Eating disorder or normal fasting?

[Chance7]

Hi, I have been doing this for a while but it seems to be really picking up and I’m honestly kind of worried. So, I used to eat a lot, all the time. But ever since I became a Christian, I have been eating less. A lot less. But now I’m kind of scared for my health. I have been feeling like I should go two or three days without eating at a time, and then eat a very small amount(like maybe one meal)for a day. Then go right back to eating nothing at all for a few more days. Now, I have scrupulously, so I think that I have to fast this much or else I’m a glutton. Even eating one full meal in theee days makes me feel like I have sinned big time. But my problem is, somdetimes I go on a “binge” after not eating for so long and I end up feeling so guilty that I will not eat for another 1-3 days. I have been getting really weak and I’m already underweight and losing pounds pretty quickly. I’m just wondering, would the Holy Spirit want me to do this, or am I showing signs of an eating disorder. I feel hungry all the time but whenever I eat, I feel like an idolator and I have horribly condemning thoughts. What should I do?

 

[Michie]

Go to the doctor and seek professional help.

Hi, I have been doing this for a while but it seems to be really picking up and I’m honestly kind of worried. So, I used to eat a lot, all the time. But ever since I became a Christian, I have been eating less. A lot less. But now I’m kind of scared for my health. I have been feeling like I should go two or three days without eating at a time, and then eat a very small amount(like maybe one meal)for a day. Then go right back to eating nothing at all for a few more days. Now, I have scrupulously, so I think that I have to fast this much or else I’m a glutton. Even eating one full meal in theee days makes me feel like I have sinned big time. But my problem is, somdetimes I go on a “binge” after not eating for so long and I end up feeling so guilty that I will not eat for another 1-3 days. I have been getting really weak and I’m already underweight and losing pounds pretty quickly. I’m just wondering, would the Holy Spirit want me to do this, or am I showing signs of an eating disorder. I feel hungry all the time but whenever I eat, I feel like an idolator and I have horribly condemning thoughts. What should I do?

 

[dreadnought]

Hi, I have been doing this for a while but it seems to be really picking up and I’m honestly kind of worried. So, I used to eat a lot, all the time. But ever since I became a Christian, I have been eating less. A lot less. But now I’m kind of scared for my health. I have been feeling like I should go two or three days without eating at a time, and then eat a very small amount(like maybe one meal)for a day. Then go right back to eating nothing at all for a few more days. Now, I have scrupulously, so I think that I have to fast this much or else I’m a glutton. Even eating one full meal in theee days makes me feel like I have sinned big time. But my problem is, somdetimes I go on a “binge” after not eating for so long and I end up feeling so guilty that I will not eat for another 1-3 days. I have been getting really weak and I’m already underweight and losing pounds pretty quickly. I’m just wondering, would the Holy Spirit want me to do this, or am I showing signs of an eating disorder. I feel hungry all the time but whenever I eat, I feel like an idolator and I have horribly condemning thoughts. What should I do?

I would say you have a serious eating disorder. I might suggest you get professional help.

We have to eat to stay alive. If you've had difficulties keeping your weight down in the past, I might suggest one thing you NOT do is fast. When you fast, you get really hungry and wind up eating more than you otherwise would have.

 

[bhsmte]

Seek the help of a specialist. Your metabolic rate is going to tank, as your body senses starvation mode.

 

[Chance7]

Okay, thank you for the help. I appreciate it.

 

[Glaucus]

It seems to me that you're using Christianity to mask an eating disorder.

 

[Chance7]

It seems to me that you're using Christianity to mask an eating disorder.

I’m not trying to though. It’s not like I’m trying to make up my Christianity just so I don’t have to admit I have I have an eating disorder. Although, maybe I know I have one on a subconscious level. I honestly want to honor God but I feel like fasting constantly is the only way to do it. I feel compelled to do it but maybe it’s not actually God telling me to do it. I always feel uneasy about it, like maybe God really doesn’t want me to but at the same time, I’d i do eat, I feel like the worst sinner ever. Maybe I am just overreacting. Or maybe it’s scrupulosity or something.

 

[Amy Cortright]

Hi, I have been doing this for a while but it seems to be really picking up and I’m honestly kind of worried. So, I used to eat a lot, all the time. But ever since I became a Christian, I have been eating less. A lot less. But now I’m kind of scared for my health. I have been feeling like I should go two or three days without eating at a time, and then eat a very small amount(like maybe one meal)for a day. Then go right back to eating nothing at all for a few more days. Now, I have scrupulously, so I think that I have to fast this much or else I’m a glutton. Even eating one full meal in theee days makes me feel like I have sinned big time. But my problem is, somdetimes I go on a “binge” after not eating for so long and I end up feeling so guilty that I will not eat for another 1-3 days. I have been getting really weak and I’m already underweight and losing pounds pretty quickly. I’m just wondering, would the Holy Spirit want me to do this, or am I showing signs of an eating disorder. I feel hungry all the time but whenever I eat, I feel like an idolator and I have horribly condemning thoughts. What should I do?

The stand principle in the Bible outside of rare occasions or usually more cooperative fasting was to fast twice a week as the highest fasting standarded in the Bible that is two 24 hour periods a week not more, but that is the highest standard and what the most devote Christians always did but not more than that. I would recommend cutting back a little bit on your fast, and eating 3 meals a day on the days you don't fast, yet knowing that you can fast and that is fine to do for God. Gluttony is something i concern myself with as well, know that it is being overweight by a lot. If you are concerned about gluttony hugely I would recommend counting calories not overexercising and simply not eating more than 2500 calories most days.

Amy

 

[Amy Cortright]

I’m not trying to though. It’s not like I’m trying to make up my Christianity just so I don’t have to admit I have I have an eating disorder. Although, maybe I know I have one on a subconscious level. I honestly want to honor God but I feel like fasting constantly is the only way to do it. I feel compelled to do it but maybe it’s not actually God telling me to do it. I always feel uneasy about it, like maybe God really doesn’t want me to but at the same time, I’d i do eat, I feel like the worst sinner ever. Maybe I am just overreacting. Or maybe it’s scrupulosity or something.

Hi, I have been doing this for a while but it seems to be really picking up and I’m honestly kind of worried. So, I used to eat a lot, all the time. But ever since I became a Christian, I have been eating less. A lot less. But now I’m kind of scared for my health. I have been feeling like I should go two or three days without eating at a time, and then eat a very small amount(like maybe one meal)for a day. Then go right back to eating nothing at all for a few more days. Now, I have scrupulously, so I think that I have to fast this much or else I’m a glutton. Even eating one full meal in theee days makes me feel like I have sinned big time. But my problem is, somdetimes I go on a “binge” after not eating for so long and I end up feeling so guilty that I will not eat for another 1-3 days. I have been getting really weak and I’m already underweight and losing pounds pretty quickly. I’m just wondering, would the Holy Spirit want me to do this, or am I showing signs of an eating disorder. I feel hungry all the time but whenever I eat, I feel like an idolator and I have horribly condemning thoughts. What should I do?

Also the other thing is if you are going to fast longer than 24 hours i recommend maybe telling a trusted friend or pastor. For you I recommend maybe no longer than 24 hours outside of cooperative or church fast where you can submit to a pastor who can call you off the fast if he or she thinks it may harm you in any fashion.

Amy

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Fasting shouldn't be used to 'cure' something. Fasting is better used as a tool to achieve the highest pinnacle of health after these eating problems have been solved, not thrown willy-nilly into one's bad dietary lifestyle.

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

Great advice above. I'd seek advice of BOTH a medical professional and a Pastor or Minister who can help you with this. I went to a dietician years ago who I found far more educated that most MDs in dieting ideas. One of the best books is the Heart Healthy No Fad Diet book.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Most people have at least one eating disorder.

Eating too much.
Eating too little.
Eating too fast.
Eating too often.
Not enough variety.
Too much variety.
Eating while upset.
Eating when not hungry.
Eating too late at night.
Eating too early in the morning.
Not chewing food thoroughly.