Is this an eating disorder?
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| Thu, 09-06-2007 - 9:29am |
I'm not sure if this is a sign of an impending eating disorder, or just poor nutritional choices. I was cleaning my 15 yo DD's bathroom this morning and found 3 wrapped sandwiches stuffed inside her vanity. There have been 4 days of school so far--these are the sandwiches we made for her at home--which means either that she ate lunch only 1 day so far or there's still another sandwich squirreled away somewhere. (!) She has never had a weight problem. She is very petite--about 5'1" and 105 pounds. Sometimes when she's home, she "forgets" to eat lunch or puts off having breakfast until I force the issue. All she's having for breakfast before school is a bowl of sugary cereal. Apparently, she's subsisting during the day on Vitamin Water, then has snacks such as granola bars, ice cream, or nachos when she gets home. We usually have a homemade dinner together as a family.
I'm disturbed that she's going without lunch, and also that she flat-out lied to me yesterday when I asked her if she was eating her sandwiches...not to mention the bizarre choice of hiding them in your bathroom! I said in another thread yesterday that my kids never quite cover their tracks. If you're not going to eat your lunch, why not throw it out at school at least where your mom won't find out?! I realize I have to get rid of some of these junk food items we currently have in the house, at least until she starts eating a more balanced diet. What else should I look out for? Should I be worried? Should I talk to her doctor?
Oh, I forgot to ask--how would you approach this with her? I saved the sandwiches to show her what I found, in case I decide to go that way. She can be very stubborn. Thanks.
Edited 9/6/2007 9:33 am ET by ejteach2007

While it might not necessarily be the sign of an eating disorder it certainly is disordered eating to an extent.
I would start by asking her
Is lunch available at her school? Is it 'uncool' to bring your lunch? This year more so than last year? It would fit with ditching the food before she leaves the house(as opposed to tossing it at school where others would see)