Q:
Can I have an eating disorder?
I was talking with my best friend and roommate and she expressed concern about my eating habits, and it got me thinking. I didn't think I did, I mean an eating disorder is puking and eating too much right? But is there a place in-between?
I have been self aware of what I eat since I was about 13. I try not to eat too much, but sometimes I get really hungry and eat a lot. When I moved up to college though about 5 years ago, I am a grad student, I was finally able to skip meals without my parents knowing. I only eat two meals a day, breakfast or lunch, not both. No matter how early I get up (5 am, 6 am, 7 am). I also eat till I don't feel empty, not full. I feel best when I feel empty.
I really hate food and eating. But if offered I will eat cake at a party. And sometimes, not often, I'll eat a whole can of soup. But normally I just eat half, if that.
That's not a disorder right? I just have a small stomach? And have trained myself to be that way.
But my roommate is worried because I always feel proud when I forget to eat. I don't work out normally or count calories? Is this a disorder?
Thanks.
A:
This is a complex question that can't adequately be addressed in a forum like this.
My definition of an eating disorder is eating patterns (or not eating patterns) that result in a detrimental effect on your physical or emotional well being rather than sustaining and nurturing, eating becomes a focus for your thoughts, time and energy beyond the usual time it takes to shop for, plan, cook and eat a meal, or if food and/or drink (or lack of it) becomes an extreme form of comfort or punishment.
You are at war with food and have lost the connection with how to simply satisfy your natural hunger signals. That is a sign that counseling might be helpful with a dietician and counselor knowledgeable about eating issues and disorders.
~The Doc
