What is Pro ana?
Pro-ana websites are websites that provide support for
persons who choose to maintain a low body weight. Often, the scientific
community looks at this action as an illness, usually called anorexia nervosa.
However, some persons believe that this is a life choice and are seeking
support while others are looking to cope with the condition. The site is named
after "Ana," most likely after an Asian composite of low-weight
women.
Often, persons with this condition feel isolated, and by connecting with
others with similar issues it helps them feel accepted. Persons who want to
lose weight also use tips from this websites and follow their diet plans
because they tend to cause weight to be lost extremely fast. Another type of
website, called pro-mia websites are also very similar to pro ana sites. The
sites can be accessed on their own website or through social networks including
Tumblr, Xanga, Facebook, Myspace and LiveJournal. These are some of the types
of information provided on pro-ana sites:
- Crash diet techniques and recipes
- Socially acceptable pretexts to refuse food such as veganism
- Contests relating to weight loss
- Ways to deal with hunger pangs and feelings
- Use of laxatives, emetics and other products to lose weight
What is Post-Pro ana?
Pro-ana are websites that provide support for those who are
looking to leave behind a low body weight lifestyle. While Pro-ana sites do
sometimes provide assistance for maintaining this lifestyle, post pro-ana sites
do not provide any information or support in this area, while attempting to
continue the group contact that persons with this condition seem to crave.
Reasons to do this might be reaching your weight loss goal or a desire to
increase your over all fitness by gaining more weight. Some of these sites are
for recovering bulimic patients.
Pro-ana Tips for Beginners
Most sites have a section for new visitors. These sections
explain how to contact others, diet plans to follow and have a list of various
diet tips to help you reach your desired weight plan. Being pro-ana means
having commitment to a diet plan. One of the best tips is to not eat in
private, because as you lose weight friends and family will wonder if you have
a problem. Another is to always eat breakfast. Also, don't forget to include
alterations for any medical problems you might have, such as diabetes. For some
conditions, you may need to work with a dietician or your doctor. Tips can
cover a wide range of problems from wardrobe issues to hair styles to update
your appearance. It is a good idea to visit several websites or social groups
and go to the one that seems to be fit you. An example might be a site that has
religious connections if that is very important in your life.
Pro-ana Websites
Pro ana websites are growing with the growth of social
media. These websites started in the 1990s and each new social media site has
resulted in a new push for these websites. Here are some ones to start with:
- Ed Living - Site provides support for those looking for assistance with the low weight lifestyle
- Project Shapeshift - This is one of the oldest pro-ana sights and is filling with great ideas and support
- Pro-ana Online - This has a large following and a great forum to discuss issues
Don't forget to also view the social websites looking for
pro-ana groups. These sites are helpful to find friends and tips on meeting
your pro-ana goals.
Pro-ana Diet Plan
Pro ana diet plan is easily found by using any search engine. The idea
behind these diets is that you pick the calories you want to consume each day,
from 200 to 800 calories while on a fast lost phase and 800 to 1200 when you
are in a maintaining phase.
Most of these diets include tea and ice water, both
of which reduce hunger. They are quite different from simply munching on
carrots all day long. These diets usually include menus that you can follow
depending on what level of calorie choices you are seeking. Many of these are
geared to persons who work outside the home and the menu items are simple to
prepare.
Pro-ana Workout Plan
A typical pro ana workout plan involves exercise several
times a day. Usually, early in the day is preferred because this will burn more
of the calories you eat during the day. Most these plans also favor active
exercise to bust your metabolism. This includes walking, running, exercise reps
and dance steps. There are few isometric exercises on these exercise plans.
Each time you exercise, your metabolism increases for a short time. This is why
pro-ana websites often recommend exercising several times during the day.
Pro-ana Forum
The most important part of the website is the forum where
all aspects of this life style can be discussed. There is likely someone in
every forum who has dealt with any problem another person might have.
Using the
forum for guidance is an important part of the success of the pro-ana programs.
Using the pro ana forum, a visitor can state a new problem or read about tips to follow
a diet or exercise plan. Other great tips include how to eat out in restaurants
and find other local people to exchange ideas with. These forums often include
pictures and pro-ana milestones as the participants reach their goal.
Pro-Ana Myths
The biggest pro ana myth is that these sights can cause eating
disorders. The causes of these disorders are many and much more that simply
visiting a website. Many visitors successfully lose weight in a short time for
a special event in their lives while others will come to the realization they
do have a problem and need to use a post pro-ana site to help keep them in a
healthy state. Many pro-ana users are quite healthy and normal people seeking
to keep their weight under control, some for work related reasons such as a
stewardess or performer. It is still true that a lower weight opens many doors
much more often in regard to careers, romance and friendship.
