A WOMAN who snacks on an entire kilo of butter and litre of oil each day claims it has helped her managed her mental health condition.
Manon Alias Onboou, had suffered from a series of eating disorders for several years which involved a combination of food restriction, binge eating and purging.
Jam Press Vid/@onbooudespatesThe TikTok star has shared videos of herself eating the weird combination of snacks on social media[/caption]
Jam Press/@onbooudespatesManon’s food choices cost her an estimated £400 per month[/caption]
Jam Press/@onbooudespatesManon claims the combination helps her control her binge eating[/caption]
Now, the French 24-year-old eats copious amounts of butter, oil, fries and chocolate, which helps her fight panic attacks and with her overall recovery.
The TikTok star has shared videos of herself eating the weird combination of snacks on social media to help raise awareness of eating disorders.
In one of her videos, she can be seen eating chocolate topped with chunks of butter.
Manon claims the combination helps her control her binge eating as butter “grosses” her out.
“Everyone has their own specific little combinations, which are sometimes a little bit weird,” she said on a video she shared on TikTok.
Binge eating disorder is a serious mental illness where people eat very large quantities of food without feeling like they’re in control of what they’re doing.
In Manon’s case, her binge eating is triggered by a period of restrictive eating which involves avoiding certain foods.
Following her binge, the young girl said she often purges, which refers to the act of getting rid of food from your body – normally by inducing sickness or taking a laxative.
According to Manon, her food choices cost her an estimated £400 per month, but it’s the only way she can control her disordered eating.
She made the decision to share the videos online in order to “feel less alone with [her] illness.”
“Although many people suffer from this, I used to hide myself and feel ashamed, as well as guilty,” she said.
Sharing the videos has given her the confidence to get the help she needs.
“It allowed me to turn myself towards a path of care and healing with healthcare professional who are used to dealing with this disorder, she explained.
She added: “For those who don’t suffer, it allows them to see the living hell some people go through and possible be more aware of pathological behaviours they could notice from their friends.
“I like showing the reality that the patch to recovery is not linear – it doesn’t go from everything to nothing.
“There are hard times to go through and ups and downs.
How much butter can I have in one day?
Butter is high in saturated fats, which are known to raise your cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease.
UK health guidelines recommend that:
the average man aged 19 to 64 years should eat no more than 30g of saturated fat a day
the average woman aged 19 to 64 years should eat no more than 20g of saturated fat a day
It’s also recommended that people should reduce their overall fat intake and replace saturated fat with some unsaturated fat, including omega-3 fats.
“Sharing on social media has allowed me to be supported in every little victory.”
THE SIGNS
The signs and symptoms of eating problems can vary from person to person.
However, a combination of the below symptoms could be a sign that a someone might need additional support:
Preoccupation with checking calorie or other ingredient content in foodEating a restricted amount or range of foodsBinge eatingMore controlling behaviours such as rules about eating, insisting on making their own meals or only using certain utensils and cutleryNegative self-image about their weight and/or appearanceSecretiveness or avoiding eating with othersFeeling guilty after eatingRepeatedly weighing themselvesVomiting after eating, or going to the toilet immediately after eatingCompulsive or excessive exercisingAbnormally low or high weight or changes in weight or body shapeLong-term weight stagnation or failure to growComplaining of poor concentration, dizziness, tiredness or feeling coldGetting stressed at mealtimesLow mood, anxiety or irritabilitySocial withdrawal
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder then you can contact the Beat helpline on 0808 801 0677.
The charity also runs an online webchat where you can get advice.
If you are in need of urgent help then you should call 999.