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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Trying to recover from almost anorexic

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/28/2009


Question
Hello,
I went on a diet starting in the end of June because I had almost been at the point of being overweight, I am 5'9 and weighed 187. I started to cut back and diet healthily and then I started to make more and more restrictions as I was seeing the results and happy from them. It got to a point where I was eating 500-700 calories a day and not even realizing how little I was eating just due to the progression of the bad habits. I also have been working out 4-5 times a week. I would eat lightly and then eat lots of low calorie food when I ate. I am now 137 and 5'9. I dont want to continue eating dangerously, I just want to eat normally. I dont know where I stand as far as maintaining the weight I have lost, id like to get to a healthy weight of around 140-145 but I also do not want to gain weight after all this. What do I do?

Answer

jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Ashley,

You are writing me at the perfect time -- before you turn into an official anorexic!  This happens quite frequently when someone loses a lot of weight and they're terrified they'll gain it all back!

Right now is the time for you to find a good nutritionist or dietitian who can help you develop a great meal plan just for you.  You can then maintain your weight -- It's hard to learn to trust your body again, but now is the time.

Let mek now how you do!!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Recovery Programs
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

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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