Im recovering on my own after 10 years of anorexia. Im so grateful to have find you because most of the recovery content on social media are not reflecting the reality of recovery such as how much food one can eat during extreme hunger (ironically some meals they post on extreme hunger were amount that i ate DURING my ed!). Thanks for being authentic and kind, you are my role model that im looking to whenever i have doubts about my hunger and the whole recovery process. You made me believe that FULL recovery is possible. ❤
This is just such a wonderful message to read and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is my mission to create a space that is real and authentic and honest and open and safe. Where there is love and acceptance, and where each of you feels as though you are sat in my living room with me and we are just chatting things through as friends. I want everyone to know that full freedom IS possible and I am thrilled that this is something you have taken away from your time here with me :) Sending lots of love! xx
Hey! I just wanted to share that your videos help A LOT during my recovery. I sometimes watch them while eating to keep me motivated and it just helps a lot!!
i am entering residential treatment soon. i’ve been very reluctant and anxious, but watching recovery videos like this help so much. i challenged two fear meals today! i’m actually kind of excited to recover now.
I am usually a dedicated lurker on the channel, but I just wanted to come out and thank you SO much for everything you have done and continue to do. Your channel is such a safe haven for me and coming to your videos always feels like getting a warm hug (while also getting a loving kick in the butt haha) ❤ Since you asked, I am proud of myself for taking my hobby of reading and turning that into becoming a semi-professional book reviewer for big book blogs! Happy 30th Birthday, Emily. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 🎉
'A warm hug... and a loving kick in the butt' I LOVE that haha! Thank you so so much for this lovely message and I am so pleased to hear that you find my little corner of youtube a safe haven. I am also SUPER excited to hear about how your love of books has turned into you being a book reviewer- that is SO cool! I hope you are getting to read lots of fab books and I wonder where this passion will continue to take you! Awesome :) Thanks again and I send lots of love and hugs your way x
Dear Emily, I cannot tell you, how much your videos mean to me! To my mind you should be way more popular, because you have the best and most helpful and honest recovery advice! And when I watch your content it just feels like the safest space, because you mention all the topics without any "tabus" and I don't need to be ashamed because of any behaviors that make me feel, like I am the only "unicorn". Your videos mean a lot to me and you give me so much hope. I have a really difficult time with taking recovery-action and Not just thinking, but I keep reminding myself of your words: This is a doing-space, not just for thinking! I wish you all the best for your birthday tomorrow and you can be really proud of yourself!❤️🙈
Thank you so so much for your love and support here, I am truly touched, and thrilled to know that this is a space where you feel welcome, accepted and heard. You are 1000% not the unicorn and this is indeed a doing space so hold onto these truths and be bold as you push onwards in your journey to ED freedom! Sending lots of love and thank you for the birthday wishes (I had the most wonderful time from start to finish) xx
I love you so much, I am currently 1 month today in recovery, I ate ALOOOOOOOOOOOt of sweets and pizza everyday, and your video about only wanting sweets and not meals saved me so much. Thank you so much for having such an big impact on my recovery, watched all your videos more than 2 times, thank you so much
Thank you so much for the love! It really means the world to me and I am so pleased to know that my sharing is supporting you in your journey! Much love to you!
Hi Emily - I’m a 29 y/o male and have been in quasi for a couple of years now (no formal/traditional type of treatment or therapy). I’m at a “safe” weight (normal BMI) but my hormones are still compromised (testosterone and thyroid) and I’m hoping these will improve over time so I can just feel better physically and mentally. I also want to get back in the gym and actually build some muscle as most men at my age do so I can feel a little more robust. Both you and Tabitha Farrar have been very helpful for me, however I still struggle with this concept of mental hunger. While I don’t want to eat restrictively, at what point does honoring mental hunger crossover to the point where food becomes a drug that I’m using for dopamine (or to fill other voids in my life that anorexia has created). This feels like a fine line and I don’t want to replace one addiction (over-exercising/restriction) with another (using food as a drug for my own well-being). Sorry if this is confusing but I think it would make for an interesting video if it’s a topic you have any thoughts or insights about. Thanks again for all the content and help you’ve provided over the years.
Hi Robert, this would indeed be an interesting topic to explore and I shall add it my list so thank you. For now though what I would like to say is that it's important to recognise that there is a big difference between being at a 'safe' weight and being fully nutritionally rehabilitated (aka fully out of energy debt). Elevated mental hunger is one of the primary markers for the body being in an energy deprived state and this is why honouring it is so crucial in recovery. The concept of food addiction is a highly controversial one and what cannot be overlooked here is the exceptionally high chance that this mental hunger is simply an indicator that your body is still energy deprived and thus the solution is, plain and simple, for you to lean into this resistance and honour it. It must also be recognised that the ED mindset will commonly use arguments such as this in an attempt to derail further recovery aligned action taking. I encourage you to hold onto each of these truths and push on in your recovery journey: listening to your brilliant body and honouring that hunger. Thank you again for sharing and for your support of my sharing/channel :) x
If this can help: food obsession passes, it doesn't last. But, you NEED to allow the foods that you are obsessed with (with no compensation surrounding them) in order to get over them. It's the restriction of specific foods that make them so special and desirable; normal people with normal a relationship with food don't feel the need to eat cookies 24/7 to get dopamine rush! They eat a few of dessert and move on with their day. Food is not a drug; food is essential, it's pleasurable, it's social, cultural, etc!
@@emilyspence2961Thank you for such a thorough reply. I presume that my compromised hormones are still a sign of not being fully nutritionally rehabilitated. I'll be sure to keep your advice in mind and revisit the comments and content that I find most helpful as I continue to recover. Despite the compromised hormones, I still feel healthier than I have in years, and "feeling" healthier is my best motivation to keep on keeping on. No regression. Thanks again.
@@sweet_creature7799 Thank you for sharing. I agree with the sentiment as I've gone through some phases with foods I had restricted - pizza, granola, ice cream, etc. I never ate absurd amounts in 1 sitting, but I eventually had pizza for dinner enough nights that I kind of got sick of it and wanted some variety.
Wishing you a very happy 30th birthday, Emily! 🥳 Thank you so much for another wonderful video! Your supportive messages always show up when needed, inspiring me to keep actioning toward full recovery. I'm proud I'm discovering what I like/who I am, while moving further away from the eating disorder. I rather like the idea of leaving space there, not even calling it MY eating disorder - I don't want it.😂
Thank YOU so much for you love and support Susan: your comments always bring a smile to my face and I am so so pleased to know that my sharing is supporting you in your journey to ED freedom! I also am very on board with dropping the 'my' and creating that space: separating out the ED from your core self and getting curious about who YOU are and wha YOU like! xx
Absolutely: periods of elevated/extreme hunger are normal at any and all stages of the recovery process. Also, fluctuations in hunger levels are normal in the fully nourished/recovered body too. The body is not a robot and what matters is that you trust, listen and honour what your body needs in every now. Thank you for your question :) x
I think you have asked this question before on another video where I answered in more detail but in short: I choose to listen to my body and be guided by what it asks for because I deeply believe that it is the expert in what it needs :) x
Please I berg someone, anyone, for help!! I have a really hard time breathing/air hunger. And this have been for a long time now. The dotorcs cant find anything that explains it and therefore cant tell me how to get rid of it. I have fluid in my heart and my heart beats really slowly but they say it wont explain my symtoms. It does not help with: Yoga, mindfulness, breathing exercises, rest, weigh gain or rest. Anyone else had this? how did u get better from it and what was it? For me it is NOT linked with anxiety.
Hi there, thank you for sharing and I am sorry to hear that you are currently struggling in this way. Whilst I personally cannot provide any answers to your questions I am sure that if anyone reading this can, then they will do. My only other advice would be that the Gaudiani clinic (based in the USA) is a highly specialised clinic for eating disorders and you may find, if they are accessible and/or appropriate for you, that they may have some experience with this from the medical perspective. I am sorry not to be able to help further at this time x
@@emilyspence2961 Im to sad that you couldnt help me, but I really appriciate that you took the time too answer. I live very very far from USA unfortunatly and the care here is really bad. :( The problem with breathing makes it much more hard to eat. 😢
Im recovering on my own after 10 years of anorexia. Im so grateful to have find you because most of the recovery content on social media are not reflecting the reality of recovery such as how much food one can eat during extreme hunger (ironically some meals they post on extreme hunger were amount that i ate DURING my ed!). Thanks for being authentic and kind, you are my role model that im looking to whenever i have doubts about my hunger and the whole recovery process. You made me believe that FULL recovery is possible. ❤
This is just such a wonderful message to read and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is my mission to create a space that is real and authentic and honest and open and safe. Where there is love and acceptance, and where each of you feels as though you are sat in my living room with me and we are just chatting things through as friends. I want everyone to know that full freedom IS possible and I am thrilled that this is something you have taken away from your time here with me :) Sending lots of love! xx
Hey! I just wanted to share that your videos help A LOT during my recovery. I sometimes watch them while eating to keep me motivated and it just helps a lot!!
This is absolutely brilliant to hear Tony: it's an honour to share and support! Thank you for your kind message and support x
i am entering residential treatment soon. i’ve been very reluctant and anxious, but watching recovery videos like this help so much. i challenged two fear meals today! i’m actually kind of excited to recover now.
how are you now?
I am usually a dedicated lurker on the channel, but I just wanted to come out and thank you SO much for everything you have done and continue to do. Your channel is such a safe haven for me and coming to your videos always feels like getting a warm hug (while also getting a loving kick in the butt haha) ❤
Since you asked, I am proud of myself for taking my hobby of reading and turning that into becoming a semi-professional book reviewer for big book blogs!
Happy 30th Birthday, Emily. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 🎉
'A warm hug... and a loving kick in the butt' I LOVE that haha! Thank you so so much for this lovely message and I am so pleased to hear that you find my little corner of youtube a safe haven. I am also SUPER excited to hear about how your love of books has turned into you being a book reviewer- that is SO cool! I hope you are getting to read lots of fab books and I wonder where this passion will continue to take you! Awesome :) Thanks again and I send lots of love and hugs your way x
@@emilyspence2961 Thank you so much for all the kind words!! You are a true gem :)))
Your content is saving lives... thankyou
This really means the world :) thank YOU xx
Dear Emily, I cannot tell you, how much your videos mean to me! To my mind you should be way more popular, because you have the best and most helpful and honest recovery advice! And when I watch your content it just feels like the safest space, because you mention all the topics without any "tabus" and I don't need to be ashamed because of any behaviors that make me feel, like I am the only "unicorn". Your videos mean a lot to me and you give me so much hope. I have a really difficult time with taking recovery-action and Not just thinking, but I keep reminding myself of your words: This is a doing-space, not just for thinking!
I wish you all the best for your birthday tomorrow and you can be really proud of yourself!❤️🙈
Thank you so so much for your love and support here, I am truly touched, and thrilled to know that this is a space where you feel welcome, accepted and heard. You are 1000% not the unicorn and this is indeed a doing space so hold onto these truths and be bold as you push onwards in your journey to ED freedom! Sending lots of love and thank you for the birthday wishes (I had the most wonderful time from start to finish) xx
I love you so much, I am currently 1 month today in recovery, I ate ALOOOOOOOOOOOt of sweets and pizza everyday, and your video about only wanting sweets and not meals saved me so much. Thank you so much for having such an big impact on my recovery, watched all your videos more than 2 times, thank you so much
Thank you so much for the love! It really means the world to me and I am so pleased to know that my sharing is supporting you in your journey! Much love to you!
@@TheGamingSpoon69hey how is your recovery going on?
Hi Emily - I’m a 29 y/o male and have been in quasi for a couple of years now (no formal/traditional type of treatment or therapy). I’m at a “safe” weight (normal BMI) but my hormones are still compromised (testosterone and thyroid) and I’m hoping these will improve over time so I can just feel better physically and mentally. I also want to get back in the gym and actually build some muscle as most men at my age do so I can feel a little more robust.
Both you and Tabitha Farrar have been very helpful for me, however I still struggle with this concept of mental hunger. While I don’t want to eat restrictively, at what point does honoring mental hunger crossover to the point where food becomes a drug that I’m using for dopamine (or to fill other voids in my life that anorexia has created). This feels like a fine line and I don’t want to replace one addiction (over-exercising/restriction) with another (using food as a drug for my own well-being).
Sorry if this is confusing but I think it would make for an interesting video if it’s a topic you have any thoughts or insights about. Thanks again for all the content and help you’ve provided over the years.
Hi Robert, this would indeed be an interesting topic to explore and I shall add it my list so thank you. For now though what I would like to say is that it's important to recognise that there is a big difference between being at a 'safe' weight and being fully nutritionally rehabilitated (aka fully out of energy debt). Elevated mental hunger is one of the primary markers for the body being in an energy deprived state and this is why honouring it is so crucial in recovery. The concept of food addiction is a highly controversial one and what cannot be overlooked here is the exceptionally high chance that this mental hunger is simply an indicator that your body is still energy deprived and thus the solution is, plain and simple, for you to lean into this resistance and honour it. It must also be recognised that the ED mindset will commonly use arguments such as this in an attempt to derail further recovery aligned action taking. I encourage you to hold onto each of these truths and push on in your recovery journey: listening to your brilliant body and honouring that hunger. Thank you again for sharing and for your support of my sharing/channel :) x
If this can help: food obsession passes, it doesn't last. But, you NEED to allow the foods that you are obsessed with (with no compensation surrounding them) in order to get over them. It's the restriction of specific foods that make them so special and desirable; normal people with normal a relationship with food don't feel the need to eat cookies 24/7 to get dopamine rush! They eat a few of dessert and move on with their day.
Food is not a drug; food is essential, it's pleasurable, it's social, cultural, etc!
@@emilyspence2961Thank you for such a thorough reply. I presume that my compromised hormones are still a sign of not being fully nutritionally rehabilitated. I'll be sure to keep your advice in mind and revisit the comments and content that I find most helpful as I continue to recover. Despite the compromised hormones, I still feel healthier than I have in years, and "feeling" healthier is my best motivation to keep on keeping on. No regression. Thanks again.
@@sweet_creature7799 Thank you for sharing. I agree with the sentiment as I've gone through some phases with foods I had restricted - pizza, granola, ice cream, etc. I never ate absurd amounts in 1 sitting, but I eventually had pizza for dinner enough nights that I kind of got sick of it and wanted some variety.
@@rob_119how are doing regarding this? Has things gotten better? I’m dealing with this right now!
Wishing you a very happy 30th birthday, Emily! 🥳 Thank you so much for another wonderful video! Your supportive messages always show up when needed, inspiring me to keep actioning toward full recovery. I'm proud I'm discovering what I like/who I am, while moving further away from the eating disorder. I rather like the idea of leaving space there, not even calling it MY eating disorder - I don't want it.😂
Thank YOU so much for you love and support Susan: your comments always bring a smile to my face and I am so so pleased to know that my sharing is supporting you in your journey to ED freedom! I also am very on board with dropping the 'my' and creating that space: separating out the ED from your core self and getting curious about who YOU are and wha YOU like! xx
Is it possible to have waves of hunger even when weightrestored?
Absolutely: periods of elevated/extreme hunger are normal at any and all stages of the recovery process. Also, fluctuations in hunger levels are normal in the fully nourished/recovered body too. The body is not a robot and what matters is that you trust, listen and honour what your body needs in every now. Thank you for your question :) x
How do you know that the amount you eat is appropriate when you got told that 2000 kcal is enough? And you still have issues?
I think you have asked this question before on another video where I answered in more detail but in short: I choose to listen to my body and be guided by what it asks for because I deeply believe that it is the expert in what it needs :) x
@@emilyspence2961Hi...but what if you have no Hunger cues and normal bmi 20 😢? ciao from Roma and Happy birthday 🎉
Please I berg someone, anyone, for help!! I have a really hard time breathing/air hunger. And this have been for a long time now. The dotorcs cant find anything that explains it and therefore cant tell me how to get rid of it. I have fluid in my heart and my heart beats really slowly but they say it wont explain my symtoms. It does not help with: Yoga, mindfulness, breathing exercises, rest, weigh gain or rest. Anyone else had this? how did u get better from it and what was it? For me it is NOT linked with anxiety.
Hi there, thank you for sharing and I am sorry to hear that you are currently struggling in this way. Whilst I personally cannot provide any answers to your questions I am sure that if anyone reading this can, then they will do. My only other advice would be that the Gaudiani clinic (based in the USA) is a highly specialised clinic for eating disorders and you may find, if they are accessible and/or appropriate for you, that they may have some experience with this from the medical perspective. I am sorry not to be able to help further at this time x
@@emilyspence2961 Im to sad that you couldnt help me, but I really appriciate that you took the time too answer. I live very very far from USA unfortunatly and the care here is really bad. :( The problem with breathing makes it much more hard to eat. 😢
I wanted to become police officer or soldier too, uniformes made it.
Uniforms are the absolute best! I am a sucker for anything with lots of pockets haha!