There is a common misconception about girls with eating disorders. I've experienced it myself. I've noticed that when I've gained weight people tend to think that means I'm doing better. It's quite the opposite though. When I've put on weight the eating disordered thoughts are so strong. I'm more unhappy and it's harder. Just because someone doesn't look emaciated doesn't mean that they are doing better. And just because someone has never been "bad enough" to be hospitalized, it doesn't mean they're hurting any less...and eating disorder is a eating disorder...and it's hell for anyone no matter what.
Another thing I've been thinking about is the fine line between obsession and disorder. In this world there are so many different diets, pills, exercise programs. Expectations of what women should look like drives many women past being health conscience...to obsession and maybe even to an eating disorder. Ladies...it's so easy to cross those lines. The pressure on women is overwhelming. It's easy to stand in front of a mirror and pick out all the flaws. It's easy to start feeling guilty about eating. It's easy to start weighing yourself every day, count calories, prioritize losing weight above everything else. Stop the cycle now. It's true we all need to take care of our bodies...feed them nutritious food and exercise them, but we need to take care of our minds too. You have to find the beauty in yourself. This is something I still need to work on, but I'm trying to appreciate my body.
I guess what I'm saying is catch yourself before obsession takes over. Tell yourself you're beautiful everyday...because you are.
