I went food shopping this afternoon and it was interesting how habits can affect the way you eat. Potato chips were on special - but I didn't buy them cos I eat them...... in front of the TV. Bicuits and Dips were also there but they are also tv snacks.... so I didnt buy them. Hmmmm maybe my P'doc does know a thing or two. lols.

Yay for me.

I avoid scales at all costs. If you're trying to lose a larger amount of weight than 5 lbs or so, I would wait weeks to months before I weighed myself after dieting and exercise, otherwise I wouldn't see enough of a difference (if any) to make it worth while.