u r beautiful

Aww I’m going great! Thanks for the prayers, babe♥

I believe so. When I was gaining weight I did my best not to pay attention to what was happening to my body. I think a lot of what people think of as weight distribution is often water retention/bloating, but regardless what matters is that the body is doing what it needs to do! We just have to keep nourishing it and being patient and it’s all going to be okay. It is worth it♥

Hahah all the time!! When I don’t have to work or have any assignments coming up due, I do nothing. I totally know how this can feel uncomfortable. I remember feeling the exact same way. The best thing you can do, though, is to not push yourself to move but to learn how to relax. I know it’s tough, but trust me it will be so worth it! You aren’t a bad or unhealthy person for not working out all the time. Being toned/fit isn’t going to make you feel better about your body. Of course moving our bodies and exercise is a great thing, but so is rest and self-care. You’re not wrong for being sedentary. Give yourself permission to do this and find ways of filling your time that make you happy. You’re doing great, love!

Psychology is such a diverse field. Coming from a mental health background, psychology feels like it is more related to mental illness but there’s a lot more there. I’m halfway through my degree and I have only taken once course related to psychopathology, and maybe two other classes covered mental illnesses for one or two weeks (out of 30 courses total). If studying psychology is something you are interested in pursuing, it’s totally doable when in recovery. So much of it isn’t related to mental illness, and you never know what you will find interesting. If you aren’t feeling stable enough to take it on at the moment, that’s okay. There’s no rush. It will always be there later♥

It could just be the way they prepare the breakfast that makes it taste a little different, but you’re right that there is a chance it is milk. If it’s making you sick, maybe it would help getting a doctors note or something to show that you have an intolerance and physically cannot eat it, that it’s not just a small preference. I guess the other option is to see if you can prepare your own food. Maybe the night before you can meal prep for yourself. I hope it all works out! I know how frustrating this can be.. You’ve got this!

Aww I’m feeling great, thank you so much for your prayers! Sending lots of love your way♥

On the odd occasion. Usually holidays (like family dinners) and maybe once every couple months I’ll go out drinking with friends. Never really more than 2-5 drinks though haha

You know what’s funny.. is I definitely do not have “clear” skin. I have blackheads and lots of pimples, you just usually can’t see them in pictures because of lighting or filters or (sometimes) makeup. When you get close to my skin you’d see there’s lots of scarring and redness and “imperfections.” So often our own insecurities are only noticeable to ourselves, or even if others do see them they don’t judge us for them like we imagined. Skin is just skin. It’s a thin external layer, but it doesn’t make anyone more or less of the wonderful person that they are. Of course, skin can reflect internal health in many ways. I find when I am stressed, not sleeping enough, or eating out more often I do breakout and in these situations I try to take care of my body again, but the skin alone isn’t “bad.” It’s our body doing it’s best, and we’re still beautiful regardless of blackheads or acne or anything like that♥

Whatever your body does, it’s normal. Our bodies aren’t abnormal for looking a certain way. We all hold body fat and muscle differently. Our genetics determine so much of how we look, everyone is so different. Having thighs that touch and a stomach is sooooooo normal you have no idea. Most people have this. Having body fat is GOOD! Fat is stored energy. We need this for a healthy body, healthy hormones and nutrient stores. You do not have to ever justify how you eat or exercise to look a certain way. Your body is good enough. Exercise can be a great part of a healthy lifestyle for many people, but you do not have to be active to look a certain way. This will never make you happy or confident or feel good in your skin. The key lies in self-love and self-care. Take care of yourself, honor your body and your journey and embrace your body as being beautiful just the way it is. 

I use 1 cup dry, not sure what that is in grams. I don’t have a food scale. 

I live at home with my family (8 of us here at the moment)

Hey!! I meant to post this sooner, but because of this message I filmed a whole video on letting go of the ED identity. I will leave the link to the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoC6VdXOlHM

Thank you for your love and support during this time♥

Keep in mind, cravings happen for many reasons. If you are craving meat it means you need the nutrients in meat. It might be protein, calories, iron, etc. It’s important to have your nutrient needs met! I know some people who had to let go of being even vegetarian for a while in recovery, some people found other ways. Maybe talk to a doctor or dietitian who can help you come up with a personal plan that is going to be best for your recovery!♥

Hmm maybe try adding them into recipes, like chia pudding or bliss balls. You can also try adding seeds on salads with a nice dressing! My favorite is salads are made with seeds, berries, greens, cucumber, maybe some other veggies, and a vinaigrette dressing. Also, try making your own (or buying) trail mix! You can add what you want, including seeds, nuts, dried fruit, etc. Such a great snack and easy to carry around with you throughout the day too♥

I don’t think it’s necessary. There are so many better things to think about, like family and friends and school and spirituality, etc. As long as you’re moving your body somehow and giving your body what it needs/wants without restriction, that’s what matters :)

I found what helped me was to make sure I was eating enough of the right nutrients. Part of cravings can come from needing certain nutrients, and the best way to combat this is to give the body what it is asking for in new ways. Some people love the dairy and meat alternatives, others don't. Also, our body gets used to eating a certain way. It craves what it is used to consuming because it is "missing" something. This does get better. It is really difficult at times initially but most people experience this and share that it goes away. Try some new things in the meantime and see what works best for you. What matters is that you are doing your best❤