Problem with overestimating!

Hey guys,

So I am in recovery from AN (have been for years!), and I have a problem with always overestimating the number of calories I consume. It is as if I want to "be safe", and make sure that I am not getting too much, even though I need to gain! For example, I will eat something like an apple, and just automatically count it as 100 calories, even though I know it is probably closer to 60-80 calories. Also, I will leave little bits and pieces of food behind—like leave a couple spoonfuls of yogurt in the container or throw away the last little piece of my protein bar. Even though it is only 20 cals here and 20 cals there—it definitely adds up! Right now I need to gain weight, and I am working on getting up to 2500cals/day, but these stupid mind games my ED is playing with me are really making it hard!! Right now I estimate that I get about 1850-1900cals/day, but in reality (because of overestimating)  it probably closer to 1600-1700  

 I know this behavior makes no sense what-so-ever, but it is all just part of this stupid disorder I suppose (It probably has something to do with the whole control aspect)! Anyways, I was just wondering 1) if anyone else does this, and 2) if anyone had some suggestions for getting over this!!

Thank you all very much!

Although I am in the process of trying to lose weight, I used to find myself doing the same thing... I agree it's a control thing, and I think it affects me because I'm slightly OCD  

My answer- weigh all your food, then log it accurately. I very rarely use measuring cups now, almost all my food gets a stop on my scale before it hits my plate.  It's amazing how much more control you feel like you have then,  and you're being truly honest with yourself.

Hang in there. :o)

Thank you for the support Makenasmom!

It is good that you see this as a problem so you can change the behavior. Till you adjust can you preplan your meals and snacks and then go through the meal plan to make sure it is correct and adequate? It will give you anxiety at first but it will lessen the longer you do it and don't allow the ed voice to come in.Remember the goal is to gain

Hi jess..I am in the early stages of seeking recovery from ED and can identify with your "behaviour". Whilst I don't do this myself I recognise it as one of the little "rules" that us ED sufferers gradually establish for ourselves. They develop over time and can become very consuming. I have a list of rules that I have developed that involve eating certain foods on certain days, eliminating other foods entirely.

At least you recognise the problem so you are half way there....hopefully you can see that this is a rule - a safety blanket - you have developed and it is now controlling you. You can then work to control it.

I wouldn't recommend weighing and logging everything as I am like you , trying to gain weight whilst suffering from ED and I think counting calories accurately and weighing food will lead me to more  obsessive behaviours. I am instead focussing on trying to eat like a normal person, estimating approx calories and fats, not writing it down, not logging it , not googling every morsel of food for nutrition information,  and attempting to get out of this cycle of knowing to the third decimal place how many calories I have consumed in a day.....ie trying  to develop more intuitive eating habits.

abbi's idea of a meal plan is a good one...just make sure you get lots of variation in there.

Its not easy, I know..but I do wish you the very best of health and luck as you battle this

Thank you so much for your ideas ABBI and KEZZA!! You guys both had some great ideas, and I will try my best to be less rigid and controlling with my intake this week! I def think that I need to be more flexible, but that I need to hold myself accountable at the same time! Thank you both again for your tips!

I have recovered from anorexia. While I was gaining weight, I first had a food plan which gave me a total number of calories. Then I was told to eat 3 meals plus 3 snacks daily. Finally, I was encouraged to eat whatever I felt like eating, whenever I was hungry - but not count calories. Learning how to 'un-count' was bloody difficult! But I don't think I could have ever really let go of my food obsession had I not learnt to see food in terms of nutrition - what benefits it brings me - rather than a pile of numbers on a plate.

If you need to focus on something, try focusing on including good carbs, protein and healthy fats in each meal, as well as your 5+ a day.

Remember that weight-gainers should be aiming for a minimum of 2500cals daily.

I sadly do this too .....

I totally understand, i always round everything up!! If i eat a snack thats 70 i round it up to 100, if i eat a meal thats 250 i round it up to 300. and i really dont know why i do it???

Good luck with it though =D x