I have such eating routines. I eat the same thing each day in the same order. Evening is the worst! Does any else deal with this or have you dealt with it in the past? How do you change it? I even will avoid going out or going on dates b/c it will interfere with my eating routine! I hate it, but I feel the need to do it. Any advice? Thanks!

I have the same thing, at the same time, every day for breakfast and lunch, but I allow myself more freedom at dinner. I also eat very slowly and have tons of other rituals, like sipping drinks between each bite to drag it out. Try eating something different at one meal per day and see if that helps.

Maria BB- WOuld you say it's part of an eating disorder? I am also very conscientous about weight and calories. Does it affect your life? For example, would you get out of going out to lunch wiht friends b/c you want to do your normal routine? That's what I do. I may turn down a date b/c i feel like I MUST eat my normal routine foods. I am going to try to force myself (for a start) to betray my dinner routine ONE night a week. Then if I am successful, try two days, etc..... I want to break it b/c it's a mental strain

ljenner831 I follow the same pattern. I get really cranky if my food rituals are interrupted. I too will try to avoid certain situations if that means I have to vary from my routine.

My family gets very suspicious. I have been in recovery for some time and have had a set back recently. It is good that they're aware but it really messes with my head.

Only you and a doctor can really say if you have an eating disorder. You seem to follow some of the same problems I've had, but I don't know much more than what you've posted.

Good Luck,
GloBones

Globones-
Thank you for your respsonse. It's good to hear I am not the only one who deals with this. What kind of doctor do you go to to deal with this? I would say that I do struggle with an eating disorder b/c I also weigh myself often, count calories, exercise a lot, and restrict certain foods. I have talked to my psychiatrist about it but need to tell him that it's getting pretty bad.
What strategies do you use to cope?

I eat out with family and friends on occassion, but I get really anxious and angry beforehand. If possible, I insist on going to a restaurant so I can choose what I want to eat. I always check out the restaurant's website beforehand so I know what I'm getting into and know what to order! If I have to eat at somebody's house, as in if they are cooking, I get really freaked out and angry.

Maria: It feels good to hear from you! I am the same way. I get anxious before going to a restaurant with friends and I have to the check the menu online so I know what I'll order ahead of time. WHen I have to eat at someone's house, I tend to avoid it b/c I don't know the ingredients/fat/etc.... I wish I didn't deal with this. I wasn't like this until about 2 years ago. I want to slowly take steps to fight it and go back to "normal". My eating routines and ways feel safe or something, I guess??
May I ask how old you are and if you also have anxiety or depression?

I'm 38 and am in treatment for anxiety and depression. I take meds for both, but still have my eating disorder. Sometimes when I have to eat something that I know will trigger me I keep my journal nearby. When those bad feelings come I start writing like crazy. Sounds simple, but it's kept me from purging a few times.

That doesn't sound crazy at all. Writing helps a lot and I should do it more often. I don't purge , but I do restrict and feel guilt when I eat "badly." It's amazing how thoughts about food and food itself can consume me. What medications do you take, if you don't mind telling me.

Ha! What don't I take is more like it. I'm on Paxil, Anafranil, Synthroid (for hypothyroid which can cause depression), and Ativan for anxiety when needed. Are you in treatment of any kind?

I take Lexapro and Buspar. They both seem very helpful. Do you have any horrible side effects from those medications?

I'm like this as well, but I've been struggling with an Eating Disorder for over 3 years now...

Gone Crazy- I have been struggling with this ED for about 1.5 years now. I try to fight my eating rituals/routines, but they are so strong!! <removed>

Please do not discuss the details of your eating behaviors, or ask others to list their details, so as not to provide triggers for other readers. Please call your attention to the sticky post at the top of this Board: "Avoiding Triggers".