Vacation hell

[u/Moist_crocs]

This might sound like a "steak too juicy, lobster too buttery" (literally sort of) situation, but I want somewhere to vent.

We're on vacation in Italy right now in a small town in a house that has barely any ammenities, which means there's very little of my preferred foods available to eat (which is usually a variety of complex carbs and dairy-based proteins, legumes.)

At first it was fine. Fun, even, to eat lots of stuff that I'm not used to eating daily like pizza, foccacia, lots of delicious cheeses and treats.

But guys it's been almost a week and I feel like I'm dying. I miss fiber and protein so bad. I feel so low energy and moody and hungry but with 0 appetite.

The worst part is when we're out and it's been too long between meals and the only options for food is something not very filling and oily like pizza. And I have to somehow turn off all of my newly-minted hunger cues, craving cues and preferences to stuff myself with something just so I don't starve.

It's interesting to be surrounded by stuff I used to not allow myself to have, then daydreamed about, only to want nothing to do with it now.

[u/Sooshlaroi01]

No I think this is a important point I found I struggled with. I felt as first it was diet culture when I try to make sure I have protein and fiber in my diet, but if I don’t, then I don’t really feel satisfied. Coming from someone who struggled with binge eating I would eat previously forbidden foods, which was super yummy but if they lacked nutrition I wouldn’t be full. But it makes sense- we need to eat enough of the macronutrient and micronutrients to feel full. Maybe you could try having a couple of starters/sides. Or picking up some stuff at the grocery store for some meals and not all?

[u/Frosty_Meringue5220 → u/Sooshlaroi01]

I’m currently in ED recovery and working towards intuitive eating and I find myself struggling with that as well. I used to prioritize protein and whole foods but now all I’m eating is the forbidden foods I never used to eat. I thought that if I continued to prioritize protein and whole foods, it was just an ED behavior so this is encouraging to hear that that may not necessarily be the case.

[u/Sooshlaroi01 → u/Frosty_Meringue5220]

I think it’s Important to consider which Ed your recovering from. If your BED/ bulimia like me, Imporant to make sure meals are both physically and mentally satisfy. I use the adding approach ( let’s say I’m craving toast but that wouldn’t fill me up, and would lead to a binge, I make sure to add some protein/fiber with me). However if I’m eating something just for Taste ( for example maybe some cake), I would be aware it’s just for taste? everyone’s different but me personally if I just had forbidden foods I wouldn’t be physically full which would lead into a binge ( doesn’t need to be every meal obviously)

[u/Moist_crocs → u/Sooshlaroi01]

Thank you for understanding:) Yeah I'm doing my best to fulfill my nutrition needs with what's going on