It has to be mentioned – We are all a bit obsessed with our own – The question of poop!
There are those who poop three times a day and then think they are constipated when they only go twice a day. There are those who go once a day with some regularity and don’t think of it much because its no big deal. Then there are some of us perennial dieters for whom being constipated is generally the norm, ranging from going a couple of times a week to only going once a week. Of course there are those in between who suffer from intestinal issues, IBS, SIBO or challenging lifelong conditions like Crohn’s Disease, Colitis or serious gluten intolerances that lead to diarrhoea and possible surgeries. I am mindful of the more serious side of bowel activity and don’t wish to make light of it.
When you eat a restricted diet, its inevitable that it will affect the bowel and the process of elimination. I also know that the mind plays a huge role in the process and if one is prone to some anxiety which often fits the profile of those with anorexia, then it figures that daily, consistent pooping is going to be problematic especially when one is not able to partake in one’s usual patterns and routines. ED aside, I would rather die than to ever have to use a public loo! I have become adept and proficient in holding any urges in , for days if necessary, rather than to be relaxed enough to poop anywhere. I wonder if they have done studies or research on the correlation between one’s pooing habits and a predisposition towards anorexia?
Back to me and my bowel….. All I can say is that since increasing my food intake ( and its only slightly mind you ), my progress in the loo has been quite good, I’m delighted to report. A tick for quality and regularity ( way TMI ) and some positive proof that its indeed necessary to eat more in order to keep the old poop clock ticking without needing to wind it up every day. At this stage I am more conscious about the need to increase caloric consumption than I am about staying so rigidly ’ healthy ’ and picky about what I eat. Lets get real here – How does this healthy diet of mine work when its barely enough to keep me going? Who am I trying to fool? I figure that once I reach an acceptable weight that needs maintaining, then I can eat more ( and I do mean MORE )of the healthier foods that I actually do prefer and enjoy. Despite having a little slice of cake today, which was rather yummy, yet I am not a huge cake fan. I do like a biscuit though and my next challenge is to eat a whole one…..
