Bulimia Help

Obstacles to overcome

To banish faulty beliefs

Chaotic eating can build up faulty beliefs in our minds. Faulty beliefs are associated with dieting and bulimia, they can block the recovery path. It's NOW time to find out the truth and clear away thought clutter!

How do we fix it?

We need to learn about faulty beliefs and learn how to replace them with better ones. Replacement beliefs are planting seeds for recovery changes to happen. Over time new beliefs will grow stronger and you can watch as the older ones sizzle out.

What should I do first?

• This zone is all about learning. Read about bulimia myths, diet myths, fat myths and thin myths - you will be surprised at some of the interesting facts!
• We aim to turn you against dieting. We do so by listing the many reasons why diets don't work. Not only do diets lead to weight GAIN, diets CAN lead to eating disorders. Read about diets and their facts: Diets don't work and find out for yourself!
• Start 'taking notes' on what you read or learn.
• Develop an understanding about dieting and how dangerous they are. After this you are ready to read about what you can replace dieting with.
• Learn all about weight management. Learn how to manage your weight without dieting or bulimic behaviors. Read: Set-point theory
• Take action NOW - start recording your faulty beliefs and throw away your scales!
• Start to notice and record your diet and bulimic thoughts.
• Start to record all food in your food journal (see e-Tools)
• This is a large zone. Please take your time to go through it. Remember knowledge is empowering!
• If you feel you are ready to move on, go to the next recovery zone: Structured eating... see you there!

Zone Goals

• This zone is to learn about your faulty beliefs and to make a start on replacing them with more effective ones. You don't have to make any major changes at this early stage. All you have to do is: be aware of any dieting or bulimia thoughts that exist... it's that simple!

Before you start this zone make sure...

• You should have read through getting started
• Set up your user profile
• Made a start at recording food in your food journal

Did you know?..

Most people with bulimia find that improved food behaviors do not lead to weight gain! In fact, those who have gained weight as a result of their eating disorder tend to actually lose weight when they cease to binge eat ( Agras & Apple, 1997, p.42).

Beliefs: Simple guidelines to success

• Tell yourself over and over that diets don't work and remember 95% fail! 
• Become aware of your diet mentality - start now!
• Remind yourself constantly - no food will make you fat as long as it is eaten in moderation. This means eating when you are hungry and stopping when you feel satisfied - don't worry we teach you how to do this!
• Remember any 'external' control over food is a 'diet' (unless directed by a medical professional)
• Realise - dieting can make you afraid of food
• Realise - dieting can lead to eating disorders
• Remember there is no such thing as good and bad food
• Understand - no-one is to blame for your eating disorder. Not you, not your parents or anyone else
• The best way to be thin and healthy is to eat at least 3 meals and a few snacks each day, consisting of a variety of foods
• Fat-free eating is not necessarily healthy eating
• Any behavior that is excessive is unhealthy
• Losing weight DOES NOT make everything better.