I can’t imagine how tough it must be to navigate an ED when your career revolves around you consuming triggering content let alone having the pressures of a public platform. Truly inspirational, thanks for sharing your wisdom!!
I am 31 but when I was 16 (my anorexia started at 14, hospitalized on my 15th birthday), I was dead set on becoming a dietician for so long. I know I'd be amazing at it, but I believe it was the best choice that I didn't choose that career.
Must have been difficult to make this video and put everything out for the world to see. But you are inspiring so many people and helping us take a good look at ourselves. Love your work .
I’ve been slipping into disordered eating behaviors again lately, videos like this make me feel positive for the future and for my own journey. Thank you. 💜
I really appreciate the strength and vulnerability it took to honestly discuss the possible reemergance of a seemingly conquered eating disorder. I feel that I can really relate to you in that I also have anxiety and OCD tendencies, and I'm currently struggling with an eating disorder. All of your videos have been a big comfort to me, since I've learned more about how to eat healthier and safer without feeling as though I'm being judged. You've genuinely helped me take better care of myself, and I hope that you remember that you deserve to treat yourself just as kindly as you do others!
“It’s a bigger issue I need to address. It’s never just the food” yes yes YES. I totally understand it’s a process and u deal with those thoughts creeping up for yearsss after the worst of it. U r not alone❤️ I feel this especially every time I’m getting more stressed and want more “control” over something but now I understand how to handle it way better!
I went to the psychiatrist, I was a little hesitant about the medication, but it was the best I could do in combination with a good therapist, I feel SO MUCH BETTER, thank you for your honesty!
This is the food freedom that I wish my body would allow me to have! People don't realise how lucky they are to be in good enough physical health that they can dictate their own diet, and truly enjoy food. Health issues demanding that you think about your intake every 5 minutes is exhausting, I hope more people can take this kind of relaxed approach if they have the privilege to 🙏
100% - my husband has a lot of digestive issues and people even give him crap about not eating what everyone else eats sometimes, but if he did he’d literally be ill. You are not alone.
Same here. I have gastroparesis and Mast Cell Disease thanks to my genetic disorder and, while I take it in my stride most of the time, it makes me so anxious when I'm invited out to dinner/drinks. A friend of mine told me to "not get obsessed" when I downloaded Cronometer to make sure I was getting enough of everything and still thinks it's okay to talk about my weight fluctuations. I hope you're doing okay!
@@queensamalam4970 I feel you! I have gastroparesis too, it's just exhausting to think about all the time and social eating is so incredibly stressful. Unfortunately I think people often mistake weight fluctuation and obsessively monitoring our intake as a cause of our illness instead of a result of it.
Hearing you talk about this is such an encouragement to me! I see people online who say they recovered from an eating disorder, and they seem like they have this “magically” perfect relationship with food. Meanwhile I’ve been “recovered” for years, but still have difficulty in times of stress. I have learned the same thing you described: it’s never about the food. The food is a coping mechanism to deal with a bigger issue. But it is so encouraging to hear you talk about having difficulty sometimes too, even after recovery. It means a lot to me, and probably many others! ❤️ You are an inspiration to me to have a better relationship with food!!
People don’t realize how incredibly insidious eating disorders are. You can be fine for years and then BAM you’re having incredibly intrusive thoughts again.
This extended period of lockdowns has definitely effected my already disordered lifestyle, from food to emotions and more. Your sentiment of “not feeling motivated by life” really hit home for me as I feel every passing year that I’m losing more of myself and I have little joy. I’ve become a ghost of myself at this point. So, I sincerely thank you for the tips and your open honesty in these crazy times.
💕 I feel this so strongly. I’ve been trying to challenge the idea of longing for who I used to be and starting to have compassion, grace and love for who I am. I don’t know you but I’m willing to bet, regardless of how much you feel you’ve lost of yourself over the years, you haven’t become a shell. You are still a full and wonderful person. Look for those lil pieces you love inside yourself right now and nurture them. You got this!
I have been in a similar headspace recently. And i have a history of compulsive cleaning and being very stressed with even the smallest mess. It's making me feel better when i clean but it also consumes my mind. I am proud of you Abbey for realize your struggles and coping in the best way you can ❤️🙏
This is 100% me. Cleaning becomes consuming when I’m stressed and anxious. Sometimes my ED thoughts will creep in too. So I love seeing all these comments and listening to someone like Abi. 🥰
Medication is obviously not for everyone, and I totally respect everyone's choice for their own body -- BUT I have to tell you, going on medication was *life changing* for me. It took a couple tries to find the right one, but I feel like myself for the first time in*years*. I am far more able to manage my emotions and thoughts - I'm less snappy, less exhausted of life: this has allowed me to be able to look after body better and my mind. Sending love !!
Ugh I feel this. Have been in my disordered ways and unfortunately I keep getting the "you look great!" which obviously doesn't help. Major thank you for this vulnerability. So many who deal with this wouldn't tell anyone let alone the world. Wishing the best for you, and thank you.
If you haven't already tried therapy, it saved my relationship with my kids. I was spiraling into anxiety and depression after 2020. It effected everything. After a while, we gave antidepressants a try for a while. It gave me the boost I needed to claw my way back. I started taking better care of myself, and it didn't feel like a chore for the first time in a long time. Just sharing because I was ashamed I couldn't do it on my own. Now, I'm grateful that I took charge and sought help. Whatever helps you, wishing you luck, and happiness.
Even though my disorder has been binge eating and I'm obese you inspire me because I know both sides are hard and your dedication motivation is so helpful for me to learn tools to control myself. Thank you for being honest and telling us your story. ❤️
I find that when food is not the center in my life, nor fitness nor abs, and when i resolved with myself to accept my body whatever it looks like, i found freedom. It is so liberating and healthier for my mental health. No guilt no shame. As a result, I feel stronger and healthier in mind and body. Knowledge about food and nutrition is one thing. How to jugle between those and life is another thing.
this is so interesting, I've kind of been "intuitively" learning intuitive eating but coming at it from an over-eating problem (I've largely solved the issues in my life that caused it, stress over-eating always happens when I feel stuck and helpless) I also now tend to be scared that I'll gain the weight back which has led to some excessive restricting but now it feels like it's balancing out hopefully
Sometimes I try & eat mindfully ( ? Same thing your describing) anyway,it truly does helps ...Just my little cat close by me no social media,not,neven my stereo! Totally focus on what is on the plate. Yes it's hard. I try & drink water or Kombucha gone flat ( hate fizzy stuff) I don't overeat I tend to forget about it Or while eating eat a bit feel bad vibes paranoid Putting it away returning to social media
@@tiffanyroseangeles7517 that seems so foreign to me, ever since I was a kid, I would eat with a distraction, I mean unless at a school cafeteria, but it might be worth a shot :)
@@AbbeysKitchen aww thank you :) I hope you are doing better soon with your mental health as well, the decision to go on meds can be a tough one even though it's the best choice, I've been there with the anxiety. Love the videos, the empathy and wholesome attitude you put out there
I spent two golden summers in PEI performing in a musical and it was one of the best times of my life. The ocean, the peace, the kindness, Anne, the red dirt and of course they fireworks feast! It's all so rejuvinative. I miss that gentle island terribly. Thanks for bringing me back there with this video 💕
Last week I finally found the courage to see a doctor about my ED and was referred to a psychiatrist. It was really hard and a little scary, but watching you, a dietitian struggle yourself helped give me the courage to seek help. I love your videos. Thank you Abbey 💜
I'm so glad you got to take a vacation!! And you really don't have to apologize for it. You work hard! You either wanted to take this beautiful trip or you needed to. But spending time with your family in a relaxing environment is so important and you are wise enough to realize it. Blessings to you. Don't apologize.
Still struggling with my eating. Though I don’t binge, I still have not reached a place within eating that makes me feel good and does not feel disordered. Thanks so much for being honest Abbey ❤️
My old eating disorder habits pop up when im stressed. I recently had surgery (breast reduction) and havent been eating as much as usual. All of a sudden I found myself getting high off that old "empty feeling" again. Also the weight loss was like a high too. Im having to force myself to eat again, which I never thought I wouod have to do again. Not to mention experiencing some body dysmorphia from having changed my body so drastically. I wish I had prepared myself better mentally. If I were to give any advice to people considering major plastic surgery, its to make sure ur in a good head space and be aware of ur mental health throughout the entire process, cause its alot!!
I hear that one,I'm bipolar I'm struggling to even do skincare. But,a small thing can brighten you up. I ordered a very nice blue eyeliner ( pencil) by Pat McGrath. Her makeup isn't available in our Sephora bc it's flesh employees than The Ottawa shop. Well,it wasn't supposed to arrive trill Fri, Check my mailbox,ITS IN THERE! Nice little pick me up!! The little things"
Sometimes my "vacation" is simply going home, fixing a cup of tea and nibbling on cookies. I read something just for pleasure, I don't respond to any texts or emails that aren't an emergency and I just have a cozy "nibble/snack/bowl of cereal" kind of night. I just put on the comfy clothes and "wing it", I don't get to do it often but when I do, I find I fall asleep earlier, sleep better and wake up the next day with a little more energy and a more positive attitude. The things that were stressful somehow became manageable and I am able to come up with a plan that had escaped me prior. I appreciate that you recognize not everyone can take a travel like vacation but we all could and should find or create a way to just make time, even if for just an evening, just once a month, to just relax, slow down and reinvigorate ourselves. Thanks again for all your efforts and I'm so happy you had a wonderful vacation with your family and some well deserved downtime!
i swear you are my guardian angel; i’m going on a road trip with my best friend in a week and i have been stressing so much about meals and just blatantly obsessing about it. and it’s felt almost impossible to silence my ed voice. this is exactly the video i needed. thank you.
I’m having such a hard time with my ED and I feel like I can’t talk to anyone about it because I’ve been in therapy for it since March but my insurance ran out this month and so I can’t keep going. I feel like I should be better and I’m not. it’s nice to know that other people experience set backs but it also sucks to feel like this.
I appreciate you so much! About 7 months into the pandemic I was obsessing over food and exercise - trying to gain control in an uncontrollable event. I took a step back and decreased my physical activity and started eating what made me feel good emotionally and physically and started meditating. It was so HARD to do something different but I was so much happier after a month!!! (And nothing bad happened!) Thank you for taking time to do this video!!!
I have OCD and had disordered eating problems for a few years. I've been intuitive eating the past year in a sort of "all in" way with gentle nutrition and feel pretty good about it, but I want to start reducing a little bit of body fat and reintroducing cardio and I'm honestly scared that it will bring disordered eating back. Not to mention the stress of law school. I really appreciate your perspective on the highs and lows of anxiety.
I think you should ask yourself first which are the reasons why you want to reduce that fat. If they are similar reasons like the ones you used to have during your ED, I suggest you to reconsider trying to diet. If it is just exercising more then I think that is ok!
Every time I start to fall back into my ED, I watch your videos to remind myself to eat what I actually want to eat, and what makes me feel good. Not just what’s considered “safe” or “healthy”.
One of the books I read about eating disorders called the disordered thinking "Ed" and would acknowledge thoughts popping into your head or weird cravings/binges and say "Oh, that's just Ed trying to stay alive" and I've started taking that second to do that and find what you're finding...when I'm stressed, overscheduled, working more than enjoying, all that....Ed tries to stay alive. Just seeing it for what it is really helps me. My go-to is volunteering, it just pulls me out of my pity funks. We have a dog shelter nearby and you can just pop in and walk or cuddle or clean. Helps.
I was so so so against medication for myself and finally reached the breaking point with my anxiety at the beginning of the pandemic. I genuinely couldn't imagine myself unmedicated now. I'm SO much happier. Like I could cry just typing this considering how much pain I was in before medication. I have my freedom back. I have my life back and I'm me again. Whatever you decide is your decision and that's totally okay. ♥I just wanted to add my happy story in case it makes your decision easier!
This video was hard to make and I’m so glad you were vulnerable with us. Medication has really helped me. I started 8 months postpartum and I’m feeling much better. There’s no shame in getting the pharmaceutical help you need!
Abbey, this has got to be my favorite video of yours. Your openness and honesty makes me feel related to, relatable, and safe to watch your content. You are the best!!❤
PEI will always mean Anne of Green Gables to me 😀. As an anorexia “survivor” who has to watch those tendencies frequently, I appreciated your candor. I hope you are feeling rested and better able to face everything.
Thank you for being so honest! I've struggled with orthorexia in the past and I struggle with anxiety every single day. Some days we win and others everything is just too much. I know how difficult it can get but it will get better! Have faith in you!
These are great suggestions, and I truly appreciate your vulnerability in making this video. As an ED survivor myself, I can attest to your statement that EDs never truly go away, they ebb and flow, and require lots of introspection and strategy changes to manage. Keep up the good work! 🙌❤️
Came here just to say that medication for my anxiety has really improved my life. The first time I was prescribed anti-anxiety meds, I cried in my car pretty much all the way home. There's such a stigma, but if it helps you, then that's the only thing matters. Also, it's not uncommon to have to try a few before you find the one that works best for you. Stay the course, and I think you'll be glad you did. Cheers!
Thank you for demonstrating what it looks like to catch yourself and be honest about these struggles! you are doing great work to help people avoid and heal eating disorders and other issues.
Omg this video helped me more than any other I have watched in a while! I love how you are talking about getting rid of that "last supper" feeling where you pig out now because you will restrict tomorrow so you are always feeling miserable about food. This was my way of living for so long. I have to watch this and some other videos every day at this stage to remind myself of it, but hey works for me now 🤞 Thanks Abbey!
As someone struggling rn and just starting therapy, this video must have been very hard and emotional to make. U have helped me even before therapy. Just having someone else other than myself or my mom that I can eat whatever I want has made me already made me eat make just 100cals more. Tysm and I want u to know u have such an impact on my life. ILy
I really needed to see this thank you Abby. My anxiety had been through the roof recently to the point I had to cancel work and was struggling to eat full meals and seeing this has helped remind me I am not alone and anxiety is something that I can get through 💕 seeing this video means more to me than you probably know
I really needed this video. Thank you for being real Abbey. I notice with my ED and anxiety, as soon as I feel relaxed and okay in one area, I start to get anxious and try to control other areas. Right now my relationship with my body is good but my relationship with food is suffering etc.
Glad you took this reset! There should be no shame associated with taking a break, yet with work culture it can be difficult. I hope you take as much time as you need to rest. ❤️
I told my husband that I have multiple voices in my head and probably always will. The difference is that I used to only have the lying voice (the ED ninja), but now I know it is the disordered voice and now I have another voice to fight back (The good ninja). I still have the thoughts but just am better at combatting them. I still have triggers and I just recognize them.
This video took so much courage when people in your position I feel like typically aren’t honest when they’re struggling (And rightly so, I don’t know why people forget that you guys are just as human as any of us 🤦🏻♀️) But your channel has been so so so incredibly helpful for me. I always knew I had like food issues but always kind of downplayed my eating disorder and didn’t think I had a true eating disorder just because I wasn’t anorexic. I didn’t realize that every single one of these things you mentioned I have done daily for the last 10 years. And only in realizing it have I been able to take the steps to change it and get my life back🙏🏼 Thank you on behalf of all of us for your humanness, honest, knowledge, and humor ♥️
Thank you for being honest and open with the ebb and flow of eating disordered patterns. What really got to me was how you said “it’s never about the food”, I truly agree. Even when you mentioned decision fatigue I felt that deeply. I feel exhausted by all the choices of “good” or “bad” actions that somehow soothes something within. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with this. It gives me hope that one day I can accumulate knowledge about my own patterns to know what to do and when. I appreciate it Abbey!
This speaks to me because I am burning out as well. Just lost my brother this year and I am not in a good place. Thank you for talking about it so we can all stop and reflect.
I feel so adentify with you, the anxanty, ED, insomia and the perfectionist thing. The most important thing for me was therapy and of corse the help of the psychiatrist. From Uruguay Love your videos! Appriciate the humor in the videos
Fellow insomniac here 🙋🏼♀️ after struggling for years I saw a psychiatrist and have been on medication for almost two years now. I have no bad side effects, just a good night’s sleep every night. It’s been life-changing for me.
I also have mild OCD when I’m stressed as well! Also love that showed a “reset” that didn’t necessarily have to do with food. Location looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story ❤️
What a valuable video! Thank you for sharing, amazing tips too. I’m also in a recovered but slightly harder fight against my old ED pattern right now. It really does sneak in when you’re grasping for control. You go mama!
Prince Edward Island is my home away from home. My grandparents built a cottage on the shore which has been my piece of paradise my whole life. I'm so glad you got to experience it! The Fireworks feast/farm tour has always been an annual anniversary event for us...until Covid.(we live in US) Always an amazing experience! We hope to go back next year.
TIPS TO EATING WHEN ON HOLIDAYS 1-challenge your routines or triggers (don’t do IF or drink lemon water first thing in the morning) avoid your food rules 2- enjoy the experience and make memories through food 3-make memories not about food, food doesn’t have to be everything, don’t plan all around meals !have flexibility 4- ask yourself : what do I want to eat? Have what you deserve in the moment go with intuitive eating 5- when making food choice ask: how this food make me feel? 6- give your body and mind rest , during holiday take some few light exercise equipment but prioritize fun activities !
Dude, I would not have imagined that you feel some of the ways you described. But I'm so so grateful that you shared because I struggle in similar ways and nothing helps like someone saying they feel the same. Thank you for helping in a way I didn't know I needed from you and your content! xx
Very very wise advice. I love how inspirational you are I do love it when you do these blogs. People have lost their common sense when it comes to food and I am one of them so it’s really really good to hear you talk about this often
Just sat down to read Anne of the island when I started watching this. I'm so glad you got to take this trip! I would love to follow your footsteps someday.
I love this video! I’m in recovery also, and a clinical social worker. I plan to have my therapist and dietician for life. Like general physicians, I think it’s important for my journey that I check in with them at minimum, yearly, at the moment monthly. They keep me honest and accountable. Your beach is gorgeous. 😂
On a separate note, I would love a video aimed at us ED survivors who are now menopausal (or post). Because of hormonal and body changes, it can be a very triggering time. Would love your thoughts.
Thank you for this. I relate to this SOOOOOO much! I food police myself so much with the "but I'm eating a treat here and there, so it's not disordered" when in reality, I need to relax. I agree with the idea that "a handful of X a few times a week is more satisfying than a mountain of X on one day." I also relate to the feeling of needing to not eat more calorie dense foods on days with less movement. You're such a good resource for these feelings❤❤
Taking medication for anxiety was the best decision I ever made. Don't be scared to consider it! It doesn't even have to be permanent. Sometimes we just need a bit of help with our brain chemistry.
I’m always so surprised to hear that people don’t take holidays in North America, or at least this is not a regular habit. You don’t really need to go anywhere if you can’t afford it but stopping work from time to time is a healthy habit. In Europe is almost socially unacceptable not to have breaks 😅.
Some people just can't afford to take any days off...because it means you don't get paid. My old job only gave 5 days for the whole year. Anything more than that was unpaid leave. That included being sick. The USA has very unequal sick and leave policies. So it's not even about taking a vacation, it's about not even really getting to take actual sick days.
Thank you for sharing - I'm about to enter into my 3rd year as a nutrition and wellness student, thanks to your channel! I have a ED too and it's nice when other people use a platform to talk about the ongoing struggles. Thank you for your inspiration! ❤
Thank You for your honesty and all of your expertise and tips. You are glowing at PEI. Can’t deal with the weird comments. You are so appreciated Abby ❤️
Thank you for your honesty Abby. 🙏 I'm 37 and can say (at least for me) ED'S don't ever truly go away. Not in the world we live in that pushes unrealistic beauty standards down our throat on every single social media platform out there. And as I've gotten older, I'm not only neurotic about my body but also about aging, because apparently that's ugly. I just take it one day at a time and try not to fall back into old bad habits. On a positive note, my cat panda DEFINITELY doesn't have an ED and loves food and life and everything else so that's something nice to think about 🤣
Thank you for being so vulnerable. It's always a good reminder to all of us that healing and growth is rarely ever linear. I know for myself I can get caught up on not doing things right or making stupid mistakes/bad choices when really, the bigger picture is growth in all it's set backs and redo's.
I feel you... I went to the psychiatrist this year and started getting medication for my insomnia! It was a hard decision but my life changed completely
Going on my first vacation in over 3 years next week and I’ve been seriously stressing about “falling off the wagon” and gaining weight. This video couldn’t have come at a more perfect time!
I’ve just started following you and have watched about half a dozen of your videos. This one is the best by far. Well done! Really good to see authentic thoughts and feelings about food and life. I can also relate to the type A personality and have been on a long journey to figure out some kind of healthy balance (instead of a secret internal competition about some kind of balanced perfection). Thank you for sharing.
Hi Abbey I’m so sorry to hear that you were struggling and I’m happy that you took some time off to feel better. I am grateful that you opened up to us about this topic. Watching your videos I sometimes think that you have it all figured out and this just makes me realize that you are just like all of us after all trying day by day to figure things out. 😉 thanks for sharing
Abbey, I can’t thank you enough for this. I’m going through a similar experience in which I’m under a lot of stress and my deteriorating mental health has triggered eating disorder thoughts and habits. I was so disappointed when I realized it because I’m in my late 20s and I had hoped to be done with eating disorders years ago. I appreciate the tips and will definitely be implementing them. Thank you for sharing ❤️
thank you so much for this video! I've struggled with an ed all throughout high school and with the end only a few months away, I've finally decided to step out of my comfort zone and start going out more and enjoying life. In my friend group I'm literally the "one who never eats" but I made a promise that I would try to change that at a halloween party and my friend's birthday party this weekend. I'm super nervous, but hearing your experience really made me feel better, and the way you explained these tips was really great hopefully I'll be able to incorporate them!
Thank you Abby! I've had disordered eating thru my life. I've been recently working on myself/therapy...and my eating patterns have been improving; I can see when I have a bad mental health day that I gravitate towards bad coping. Thank u for being vulnerable; makes me feel less alone.
Hello Abbey, first good to be here. I am so glad that I found you and your channels about 2 years ago and since then I have been tuning every week. I have learned so much about nutrition and healthy lifestyle. I am sympathizing with you since I am coping with hiccups with my sleeping patterns and pseudo-insomnia due to work related stress. I am very blessed that I have a good family and my three boys and my hubby are my relaxers and moving forward motivation. God Bless you and I wish you peace and love!
This was a fantastic video. I am also a Type A personality and before Covid my husband and I, and our two boys, would take vacations throughout the year. I hadn't realized how important those vacations were to my mental health (to get out of my routines: workout, cooking, mom-ing, etc) until we weren't able to take them. We have been lucky to have taken a couple trips since August 2021 and I feel so much happier and healthier after those trips. I'm glad you had a similar experience. And thank you for taking the time to share your tips on how to travel with healthy food mentality.
I remember the first moment in my ED recovery journey that I didn't finish a pizza, because my body told me I'm satisfied. Intuitive eating is definitely the key for an ED-free life in my opinion.
Abbie, you saved my relationship with food. I’ve been an intuitive eater for two years now. I was a chronic dieter/binge eater and watching your videos inspired me to find out more about IE. I started reading books and learning to love myself for who I am not my body or my weight. Was it easy? NO. Was it worth it? YES!! You changed my life and I couldn’t be more grateful. Not thinking about food 24/7 and finally listening to your body is priceless. Thank you and keep doing an amazing job!
sometimes, eating some good is the only joy in your life. especially carbs. with this pandemic, not being able to go out side, it gets harder to eat just healthy foods. we all needs some thing to refresh our minds whether it's a good vacation or good foods.
What a timely video! As my depression gets better I’m realizing how the disordered eating habits and behaviors are starting to trickle in. It’s a weird combination that while I’m starting to feel mentally better in one way, it’s starting to get worst in others.
“had to get the bad foods in” story of my life SO long. It’s like a panic, compulsion & desperation to get it all “in” before your back to reality/the “diet”. Really changing that now ⭐️
I'm proud of you for recognizing signs and for speaking out about this - disordered eating journeys are not linear and it's a lifelong battle - I think of the good periods like being in remission, and work to recognize signs early to ward them off. Sending you love
