Anyone with ED history fasted safely?

[RawkinOnSunshine]

After reading so many posts about long cleansing fasts I'm inspired and would LOVE to try one myself - the right way, for once. I'm just a bit worried because I have a LONG history of eating disorders, and though I've fasted before it was never in a healthy way...I'm in the last quarter (I suppose) of recovery. Think it's too risky to try a fast? Any input is welcome but especially from those with a similar history. Personal experiences would be great. Thanks :)

[circle]

i suppose it depends on your reasons for fasting?

[Aleesha Sattva]

I would speak with your therapist about it. We really aren't qualified to answer that for ya.

But I'm here with hugs... regardless (((hugs))) many blessing to you during your recovery!

[RawkinOnSunshine]

Aww thanks Aleesha :)

I don't actually have a therapist, recovery is a private and lone thing for me.

As for my reason - cleansing. I know my reason is "safe", moreso I'm wondering if it will mess with my mindset while I'm in the process or something. I've never tried to do it properly so I have nothing to really base it on. I guess I should wait until I "feel" it's okay?

[Irish_Vegan_Girl]

I think that you would be wise to wait until you feel that your recovery is complete. I would be afraid that if I fasted for a long period of time I would either binge or be afraid to break it. How do you feel yourself about it though?

[Amberly]

If your reason for wanting to fast isn't too urgent, I would probably wait. I'm no expert though. :) I wish you well with recovery.

[Aleesha Sattva]

Aww thanks Aleesha :)

I don't actually have a therapist, recovery is a private and lone thing for me.

As for my reason - cleansing. I know my reason is "safe", moreso I'm wondering if it will mess with my mindset while I'm in the process or something. I've never tried to do it properly so I have nothing to really base it on. I guess I should wait until I "feel" it's okay?

if you want to cleanse... then increase your intake of fruit. you can add fruit juices (made fresh) into your day without actually fasting. just add 2 or 3 litres (quarts) every day... that's very cleansing.

adding green juices or smoothies is healing... but green smoothies - because of the fruit content is also cleansing so that's another option. adding a green smoothie with lots of fruit in it twice a day. doesn't have to huge... just enough to get more into you :)

i wouldn't mess with your recovery though... it's a fine line during recovery of anything to a relapse. so enjoy your recovery and simply add in more juice/smoothies. (((hugs))) and accept that hug from me :D

[Jenifae]

I am a Recovery Anorexic/Bulemic and it's been a life journey for me. I"m curious what you mean about the last quarter of recovery. My experience has been that this is a life-long journey and apart of who I am. It's a Mental condition and it's so important for me to be aware and on top of it always. It doesn't go away. It's like Alcoholism; You can take the drink away from the alcoholic and they will be sober but, if they take a drink they will be right back where they were when they stopped. Once an Alcoholic always and Alcoholic. Same for Eating Disorders. Once we have one it's apart of us.

Therefore, IMHO - Fasting can be a set up for Relapse, at least for me. I try to be careful mentally and emotionally with food. So, anyways........I think it's really good you are wanting support to do it in a Healthy way, if you do.

I'm diffently here for ya.

[Katie P]

I agree with Irish Vegan Girl in waiting until your recovery is complete. The last thing you want to do is give your body stress if it is still recovering from stress. However if it is a spiritual fast then that changes everything. I would just suggest that you examine your heart & your motives to see if cleansing is really what you need to do. :)

[circle]

there are programs where people do a fast under supervision of an expert. perhaps it would bea good idea to look into something like that.

[SimplyFabulush]

I have done a number of fasts safely without relapsing. It can be done, but you just have to know yourself and the reasons why you want to do the fast, etc. I was able to stay grounded during my fasts and they even helped me find out what my true hunger feelings were to keep myself from the cycle of binging and restricting.

[bumbleberry]

I was bulimic for several years, up until about 15 years ago (what started it was a 31-day Master Cleanse). From what you've shared here, I'd say it sounds too soon for you to fast (although you know yourself best). Eating raw is also cleansing.

I also recovered on my own, through reading, meditation, and self-reflection. That door is still there and I do still have the occasional binge/purge (usually just one or a few, years apart). But one binge/purge no longer puts me back to being out of control. I'm no longer afraid of falling back into that pit of endless binging. It no longer feels bigger than me. I take that as the most important sign of my recovery (although I still do relate to food as an addict, in many ways).

I've been fasting quite a bit these past few years, which has triggered more binge/purge episodes than before. But, again, I always know now that I'll come out of it soon, and I do. I try to end my fasts before I've used up all my self-control, so there's some left for the breaking-the-fast period.

The most useful fast I've done was with green smoothies and fruit, several weeks ago. I was able to come off it in a really balanced way. It blurred the distinction for me between eating and fasting, in a good way. The return to eating was so gradual I couldn't tell when the fast ended. Green smoothies are now the most important part of my diet. They've reduced my cravings for unhealthy foods (except for raw cacao!).

I'm glad to read you are recovering. Keep going, strong woman! :)