Expert: Ryan Hale - 6/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: "i recovered from Eating disorder anorexia in 2008 i went to 28 kgs from 60 kgs (i was suffering frm hypothyroid) and my height 5'3"and was given emergency recovery and was under psychatric drugs post recovery (was still under anti depressants) i developed bulimia becoz the medicines made me hungry all the time and used to eat alot inspite of being bulimic i cme to 47 kgs but now i recovered fully from bulimia the medicine stopped  and in a healthy weight 53 kgs and being treated for hypothyroidism i am scared about my metabolism though i eat little my weight fluctuates i don want to become fat again i want to maintain my weight eating normally(though i eat less than normal) please tell me how much to eat to boost my very slow metabolism i too want to eat normally like others without gaining weight..if imagine myself in earlier look 60kgs it really depresses me pl help"

ANSWER: Vaish- treating your thyroid condition will help with your metabolism.  Also, the less you eat, the more your body tries to store fat, so, ironically, the more you eat a "normal" amount, the more your body will burn through it with a normal metabolic rate.  Also, exercise is key to maintaining weight.  Your weight will fluctuate throughout the day and even day to day, so don't get hung up on day to day numbers.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi rayan
thank u so much it was really encouraging.. will i gain more weight if i return to normal eating right now i don starve myself indulge in lots of fruits and vegetables and milk and under thyroid medication both eltroxin and homeopathy will it help me in maintaininng my current weight..will homeopathy medicines restore my messed up metabolism

Answer
Vaish-  the homeopathic medications can help.  Just make sure you let your doctor know about them to avoid any drug interactions.  Also, it is important to continue your thyroid medication though.  It is always a great idea to eat lots of fruit and veggies... that's where most of our carbs should come from.  It's hard to over eat when it comes to fruit and veggies.  While it is wise to limit desserts, sugar and breads, it's hard to go wrong, or be hungry if you allow yourself to eat all the fruit and veggies you want.