Hey friends!! Sorry to disappoint, but no WIAW here today.
I have some super exciting news to share instead!
As you guys know, I’ve been having some problemos with grains, especially oats. They’ve really been hurting my stomach and causing some rather unpleasant digestive issues…cough cough…
For the past month, I’ve been trying to cut back on them while incorporating more fats to keep my calories up.
But here’s the kicker: I continue to see my strength go down as well as my weight and mental clarity. I’ve been constantly hungry, moody, and frustrated towards trying to tweak my diet to help me reach my goals. My mind is constantly plagued by “am I getting enough of this nutrient?” or “should I have less of this macro or more?” or ”why has eating become so confusing?!”
In other words, I was doing a craptastic job at trying to figure out all this diet stuff on my own.
I felt like I was spiraling back towards the ED thoughts and I wanted to just throw my hands up in the air and say “screw it!”
But this is my life and I want to LIVE, not just go through the motions.
So my parents and I did a bunch of research online– trying to find meal plans, looking on forums etc. Yet again, I was trying to do it all on my own–only realizing I was staring failure straight in the face.
But then, God came to the rescue and lead me to a life saving link. I discovered there’s a sports nutritionist not far from where I live who specializes in not only grain intolerances, but serious weight training for people with ED pasts.
I immediately called and have an appointment set up for this Friday afternoon after classes. My mom (who first suggested I seek outside assisstance) is coming with me for support. Needless to say this week can’t go by fast enough.
I’m so stoked!
Am I nervous? a bit…mainly because I’m scared of being judged by someone new. I think it’s mainly about acceptance, stemming from my ED days…
But I’ve promised myself to totally open up and leave nothing under the table so I can get the best help possible. What foods I like/don’t like, how my body reacts to certain things, my workout routine, my goals, you name it. 
Soooooo if any of you that have seen a nutritionist before have any first visit tips, I’d be eternally grateful!
Wowza, sorry for the oober wordy, few pictures post… you guys rock for tolerating my mental explosion of a post haha I guess I’ll go ogle at all of your WIAW eats now 
Have a beautiful day! <3
Ever seen a nutritionist/sports nutrtionist/dietician? What was it like your first visit? I’d love to hear your stories!
Alexandra I think this is such a brilliant thing to do, I’m really pleased for you that you have this opportunity! I really really hope it went well and I can’t wait to hear all about it! As usual, I have HUGE admiration for the way you handle your struggles, your determination and positive outlook in life are amazing
i hope you don’t have celiacs or gluten intolerance!
and you weren’t feeling so great mentally because glucose is the source of energy for the brain which mostly comes from our carbohydrate intake.
good luck with the appt and let us know how it goes
don’t be nervous, everything will turn out fine and if not you’ll find ways to turn it around because you’re an amazing woman!
Just catching up on my Google Reader now, but YEYYYYYY! Alex, this is such great news, and I cant wait to hear how freeing it is to get your mind off of trying to figure out this stuff for yourself
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Good for you, hun, for taking control of the situation before it got out of control xoxo
I’m seeing on 5/4… I think it’s a step in the right direction to battling our inner demons in a healthier manner. Best of luck with your demons!
Best of luck to you too friend!!
Good for you and I think the decision to go and to open up about everything says so much about how far you’ve come in beating the eating disorder! Good luck
I’ve never been to a nutritionist – but this sounds like it will be great for you! Very exciting that you’re closing in on a solution. I’m looking forward to hearing how it went
Thank you!!
Hey missy…good luck with your appointment!!! I’ve had digestion issues, an ED past, and a love of weight training just like you. I’ve seen a plethora of nutritionists/dietitians over the years and they have been some help. However yours sounds very suited to your particular situation. My tip would be to write down any questions you have before you go and also note your symptoms and any foods you think are causing the problem in a diary (and maybe even your emotional state – stress anxiety etc can also influence digestion). Also rate out of 10 how bad they have been in the last week and how many days those symptoms occur per week. This may help pinpoint the problem foods quicker!!! Sorry for such a long comment. But I really hope these people help you out! Looking forward to hearing about it all
Don’t be sorry, your comment is amazing!! Thank you so much for the tips and support!!
I am SO excited for you!! This is an amazing opportunity, thank bajeesus this nutritionist is so close!! Soon enough you will be eating nomalicious foods!
i am so super happy that you’ll have outside help and hopefully on the road to recovery. you deserve to feel healthy and i seriously hope this will be the start!
Thank you for your amazingly kind words Tianna
You’re the best!
So exciting!!!! that will be amazing to have a specialist to discuss all your concerns and get insider tips from
I am so happy for you
Definitely let us know how it goes! I think it will be helpful for you.
I never saw a nutritionist or anything. Well, I did once, but it was so stupid. She told me to eat xxxx calories and what not. I was like, “Uh, whatever. Not eating over 1000.” Not helpful whatsoever.
definitely just realized today is not FRIDAY
that’s what studying does to you, huh? 
Anyways, email me tonight if you want, but definitely looking forward to hearing about the appointment ON Friday 
hahahaha oops silly Meg!
So just be open and honest like you said
I always remember that some day I will be an RD and will want my client to tell me EVERYTHING
WOW I am bawling my eyes out! Oh goodness girl. When you wrote that your Mom is coming for support it hit me and I thought back when I saw a dietitian for the first time. Great things are going to come from this babe <3 Feel free to email me tonight because I will most definitely be thinking of you from now on waiting to hear about it!
AHH meg thank you thank you thank you!! You’re such an amazing friend and have given me so much inspiration
Your support makes me smile like none other!!!
Ahh this will be so good for you girl! I know it. Just be super honest about your goals/your past/your current habits, it’ll help so much! There’s no point in skirting around things because it’s just wasting both of your guys’ time, and your money. Just do it and learn from it! Good luck! Do you mind posting about what you learn?
Oh you bet I will!
Thank you so much for the support too my friend!
This is such great news, I’m so excited for you! That’s great that you were able to talk to your parents about your struggles, and that they suggested that you seek outside help! I’ll definitely keep you in my prayers that the appointment is what you expect on Friday and that you are able to open up to get what you need out of it!
I’m so glad you’re doing this. Thank you for sharing, and I hope things go well! I look forward to hearing what you learn. <3
That is wonderful news! I had no success with my nutritionist mainly because she was all for grains grains grains! And they just don’t agree with me. I cannot wait to hear more about your appointment and stories! I have a feeling that it was meant to be and it will help you a ton
!!!
I’m so happy your looking for outside support! I think I need some of this as well. I have majorly awful digestive problems, but don’t want to restrict certain foods because I’m scared they will have an effect on my mental and emotional clarity. I’ve noticed that I have become more aware with my body, macros, calories, exercise. I need to stop obsessing with my health and kick ED in the face
Have a great day girl!
“Kick ed in the face” <– I'm liking your lingo! You go girl!!
I’m so excited for you to finally get some answers! I hope the appointment goes well and you learn a lot. I saw a nutritionist a few times when I was first recovering 3 years ago and while I really didn’t click with her or learn much, I kinda want to see one again now that I’m eating vegan to see what kinds of things I need to make sure I’m getting enough of!
How awesome and exciting for you to be headed in a better direction! God loves to take care of us, huh?! Also, it is really awesome that your mom can go with you too for support!
Woo!!! So proud of you on many levels. First off to realize that your thoughts and decreasing weight weren’t a good thing. And second for reaching out for help. Love it!!! Don’t be nervous. I promise the nutritionist has heard and seen it all. When I first saw my nutritionist, I was scared as heck! But once I opened up, it became easier and I grew so much more. I’ll be praying for you!!
Your prayers mean SO much to me friend
Thank you!
Best decision ever, Alex!
Take care
K.
I think that is AWESOME that you are going to a sports nutritionist! That’s perfect for you. I know you are scared, but remember that they work with patients just like you on a daily basis. I’m sure they won’t judge you
Good luck girl, can’t wait to hear all about it!
i’m SO SO glad you’re deciding to see a dietician!! Honestly I’ve been through the same thing. This summer I was running and trying to find the best diet to support both my training AND having a full time on-my-feet job….I had no idea what to do, my energy levels were dragging etc, so I found a nutritionist who specializes in sports nutrition and is herself a distance runner. Legit the first dietician I ever trusted. Implementing her changes was scary, but she ended up being right!! I think (esp. for us ED-survivors lol) the most important thing when seeing a new nutritionist is…yes, you’re going to have doubts and be skeptical, but keep reminding yourself that “this person knows more than I do, and therefore I should trust her”. I found it helpful to remind myself that it was okay if her first suggestion didn’t work – clearly what I was doing wasn’t working either, right? So – go in with an open mind, and TRUST!
Oh man thank you so much Kate, you’ve inspired me so much these past few months with all of the success you’ve had with your nutritionist! I’m so happy you have that kind of support, I truly think it’s one of the main building blocks of full recovery
Wow, that’s so perfect that you found this sports nutritionist! I’m so excited for you! I’ve never seen an RD/nutritionist before but I really wish I did when I was recovering. Trying to recover and figure out how to eat on your own is HARD. So I think it’s awesome that you’re doing this and I think it’ll be super helpful for you! I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I think it’s a humbling experience to ask for help instead of doing it on your own. I’m dealing with this right now, not in the nutrition department, but with possibly having a trainer at the gym. I want to do it on my own, but I know I should get outside help from a licensed trainer! Good luck girl, will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers this week!
Very cool!! I wish you the best of luck if you decide to get a trainer!
that’s awesome! I can’t wait to hear how everything goes!
That’s so great that you found someone that can potentially be a great help to you. Kudos to you for not giving up and saying “screw it.” So proud of you Alex!! I am excited to see what comes out of it..I am sure you will have a lot of answered questions!
Wow, I am so exited for you! And to hav this specialist tailer made for you, amen! There is absolutely no reason for you to hold back anything from them, because in the end that only means you are holding yourself back from the awesome victory that is there for the taking
I’m sure this will lay down a lot of worry for you
I can’t wait to hear about it!
It’s so great that you found someone like that who is nearby! I’m superduper excited to hear how it goes! I hope they are able to help you out! I have never had a really awesome nutritionist but lately, I’ve been thinking about trying to find one…we shall see, anyways good luck and don’t forget to update us about how it goes!!!
That’s awesome you’re thinking about getting one too! I wish you the best of luck on your hunt! And thank you so much for the support, I’ll definitely keep yall updated
TOO cool! That will be such good information to have. I went to a nutritionist once, and she was the sweetest, most helpful and understanding person. I would have kept going, except her office was over an hour away–and not covered by insurance. So it’s absolutely not a scary thing, great way to get your diet (and thought processes) under control when you’ve exhausted your personal knowledge and options.
That sounds like an awesome opportunity! I bet he will be able to offer some great advice! I hope you’ll be sharing what you learn; I am also very interested, too!
I think this will be an awesome experience for you. I would love to be able to see a sports nutritionist. Sometimes I feel lost about my diet. I have tried everything under the sun too, and I go back and forth all of the time. I have been sticking with almost no grains lately and feel great, but I am just waiting for the day when I feel like poo. Haha! I hope that day doesn’t come! Although, finals coming up is making me LESS motivated/energized than ever.
I know what you mean about the confusion about what to eat etc. That was what really prompted me to go. I hope you can visit one one day!
eww and I feel ya on the impending doom of finals too haha
Seriously…how do you get the motivation to study??!! I need some majah help in this department. I feel like I have ADHD or something. I can’t concentrate. Plus, it’s anatomy, organic chem, and food science that I have to study for.
This is AWESOME lady and so stoked for you to find out whats going on!! And Im glad you are seeking help, sometimes thats really hard for us to do!
Sounds like this nutritionist is a perfect fit for you with a sports focus and expertise in grain intolerances and ED’s!! Hope she/he can get to the root of everything you’ve been experiencing! =)
Weeee I am so psyched for your missy! I know that seeing my current nutritionist has helped me out soooo so much and really allowed me to push through more than I thought possible. I cannot wait to hear what you think about it!
Thanks Tessa! The experiences you’ve talked about on your blog with your nutritionist have been so inspirational for me, I’m so glad yours has helped you so much!
That is so exciting!! I think it’s great that you are reaching out for help when what you’ve been trying on your own just isn’t working. Also, I love that this person specializes in both things impact you! Can’t wait to hear about it
This is such a grat decision,Alexandra!
I’ve been thinking of meeting a nutritionist myself a couple of times,but I’ve always been too scared. The thought of being truly honest towards someone I don’t even know makes me feel pretty awkward and uncomfortable,especially in the face of my stupid ED-habits… I am so ashamed of them and therefore afraid of making a fool of myself.
Oh friend I know what you mean, but I bet they would be accepting and supportive towards you! I hope one day you can find one who’ll be like that and offer help
And thank you so much for the support, Kat, you rock! <3
I’m sorry you haven’t been feeling well : ( But that’s so amazing that you found someone to help who is so perfect for you, and exactly what you need!
Wow, this is so exciting, and a huge step for you I think!! I think it will help so much to not have the stress of figuring this all out on your own, and being able to look to someone else to help you make decisions about food, nutrients, etc. I honestly think that even though it can be stressful to be “judged”, that it will ultimately take a lot of stress out of your life! Can’t wait to hear more about it, congrats!
Amen! You’re so right, I think it really is going to take a lot of stress away. Thank you my friend!!
That sounds like a great fit for you! I agree, it can be so useful to have an objective outside perspective to kind of force you to see things rationally, it is easy to get wrapped up in your own thoughts. Good on ya, girl!
You said it, outside perspective can be so important. Thanks Emma!! <3
I’m SO glad you’re doing this! Transitioning from an ED to real life is really, really tough, and if you transition from an ED mindset into one focused on health and fitness, well, sometimes you can wind up just trading one obsession for another =/ I am really, really, REALLY glad you’re taking this step!!! I can’t say it enough!!!!!!!!
Thank you SO SO much Sable!! Your support means the world to me
Way to go on noticing there’s a problem and getting help for it before it spiralled out of control! I only visited a nutritionist once and got some pretty generic advice – total waste of time & money! I am hoping to become a nutritionist in the near future and defintely home that I will be able to provide the help which my clients seek!
Thank you! I think it’s awesome you want to be a nutritionist, you’ll help so many people
so excited for you. if you have any nutrition questions, feel free to email me. I might be able to help or at least stir you in the right direction. you’re doing the right thing!! I’m a nutritionists and i still seek advice and meal plans from my fellow nutritionists because sometimes we can’t help ourselves, we need someone elses input and we need to have our brain do overthinking. Amen!
AHH thank you so much Lindsay! I always know I can count on you
God bless!