Expert: Gerri Helms - 6/9/2009

Question
i have always worried about my weight. Recently i am constantly looking in the mirror thinking how much i want a flat stomach and smaller thighs etc. For the past week this is what i have been eating; a yoghurt early morning, then i pretend i've had lunch but don't actually have anything untill tea. i do not allow myself to eat snacks, if i am hungry then i have a drink of sparkly water as it fills me up. At tea though, i do have a proper meal. so do i have an eating disorder or not? please help i'm really confused and don't know exactly why or what i am doing.

Answer
Dear Alice,
You might have an eating disorder. I would suggest that you check out Overeaters Anonymous. Their website is www.oa.org. See if there are any meetings in your area.

You may wonder why I suggest OA - it is because of your admitting the obsession with your body - flat stomach, smaller thighs. The amount you describe you are eating does not sound sufficent, but you don't mention what you eat at the tea meal. Your idea of what is proper may be skewed at this point.

I hope you check on OA. Let me know how you are doing.
Gerri Helms
Life and Health Coach
author, Trust God and Buy Broccoli
www.lifecoachgerri.com