I’m not particularly an early riser, so at times, breakfast is postponed. I also work out most mornings and breakfast can slip through the cracks. However part of eating disorder recovery is to eat all of your meals, so I had to create a new habit of eating breakfast every day.
I’ve had many successes in my recovery from anorexia. Back in my early twenties I would make a protein shake (whey protein, soy milk, flaxseed oil and a banana). During my treatment at the IOP ten years ago I ate an apple every morning. At other times in my life I made fresh hot oatmeal on the stove and served it with almonds and fruit. Other times it was Greek yogurt and granola. Or a good ole’ protein bar and fruit.
But to be honest my favorite breakfast is a cup of hot steaming coffee with almond milk. The hotter the better. Like, I want to “burn my tongue hot.” Sipping in silence helps while looking out the back window of my kitchen watching the trees and the birds. So I needed to get out of my comfort zone. Recovery is uncomfortable. The only way to change is to sit with this discomfort and proceed forward.
In all stages of eating disorder recovery breakfast is vital. My challenge this week was to eat breakfast daily and send a picture to my nutritionist. My short-term goal is to consume breakfast daily and my long-term goal is to create a pattern and healthy habit of eating breakfast more regularly. Another goal was to increase the variety of the types of breakfast I had. I had egg and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat English muffins, Greek yogurt and granola and protein shakes. It is important that I eat foods that sustain me and give me the energy to start my day.
I am almost always ready for a challenge. It’s the competitor in me. It’s my driven part – the “you deserve full recovery” voice that I shout from the mountain tops!
What is your challenge this week for your recovery? I would love to heat from you.
Think big. You are too valuable to keep your world so small.
Full recovery is possible.
Serenity Always,
Meredith
Photo cred: @the_positiveway8⠀⠀⠀
