AboutJeanne Rust, PhD Expertise I can answer any questions in the field of eating disorders
Experience I have 20 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.
Education/Credentials Northwestern University -- BA
Masters in Counseling
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute
Question QUESTION: In several months I lost over 30 pounds by strict dieting and light exercise, brining my current weight to around 73 pounds. This, I know, is on the light side for a person of my body size and age: 5'1" and 20 years old. I want to gain some weight for health issues and would like to bring myself up to around 90 pounds. My problem is I’ve forgotten how to eat properly. For the past several months I have been counting every calorie, staying well below 1,000 calories on a regular basis. I don’t know what amount of calories I should be consuming now, I want to gain weight but I am fearful of overdoing it and becoming obese. How many calories do I really need per day if I’m lightly active? I don’t really work out or exercise, but my job does require me to be on my feet all night and do some minor heavy lifting. I’m just so worried if I start to eat more then when I’ve reached the weight I want I won’t be able to stop and I’ll become overweight. I’ve upped my calorie intake to around 1100 (usually a little below this) now, but that just feels like way too much. Please send me some helpful advice on how to gain weight, the proper calorie amount for me, and how not to over-indulge.
Thank-you very much.
ANSWER: Dear Brida,
I'm so glad that you wrote me! It's wonderful that you want to gain weight. The first thing I would do is to ask you to see a nutritionist -- a good nutritionist or dietitian can give you a meal plan that will tell you exactly how much you need to be eating.
If you can't find anyone, try taking your calories up to 1200 a day, then 1500 a day, then 1800 a day. Keep in touch with me and let me know how the gaining goes.
I think that seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders would also be a must -- you have a severe eating disorder right now -- and you truly need some professional help. You can find referrals for therapists at www.edreferral.com
QUESTION: Thank-you so much for getting back to me, I very much appreciate it.
I've tried upping my calorie count to more around 1100, at least on the days that I work. On days I have off I feel I still shouldn't eat as much since I'm not very active. Working the part-time overnight shift is a very tricky schedule.
I did go for a physical at the doctor's and she recommended I aim for at least 1200 calories too. This is very difficult for me, and it feels so silly saying that. It's hard to stop counting calories or worrying after doing it for so long. I feel so piggish when I eat my cereal that has 190 cals. I also find it hard to eat this many calories, I crave whole grain cereals and breads, fruits, and lean (nearly fatless) chicken or turkey. Unless I'm miscalculating my calorie count is still below 1200. I just feel so guilty when I eat, and I just don't understand how anyone can get to 1500 cals. a day. Are you sure if I do up my count to say 1300 or so I won't become overweight? Also, is it okay to have reduced-fat peanut butter or low-fat ice cream every several days? Not too much, just about the serving size or a little over?
Thank-you so much again. Sorry for all the questions. :)
Answer Dear Brida,
I truly understand the guilty feeling! One part of you has this very loud eating disorder voice -- the part that tells you, don't eat, you're fat, if you eat, you'll get fat! The other part of you is the healthy part -- that's the part that took you to the doctor -- that is the part of you that will find the nutritionist!
Recovering from an eating disorder is a process, Brida. It doesn't happen overnight. You need to talk to as many people as you can for support -- go to the discussion boards at mirasol.net. You'll find a lot of people there that are struggling just as you are right now! You can by all means eat peanut butter or ice cream. Just remember to get in touch with your healthy voice.
