*DISCLAIMER*: I do not support nor condone eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa is a very dangerous disease and may lead to many health issues including the risk of death if not proceeded with caution and safety. Please be safe.
When I first began on my ana journey, I browsed pro-ana blogs and other social media outlets for ana tips and tricks to help give me a little push to begin my ana and never found anything helpful for a beginner (only tricks for veteran anas). I found myself having an extremely hard time trying to get the ball rolling and actually staying on track. So, I had to kind of teach myself. I’ve had an on and off battle with ana for 5 years and am currently in the process of my first ana journey since my recovery 2 years ago. In those 5 years, I have taught myself some of the best tricks for myself and my body to have an easier time with the transition to ana including how to stay on track. I want to be able to give advice to new faces in the ana community and help you with a smooth and easy path to begin your ana journey.
Now if you’ve ever looked into becoming ana, the first tricks you may have come across are fasting and high water consumption. Fasting is a very effective way to lose weight - and fast! However, you never want to dive right into restricting yourself and depriving yourself of calories. Although consuming 500 calories or less is highly utilized among pro-anas, beginners should always start small and NEVER dive right in. So, welcome to my first piece of advice:
Never Dive Immediately Into Fasting
Fasting is a great way to lose weight fast, but very hard to maintain if you immediately start depriving yourself of calories. It is very risky to go from consumimg 1,500 calories a day to 500. Not only is it hard to maintain your fast if you dive right in, but you also run a higher risk of health issues too. So instead of diving right in, take baby steps and create a weekly plan like I did! Here’s an example (also take into consideration that you should be drinking at least a full glass of water with and between meals):
- Monday - A hearty breakfast, a small healthy lunch, and normal dinner.
- Tuesday - A bowl of fruit, a small healthy lunch, normal dinner.
- Wednesday - A bowl of fruit, crackers for lunch, normal dinner.
- Thursday - An apple, lots of water for lunch, eat half of your dinner.
- Friday - Same as Thursday.
- Repeat days Wednesday and Thursday until you feel comfortable enough to skip breakfast or dinner.
As you can tell by the list, you’re slowly eating less and less every day, making it easier for you to begin fasting and allows your stomach to shrink faster and more naturally. This list mostly applies to those who still live with their parents (which is why I used the term “normal dinner”) however, if you live by yourself it is more easier to control what you have for dinner and how much.
As I mentioned earlier, you should be consuming lots of water during and between meals .. and I mean LOTS of it. Which leads me to my next piece of advice:
Good Ol’ Fashioned Water (Lots and Lots of it)
In the first week or 2 of your fast, this is where most people cave in and break their fasts. Cravings are out of control and probably the worst around the first few weeks. Instead of breaking your fast by snacking, drink plenty of water until you feel full. This will help suppress your hunger until your fast is over (Not to mention your skin will glow!)
Although fasting and drinking water are the two biggest factors into losing weight, exercise will also be your best friend.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
If you’re fasting, drinking water, and exercising then your pretty bones will be protruding from your skin in no time. I’m serious! This will be one of the hardest routines to get in the habit of doing, but if you want results then you gotta do what you gotta do.
Get a membership to your local gym and hit the treadmill for at least 30-40 minutes. Include other cardio and weight loss exercises too. You should be exercising for about 2 hours or more a day. (About 1- 1 and a half for beginners).
Don’t have the money? It’s okay! Go outside and run a few miles, go on a hike, you can even do workouts at home! The internet will be your blessing in times of need lol.
The fact of the matter is is that you need to do some pretty hardcore exercising.
*A little FYI*: If you start seeing stars while working out (or at any point of the day in general) DONT BE ALARMED. That’s normal for anas, in fact we kinda just get used to it after awhile lol. Just make sure to take a breather, drink some water, and continue to whatever you were doing once you feel better.
Beginning ana is not an easy journey, but having the best advice and help will be very beneficial. There are also always fellow anas just like you. The ana community is full of beautiful people just like you who are very supportive and always willing to help. Don’t be afraid to talk to us!
I will be starting another series of advice for beginners as well as “what to expect” later! I hope you guys find this helpful and feel free to add your own tips or input. These tips are based off of my own journey and what I have found to be helpful. Not everyone’s body is the same. Please take these steps (or any other steps you take) with caution!
Stay safe my lovelies ❤❤
palepinkpetite