confused!

Question
hi rev. abbott - as for needed background: i am a recovering anorexic/compulsive exerciser. i have been in recovery and on a really good road now for about 6 months. i have reached my goal weight of 125 lbs (i'm a muscular 5'3"). for the most part, i feel really really great about where i am mentally and physically - obviously there are bumps.

i'm at a bump now. i decided that i was going to try to change my routine to a "maintenance" routine (as opposed to weight gain/loss routines) in the gym and with the way i eat. however - despite my cut in calories (from 2200 to 1800) and my regular exercise, i'm still gaining weight!

i fear that this loss of lack of control will start spinning in my head and i'm kind of starting to freak out. i dont want to freak out, and i know "i know better". i'm in a temporary living situation now for about 6 wks, away from from my nutritionist, so i'm turning to you. why is this happening? why is my body holding on to everything when its been so great up to this point? i thought i had a great metabolism, but right now, its confused? i dont know - any help? thanks so much!

- freaked.  

Answer
Ohhhhh Nooooo !   No scales!  No scales are allowed for recovering anorexics (and exercise bulimics).  NO NO NO!

Next time you want to weigh yourself, take one of your 5 lb weights and put it on the scale.  Write down how much it weighs. Seriously.  Then put 5 lbs of feathers on the scale (pillows will do) and record the weight.

That piece of metal weighs 5 lbs as 5 lbs. You are letting it control your mood with a number!  It could be water weight; muscle weight, a combination of both - but what matters is that you're HEALTHY and happy.  Not as the result of a number.

Make the scale go away. We cannot have them (I am also a recovering anorexic AND exercise bulimic and compulsive eater and even formerly obese!) I know I'm good because my clothes fit. When they get too snug, I ease up on the treats I allow, increase activity a bit. When they get too loose, I remind myself that fruit is not necessarily all I need to eat in a week :)

 Take a look at options you've got and remember, I'm here!

www.GetTheReal.info  

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