Expert: Gerri Helms - 6/3/2009

Question
Hi, I have a few things to share. First, I lost a litte over 20 pounds in a few months last year simply by eating 1200 calories a day.  I'm a ballet dancer, so I danced a lot and was able to lose weight because I burned more than I consumed.  These past 4 months I've been struggling quite a bit. My rapid weight loss turned dangerous and I went down to 96 pounds and my doctor and everyone was concerned for me. They thought I was anorexic, and I slowly developped into one although I didn't consider myself one because I thought 1200 was fine. Anyway, now I've developped binge eating. It all started by eating a few extra crackers, or an extra yogurt. Slowly, I started binging 1000 calories quite easily. I don't think I've ever gone above 3000 cal a day. I binged 11 days in May and I am about 110 pounds.  I know I am at a healthier weight, however I DON'T like this new habit I've developped...binging, the guilt and shame, starving the next day.. etc. I am afraid of gaining all the weight I lost last year, and I have food diaries and I've seen a therapist, but I am afraid if I don't stop binging and gain back control, I will gain weight. Is there anyway you can help me? Thank you so much

Answer
Hi Julie,
If you are swinging back and forth between binge eating and anorexia, you may want to consider some group support, such as overeaters anonymous. Several of my clients have found OA to be a great support to eat normally. You don't have to be obese for their program to be effective. There's no dues or fees either.

To find a meeting near you, go to their website, www.oa.org.

If you would like to talk with me personally, I do not charge for a complimentary coaching session.

Sincerely,
Life and Health Coach Gerri Helms
www.lifecoachgerri.com
author, Trust God and Buy Broccoli, A Spiritual Approach to Weight Loss.""