Life Without Ed® (with Jenni!) discussion

Instead of selecting the next section of Life Without Ed to discuss myself, I thought I'd ask you. What are some of your favorite sections and why? I will use your answers to begin additional threads. Thanks so much for being an active member of this mighty group!

Hi Jenni! Thank you for allowing us the freedom to choose a section, although it is tough to select only one or two favorite sections! This book spoke to me so much and I related to not only what you said, but the manner in which you said it and delivered the message.

The part on not having to account for every single bit of food and be in charge of it really stood out to me the first time I read "Life Without Ed" and still does to be honest. I seem to always be checking for the leftovers to throw out, worrying about what is going to be brought home, etc... I do this not because I want those leftovers, but because for some reason ed tells me I have to take this inventory. It used to be more so from a place of fear, fear that I would eat the food if it was sent home or if there was extra. I realized that I still do this at times and more so from a place of some rule that ed created and an old pattern. Another part that is really resonating strong with me right now is the, "you don't look like you have an eating disorder". During the worst phases of my eating disorder, it was obvious that I was very very ill. However, throughout recovery as I continued to look more healthy on the surface, I still had a long way to go. In fact, the phase in which I look healthy also presents challenges and the ed thoughts got loud again in the beginning of this and I was in a lot of pain. It's a step along the journey that is certainly not easy, but possible and SO much better on the other side.. I am proof of this! That being said, I think educating others on the fact that there is no one "look" of an eating disorder is essential to ensure empathy and quality care and attention to all.

I agree, it is difficult to choose just one section.
One of my favorite sections of Life Without Ed is “Not Just Anyone.” I believe this is an extremely important message for anyone struggling with Ed or any other issue. We need to be careful who we open up to. Sometimes, we may open up to a complete stranger and save that stranger’s life with our story. Other times, we may open up to someone we have known for a long time, and have it backfire. We have to choose our people carefully. Not everyone has our best interest in mind.

We need to make sure we are telling people we trust, who have shown us they truly care about us, who will listen to us, and who are able to show empathy. As Jenni mentioned in the book, we need people who are willing to “work with [us] to reach goals [we] set for [ourselves]. These people need to be flexible and realize recovery is a one-day-at-a-time process.”

Heidi wrote: "I agree, it is difficult to choose just one section.
One of my favorite sections of Life Without Ed is “Not Just Anyone.” I believe this is an extremely important message for anyone struggling wit..."

Thanks so much, Heidi! I had actually forgotten about this section in the book. You are right: this would be such a key discussion for people seeking support. I receive countless emails from people who truly struggle in silence. Many haven't told anyone at all about their eating disorder, etc. Again, thank you!

April wrote: "Hi Jenni! Thank you for allowing us the freedom to choose a section, although it is tough to select only one or two favorite sections! This book spoke to me so much and I related to not only what y..."


You are so sweet, April! I appreciate your and Heidi's nice words about Life Without Ed. Your comment is very helpful. Stay tuned. We will cover this in a thread for sure! Thanks again.

Jenni wrote: "April wrote: "Hi Jenni! Thank you for allowing us the freedom to choose a section, although it is tough to select only one or two favorite sections! This book spoke to me so much and I related to n..."

Thank you Jenni!

Jenni wrote: "April wrote: "Hi Jenni! Thank you for allowing us the freedom to choose a section, although it is tough to select only one or two favorite sections! This book spoke to me so much and I related to n..."

Thank you!