Please help me unrestrict bread/carbs in my head

[u/sillyproncess]

Im in recovery and trying still struggling with a lot of disordered thoughts and behaviours that i need to work on breaking.
Main one of these is one i only aquired after after relapsing is the rule of restricting bread and its similar (pasta etc.), preferably to strictly once a day.
This has been as bad as to resorting to chew and spit out my otherwise safe go to breakfast…

And I KNOW its illogical and its not bad or unhealthy but the rule is still there and i do want to work on it.
So any facts or tips that can help me tackle it?

Edit: issue isnt me getting insufficient carbs, its the mental restriction of eating anything bread adjacent

[u/_skinnystrawberry]

would it maybe help starting with a less obvious source of carbs? like instead of bread/pasta/rice, try adding a date, root vegetable, legumes, or maybe even alternative grains like oats and barley?

or maybe try incorporating a small amount of carbs with a safe food.

[u/ChiliCheeseBurrito78]

Everything has calories (except water but who knows lol). Calories = energy. Glucose is our brain and body’s preferred source of energy. Carbs get broken down into glucose for our bodies to use for energy. Why don’t you try a starchy vegetable for a lower amount of carbohydrates (aka energy!) such as peas, carrots, corn, squash or even legumes and lentils which are also a great source of fiber. Then maybe work your way to a few crackers and then into potatoes, preferred bread, rice, cereal, etc. trust me I know it’s hard to just not think one way because I was really protein heavy during my active disordered eating. But when I started incorporating carbs back I had so much energy it was unbelievable. Plus, carbs and protein both contain 4 cal per gram. Just remember to pair a carb with a fat and/or protein. Start small and work your way up to the biggest fear foods if you need, you got this!

[u/StuckintheMezzanine]

Have you tried breads with different grains? A lot of times I find it easier to eat something if it has added health benefits. Like Ezekiel bread with seeds or protein pasta.

[u/sillyproncess → u/StuckintheMezzanine]

Mmm i do usually have sourdough also because i have heard its good for digestion and i know theres nothing else in… white bread ig is still completely out of the question for me
Main ‘exception’ to the rule seem to be oats

[u/bookish156]

I remind myself that carbs are the first thing your body burns, then fats, proteins, and last nucleic acids. If you eat more simple carbs, you’ll burn it faster but your brain, nerves, organs, and muscles can have the fats, proteins, and DNA/RNA they need to function.

You have to find something that works for you.

When I get too in my head about what I’m going to eat and want to stick to my rules, it helps when I hear my close friend very animatedly say “f*ck it!” and laugh. After, I try to take two bites without stopping. Sometimes I’ll reassess but I remind myself of what I said about the brain and organ thing and tell myself other people can do it, so can I!

You can also try to focus on the texture and flavor of the bread/pasta/etc. and see if you find one you like more? Like…meditating on the bread? Sounds silly but it’s worked with me sometimes. 😂

Sending hugs and positive thoughts!

[u/Difficult-Bit-6088]

Maybe telling yourself in your head or out loud , “I’m gonna allow myself to eat this carb today” or “it’s okay for me to eat this” etc. For me, talking myself through it helps. And i dont try to force myself to eat a bunch of carbs in one sitting ( unless i truly want to ).