I myself am an almost recovered anorexic – I still feel the pull on bad days, or when I feel trapped in certain circumstances (an abusive boyfriend I used to have is one), but I am on a healthy weight and have been so for over two years, now. (and, on a side note: I am happy with that weight, too. My skin especially is so much softer, now)

I just wanted to tell you what I did in combating my eating disorder…

1. I visited someone who would talk to me, briefly, and then give me a chakra-based massage, usually lasting for about one and a half hours. regulating my breathing and feeling my body in its most direct sense, unmediated by mirrors or scales was liberating.
2. I quit reading magazines. Except those of political or academic relevance, of course.
3. I quit, for a time, watching television. I would make exceptions for British comedies and documentaries, though. but no american next top model for me (or anything american, really)

@JessMess: I can get amazingly paranoid when it comes to people’s reactions to certain posts, and never more so than this.

@May: Pregnancy actually kicked my ass into focusing on things other than calories and pounds. That was a blessing. It was still difficult, but the best motivation I could ever have to stay healthy.

Thanks for sharing this. I’m sure you will love living without a scale. I’ve never had a scale my entire life. It’s great.

I certainly remember wearing my red bracelet as a reminder not to eat in solidarity with other “pro-ana”s. I’m so glad those days are over; at least when I’m having an episode of binge type disordered eating I’m not ready to pass out all the time.

Congratulations on leaving your scale behind. It’s emotionally perilous, and a tremendously courageous thing to do.