Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Meal plan

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/5/2009


Question
Hi again

I hope you still remember my case. I am 5"5', 17 yrs old and medium frame. I was the one diagnosed with anorexia and wanted to go through self recovery. I started recovery at a weight of 121 lbs which is not low, I know but I have been eating maximum of 800 cals for 6 months, and that was a binge. My avg was 400 withsome days of only 100-200. I need your help

I don't want to gain weight since I am in a healthy BMI at 121. I want to maintain at 121 and I know my metabolism needs a kick-start. My normal maintenance is 1800-2000 a day and I now finally reached 1600 after 11 days in recovery. I don't want to over eat and gain weight since I am having problems already with the 6 lbs I gained and I know they are water weight. Could you pls give me a meal plan without much snacks (don't have time in college) that would boost my metabolism and maintain a weight of 121? Is it even possibe? How much should I increase to and then stop?

Thank you so much!

Answer
Dear Nano,

I would say to stick with 1600 for a couple of weeks then go up to 1800.  The best thing for you to do would be for you to go to your student health  service and ask to see a nutritionist.  They should have one -- if not, find one in the community.  I'm not a nutritionist so I can't really do meal plans --

You could probably find a nutritionist online as well.

Keep on working!!

Warmly,
Jeannie

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 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

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