Mindset

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.

What our members say...

"Thanks for everything you are doing. I really appreciate the help you provide and without it I wouldn't be able to continue."

Rose, Scotland

"I could never fathom the fact that 1 in 7 college-aged females were bulimic, yet I'd never met anyone who talked about their experience and the internet had an array of depersonalised information. Nothing useful. Nothing that made you feel you weren't alone or that there was hope. Finding the forum and advice at BulimiaHelp.org was the first time I could connect with other people who were experiencing life just as I was. I logged on everyday and started to learn about the illness, but most importantly to learn that there was hope. I can credit a lot of my improvements to the community and information at this site."

Krystyn, Melbourne

"I am truly happy to have found this site & to find so much useful information and support."

Isabel Pasadena, CA

"I found it at a very difficult time in my life and it was the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I wish it had existed years ago and I really credit it with turning my relapse into recovery"

Meryl Wellington, NZ

"With the help of BulimiaHelp.org I feel 100% comfortable about accepting the fact that I have a disorder. Everything is confidential and what makes it better is you can relate to others going through the same problem. THANK YOU BULIMIAHELP.ORG FOR HELPING ME GET BACKON THE RIGHT TRACK TO A HEALTHY LIFE!"

Amanda San Diego, United States

"I'd like to thank the BulimiaHelp website for everything it has done for me. Bulimia is truly a devastating sickness, but it has so little support. This website has really helped me understand that I'm not alone with my illness and that it IS possible to become healthy again. Thank you so much!"

Aleksa Hollen Los Angeles, CA

"Bulimia help.org has been tremendous help for me in my fight to overcome bulimia."

Anonymous Pittsburgh, PA

"I used to binge at night, every night. I was so ashamed I would hide it from my husband. To this day he still does not know. Bulimia Help has been a huge success with me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I feel like I have finally gotten my life back."

Daniel, Galway Ireland

"I really found myself here by accident, but am I ever SOOO happy that I found the support here that I need."

Cameron, Cape Town, S.Africa

"I was too embarressed to talk to anyone about my bulima and I am just grateful I stumbled across your site. Richard I know you must hear this a lot but thanks you so much for all the effort you have put into this. It has changed my life in more ways than you can imagine."

Louise, London England

"I think that this site is a blessing because finally I am able to communicate with people who are going through the same struggle as me. I just want to thank you for all the tools and encouragement and knowing one is not alone is so helpful thank you so much!!!! What inspiration!"

Amy Ruth, Perth

"Richard, what a blessing to have this. Your dedication and drive to help has really inspired me and make me realise that people do care. What a god send!! thanks so much. I pray you and your partner are well."

Caroline, Autun France

"I think that this site is a blessing because finally I am able to communicate with people who are going through the same struggle as me"

David, San Diego CA

"This site is saving my life!! It is a miracle that i found it when i did."

Paula, New Castle England

"i just want to thank you for this site all the tools and encouragement and knowing one is not alone is so helpful thank you so much!!!! What inspiration! "Thanks so much"

Lousie, Edmonton Canada

The information provided in this website is for information purposes only. The information on this website is NOT a substitute for proper diagnosis, treatment or the provision of advice by an appropriate health professional. Please refer to the full disclaimer and copyright. If you do think you might suffer from an eating disorder, it is important that you talk to your General Practitioner, as there are many physical complications that can arise from being at an unhealthily low weight or from losing weight very quickly, or from purging. We advise you to seek professional help with working on an eating disorder.