Expert: Ryan Hale - 3/19/2010

Question
Hi I am currently in recovery from bulimia. I have gone on a strucuted eating plan. This is (1/2cp)oatmeal and milk and fruit for breakfast- (1/2 c)cottage cheese and fruit -snack three turkey slices and plate of veggies lunch - chicken (3oz.) and salad with many veggies dinner and I excercise about a half hour to an hour a day But I am feelng discouraged I have gone up two sizes in pants and my stomach is huge it looks like I'm pregnant this is in a matter of 6 days, especially as the day goes on. I was just wondering am I going to continue to gain weight because I was hardly underweight to begin with. Is this really what my body is going to look like? I am looking overweight now. Please help me I just feel like giving up. I have been eating seven days now without purging. I am now 5"7 and about 127 I was around 114 to begin just 6 days ago!!!!

Answer
Amanda-  I am wondering where the structured eating plan came from (did your doctor recommend it or a nutritionist)?  It does not sound like an excessive amount to eat at all to me.  It is good that you are exercising as well.  I would suggest building a team of qualified people to help you out.  A nutritionist for the food and a personal trainer for the exercise.  Don't get frightened by the sticker shock of having to pay them, it is worth it.  Also, often you can get insurance to pay if your doctor recommends going to a nutritionist and there are personal trainers who work for as little as $20 a session, or you can find one for a reasonable price at a community rec center, YMCA or health club.  It sounds as though you are really close to your ideal weight and you wouldn't want to stop now.  In fact, most people don't know how close they are to their goal when they do stop... don't make that mistake.  You can also find good resources online at the government's food pyramid web site and there are even good Iphone applications with diet recommendations and calorie goals (I know, it sounds corny to go the the government's web site, but it is really good, you should check it out).  The book "Body for Life" is also quite good and I have seen many people change their lives using the diet and exercise recommendations.  Of all the books out there, that one is one of the only ones I recommend because it's great.  This is a process, you are working on a project that will take time to shape and mold... you!  Take the time, do it right and you are already sooo close already!