Day at the river

I am so sorry I havent written any posts today. I have just been  flat out looking after the kids and really havent had time. Anyway, here are some photos from my day. We spent most of the day at the river which was great fun, even though I am sunburnt now.

Relapse

Luckily, I have not relapsed since starting my recovery but I know that even now, it is still a possibility. The important thing to remember if we do relapse is that we shouldnt ever be angry or dissapointed in ourselves. All that matters is that we recognise the relapse and move on from it healthily. I found the folowing information on th NEDC Website and though it was quite interesting so decided to share it with you all.

Relapse and recurrence

Relapse can be a common part of the recovery process.

Many people with eating disorders experience a relapse or recurrence as they recover from their disorder and learn to manage their eating habits.

It should be kept in mind that a relapse or recurrence does not signify a failure to recover; instead, it should simply be seen as a normal part of recovery. Many people with eating disorders view relapses as an opportunity to learn from the experience and to improve their skills so they can cope with the relapse next time.

How likely is a relapse?

While many people with eating disorders will encounter a relapse or recurrence as they recover, those who display certain risk factors may be more likely to relapse during the process of recovery.

When considering how likely relapse and recurrence will be, the below should be taken into account:

• The amount of time the person has been living with the eating disorder; the longer the duration of the illness, the higher the chances of relapse
• The age of the person at the onset of their eating disorder; the older the person is at the time of onset, the more likely they are to relapse
• Whether the person has been treated in a general hospital/clinic or a specialised eating disorder clinic; patients who are treated in an eating disorder clinic are much less likely to relapse
• Whether the person carries out excessive exercise, even after recovery is complete
• Whether an increased focus or recurring concern with body shape and weight is present, even after recovery
• Low self-esteem or poor ability to interact with others
• The occurrence of negative and stressful life events

Specific risk factors for relapse

In addition to the above risk factors, there is also evidence that relates to people suffering from Anorexia Nervosa. The following risk factors have been associated with relapse for a person with Anorexia Nervosa:

• Lower per cent body-fat in recently weight-restored women
• Lower desired weight (when a person wishes to be a lower weight even after recovery, there is an increased chance of relapse)
• Consuming an overall diet of lower energy density or a limited variety of foods

If you have relapsed

It is valuable to still maintain hope even when relapse/recurrence has occurred. Remember that relapse is common.

While relapsing may feel like a step backwards, you can still learn much from a relapse or recurrence. For instance, you may be able to identify the triggers that caused the relapse or you may learn new coping techniques, which can help you recover more quickly or easily next time.

If you have relapsed, these tips may help you:

• Remind yourself that relapse is a normal part of recovery
• Try not to focus on the fact that you have relapsed; instead focus on finding your way back to recovery
• Seek help from your clinicians or support network and don’t be afraid to tell them you have relapsed
• Try to identify the triggers that have caused the relapse and consider how you could deal with these triggers next time
• Employ the coping skills and techniques you have learned throughout the recovery process
• Boost your self-esteem by spending time with your support network and/or engaging in activities that you enjoy

For more information on relapse and recurrence, find professional help in your local area or phone the national support line on 1800 ED HOPE.
 

Make the most of every situation

If I said I wasnt a little dissappointed about not being able to go out or socialise this weekend due to babysitting, im afraid I would be lying. The truth is, there are other things I would rather do on my rare days off then babysit kids however I am determoned to make the most of it and still have a good weekend.

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I have been feeling very run down and tired lately which as far as I know is only due to a lack of sleep. Therefore a weekend of relaxing and doing very little is probably exactly what I need! Besides walking Tess I literally plan to just relax and hang out with the kids both today and tomorrow. The two girls are at pony club and dancing so it is only the little boy who I need to currently look after.

I am just waiting for the girl to get home from dancing and I am going to take the kids up to my families place for a visit. I am looking forward to seeing my family and i think the kids also want to see the farm animals and feed the lambs. My best friend jemma is going to come and keep me company tonight which I am looking forward to and tomorrow we are hoping that it will be warm enough to take the kids up the river for a swim :)

Me with my youngest cousin 

I hope that everyone is having a good weekend.

Listen to your body

Dont worry :)

I just realised that the photo food diary I posted yesterday didnt include my breakfast in it (it must have somehow been deleted before I posted it). I just wanted to let you all know as otherwise it really wouldnt have looked as though I ate enough for the day, and I dont want any of you to worry. I have now updated the post so that it includes the picture of my breakfast too :)

Busy weekend

This weekend is going to be a big one but not for the same reasons it usually is. This weekend I wont be partying, working or socialising, instead I am going to be babysitting my cousins all weekend. I stayed out at their place last night (Thursday night) and will be staying until Sunday Night. I had a pretty good nights sleep last night which was surprising as usually I dont sleep as well in a strange bed.

The kids are all pretty well bahaved. The youngest is a 7 year old boy and then there are also two girls a 10 year old and a 13 year old. The eldest boy is 15 so I don't really have to babysit him at all, he is capable of looking after himself. I have bought Tess on with me so that I can take her for walks (which I am about to do now, before the kids need to get up for school.

I will have to drop them off on my way to work this morning and then I will be at work all day before having to come home and cook tea for them tonight. The rest of the weekend the kids will be all over the place as they have things like dancing and pony club but luckily they have lifts to all of those things so all I have to do is look after the kids when they are actually here.

I am feeling a little better after having a rest day yesterday. Although I did take Tess for a couple of walks, I practically spent the rest of the day snoozing on the couch and watching series. This is exactly what I needed though and I plan to make the most of a quiet weekend with the kids and get some more rest time in. I have had a constant headache for the last few days and I dont know if its because i am just warn out, if i am dehydrated or it ciukd wven inficate that i am a bit iron deficient, as this happens to me quite a bit (even before I ever got anorexia)

What I ate yesterday

Please remember that as I am weight restored, I no longer need to eat as much as you may still need to eat. Pleease do dont confuse the amount I eat with how much you should be eating if you need to gain weight, as it really is not enough for that :)

cheerios with milk, toast with cashew spread

Diced fresh Pineapple and and a Vanilla Up and Go

two slices of buttered fruit loaf, kiwi fruit, peach and vanilla creamed rice

Apple and crispy M&M's

Apricot chicken with Rice and vegetables

Raspberry Ripple icecream