About Saffron Expertise I can answer most questions related to Anorexia and other eating disordered behaviors. I am not a medical professional but have read a tremendous amount of medical and other information related to eating disorders out of curiosity.
Experience My eating disorder started when I was 15. I was anorexic until the age of 27. I went through periods of being less and more anorexic but I did not have a period for 10 years. I was a very high-functioning anorexic. When I hit about 70 pounds I knew I was at a point where I couldn't continue living a normal life (going to work etc.). I did not want to be hospitalized and I knew I was on a downward spiral. I struggled with severe depression and was given a prescription for an anti-depressant. It was not long after that I was really able to think more clearly and did not have the same level of anxiety and believe it or not, I made a choice. I could die or I could live and let go of my need for such control and not care so much how people perceived me and admit that I did not have to be emaciated to look normal as I had convinced myself. My recover started when I was 27 and I've not been "anorexic" since but I don't think one ever becomes totally free in the food and body area as one was before it all started. But I am very healthy now, not underweight and not overweight and eat healthily.
Education/Credentials I have a BA from an Ivy League college but no professional credentials.
Question hi! I am recovering from I guess you can say an eating disorder. I'm not really sure which one it is though...I was just depressed and I dropped about 28 pounds. I was originally 5'7 and 116 pounds (yes i know, already thin) and my weight went sadly down to ugh, 88 pounds!!! I am now eating again and everything and its been roughly five months. I still am not getting my period and this is really upsetting me. I have noticed weight coming on, however I don't weigh myself and my doctors won't tell me. I was just want to know if what I am eating really matters. Is it just calories? Or fat as well? I noticed I did lose weight however when I went for my fruit crave! So I had some peanut butter and my weight started coming back again . How many grams of fat do I need? Does it really matter?
I really am a vegetable and fruit person. This is where I am concerned. I barely eat bread because I was just never into it. That is why I Am asking if it really matters what I eat and when my period will come back.
Answer Dear Stella:
It sounds as if you really were anorexic. Eat what your body craves. Fruit and vegetables is great but you need proteins and fats too. You should be eating carboydrates but it doesn't have to be bread. You can find a lot of information on line about sensible nurition. But it is calories that will help you gain some weight and get back to normal and get your period back too. So eating just vegetables and fruit while good, will keep the calorie count down. Peanut butter is a good bet for protein and fat and calories. You find all sorts of charts on-line if you Google. There's wealth of informaiton out there. So yes it does matter what you eat and eating a variety of healthy foods is the best way to approach refeeding your body and getting back to a normal weight.
