Food and self-esteem

Are you discontent with the way you look? Are you discontent with your eating habits? What can be done when large parts of the daily life consists of thinking about what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat?

Many people think like this. They spend a lot of time and energy to plan, read, cook or be in control of food.

Someone have rituals when they eat.

Someone hardly eats at all.

Someone count calories.

Someone do workout in order to improve his or her looks.Someone throws up secretly.

Someone fasts.

Someone eats laxatives.

Someone overeats.

Many believe that thin equals happy.

As a student a lot is expected from you, and you expect a lot from yourself.

You are supposed to read and study, workout, be social, have a boy- or a girl friend. You are supposed to have time to family life, make it on your own in your room, settle in and be active.

Many find the demands too hard, and struggle to get in control. Someone find it satisfying, at lest for some time and feel that they at least master the food. The problem arises when the food masters you.

Exaggerating controlling your food requires a very structured life, a lot of energy, it takes attention form your studies, friends and things you wish to master. It costs to keep this a secret from others. And above anything it gets very, very lonely. This kind of development needs to be stopped before it becomes an eating disorder. You can read more about eating disorders here. If you recognise any of these situations, and you feel you have lost control it can be wise to contact your doctor or the Student counselling service.