One step at a time...overcoming an eating disorder.

So this past week, both Darren and I started our goal to live healthier. Part of this is for us both to lose some weight, but for different reasons.

Darren loves his food and seems that he always has done.  When we first met, he thought I was anorexic because I was super skinny and would hardly eat anything (really I was just too nervous to eat in front of him) but I only really ate food to survive, I didn't do it for enjoyment.  Darren soon turned that round, he took me to nice restaurants and we enjoyed the high life for a while. Then the lbs started creeping on.

Darren was recently diagnosed with a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis.  So living a healthier life and losing weight will definitely be of benefit to him.  This week he decided to cut out all refined sugar in his diet. He went cold turkey and found it REALLY hard for the first few days, however he felt better nearer the end of the week and even better when the scales said he lost 10lbs. Well done to him, although with it being Easter and we're on holiday, I'm not sure he'll be able to keep that up.

So for me, it's a bit of a different story.

I decided for work to do some reading into eating disorders, mainly anorexia and bulimia.  As I studied, the reality hit me that I had an eating disorder of a different kind. Now some may chuckle or snigger, but for me, this is a real illness.

My name is Gemma and I am a Compulsive Binge Eater.

The cycle of binge eating may look like this:

I've known for a long time that I've had an issue with eating.  Even Darren has been surprised by how much cake or chocolate I can consume, without even tasting it but will keep going until I feel sick.  I just don't seem to know how to stop myself.  Accepting that this was becoming a real issue, I needed help to change my whole mindset.  Most of you know that I am a spiritual and religious person, so I prayed to God that He would help me and help me He has.  I found the most amazing group to help me, however I will not speak of this publicly. If you wish to know more, message me.

With my main issue being that I overeat in the evening, my first goal to help me become healthier and lose weight was to eat 3 meals a day of whatever I wanted, but no snacking in between or after dinner.  I thought this would be really hard to do, but I have actually found it really empowering this week.  I haven't fallen off the wagon once, I was tempted a couple of times but I reminded myself of the reason why I was doing this. My thoughts have turned towards different things and stayed away from food, which is unusual for me. So this week I lost 4.5lbs. I'm delighted with that.

My next goal is to cut down on portion sizes during meals. Although I have only eaten 3 meals per day, my portion sizes have still been larger than what they should be. However, I'm taking this one step at a time. I have tried all the diets out there where you can eat as much of this and that, but not this. It doesn't work for me because all I do is think about all the food that I'm allowed and eat loads of it for the sake of it...and ultimately, I still feel rubbish even if the scales say I have lost weight.

Depending on how I get on with this, my next goal will be to cut down on the refined sugars. I do mean cut down and not cut out, as I want to still be able to participate in normal family celebrations. The difference will be my relationship with food and me being in control of it, rather than it controlling me. This is going to be a lifelong journey and I share this with you so you can help me. When you offer me something and I refuse, I really need you to support my decision and not coerce me into doing something I don't want. Remember for me, this is an illness. It's gonna be hard at times, but I know that I can do this with the help of those who love me :-)

Respectful politicians

So I lay in bed at 6am and decided to watch the Scottish Government morning Plenary on 16th March.  I had caught a glimpse of few of the departing speeches during the evening news and wanted to watch it for myself, as let's face it, you can't always trust the Biased Broadcasting Corperation.

I was moved to tears as I listened to Annabel Goldie, Duncan McNeil and Alex Salmond (as well as a few others) as they reflected upon their time as politicians, serving the people of Scotland with such passion and conviction. It was so refreshing to watch politicians recognise the achievements of one another, despite their differences in party politics. If you are interested in watching them, you can find it here. (They are mostly within the first half hour).

I cast my mind back to not too long ago where David Cameron ridiculed Jeremy Corbin for his attire during a debate in the Westminster parliament.  This attitude does not win me over. The ruthless, stuck up, snobbery repulses me and would be cause for me to disengage in politics.  I am fortunate that I have an alternative here in Scotland, as do all the people of Scotland. Regardless of which political party you agree with and vote for, there are politicians here that clearly have a love for their country and the people therein and will work together, to achieve the best outcome for our country. Now don't get me wrong, there are hardworking politicians in Westminster too, (although it seems that the closer you get to the front bench, the less they seem to understand the lives of normal working people).

Now I don't know if it's just maturity, my career choice or if there is another reason for my interest in politics, but it excites me! I firmly believe that my vote can and will make a difference for me and my family. I am also excited about the fact that my children also have an interest in Scottish politics. Of course, they don't fully understand it, but neither do I. However I am grateful they have good examples of local politicians who work hard, who appear trustworthy and reliable public figures.

I hope that this continues throughout their lives and that the Scottish Parliament will continue with their values of integrity, accessibility, respect, efficiency and agility. As I listened to the progress that has been made over the last 17 years in the Scottish Parliament, I am excited about the prospects of what the future brings for our country.

And to finish in the words of Alex Salmond - "It is goodbye from me - for now"

Dr Facebook, Dr Google, Dr Social Media

I don't know if it's just me, but I have become more concerned lately as I scroll through social media and read post after post of guff advice being dished out in relation to health. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong in seeking advice on something you are unsure about. I've done it myself, Dr Google and I have become well acquainted. However it worries me when I read potentially harmful advice being dished out by those with no medical qualifications or experience. 

The examples that get me the most are those relating to pregnancy or young children. I often see a response similar to, "Oh, I had that during my pregnancy, it's nothing to worry about." Actually, do you know the medical history of this person? Have you completed a midwifery degree and understand all the potential risks associated with that symptom? Just because it was ok for you doesn't mean it is ok for someone else. I'd be much happier to see a response like, "I had that too during my pregnancy, it turned out ok but maybe you should be checked out if you are concerned."

I get that people don't want to waste time contacting health professionals when the media constantly drum into us how overstretched the service is. However I'm sure health professionals would rather be busy treating and reassuring people who genuinely need medical assistance than treat the negative results of bad advice. So, what are reliable sources of medical advice?

Patient - is an extensive, up-to-date website for health advice. Many GP's use it to print off information leaflets for patients to take home after a consultation.

NHS 24 or NHS Choices are approved NHS websites that contain self help guides and signpost you to appropriate services.

There are some great apps out there for parents too!

Baby buddy is fab! Designed by Best Beginnings and endorsed by the majority of professional bodies in the medical field, it's well worth checking out!

Baby Check is a new app designed by The Lullaby Trust. It is pretty good in helping parents decide whether they need to seek advice from a doctor.

There is a place for peer support and reassurance from family and friends, societies have thrived on passing on hints and tips aka old wives tales that suited at the time. We are very fortunate to have a wealth of medical research and knowledge that will sometimes invalidate historical advice or practices, so please...

REMEMBER - if in doubt, seek appropriate medical advice 😊