Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 3/4/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello I am still in revovery from anexoric it has been 2 years now.  I workout five days a week about one hour of cardio 5 days a aweek and three days strenght training.  I have been getting periods regualarly until last month.  And, people have been telling me it looks like i have lost weight.  But, the scale has not been moving and I am twenty pounds away from my goal weight.  But, my clothes are looser.  I was wondering if losing inches can stop my period again.  I didnt not get my period for three years while being anexoric.

ANSWER: Dear Kate,

This is a tough question!  Could you give me a little more information?  I'm wondering what your height and weight is now?  Do you weigh every day?  How long has it been that your clothes have been looser?

The key on the period is that you need a Body Mass Index of at least 18.  There are many sites on the internet that will tell you what that is.  It is not losing inches, per se, that will cause some's period to stop but the overall imbalance between food intake and energy output.

I think that the scale is not moving because you're exercising so much.  If you want to gain weight, you can cut the number of times a week for cardio to 3.  If your therapist is OK with the amount you're exercising weekly, then you'll need to increase your calories.  

I'm starting to ask more questions now because I've been criticized on this forum for suggesting a therapist.  The reason I do that is because people with eating disorders usually are very ill.  I do want them to get professional help.  If this is not an option, let me know and I can begin to suggest specifics for each person!

Thanks so much for writing, Kate.  I hope to hear from you soon!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

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

QUESTION: My height is 5'3 140lbs. I weigh myself once or twice a week. But I have been at this weight for 3 months. I'm not sure why-i watch my carbs and exercise regularly. Hopefully, you can give me some insight as to why this is happening. Thanks!

ANSWER: Dear Kate,

I am sure that you've gained lots and lots of muscle given the amount you exercise -- not wrong mind you.  I don't know how many calories you're consuming a day now but I think that you'd lose if you cut some calories.

Can you send me a sample meal plan of what you eat?  We'll see what we can see!  :o)

Warmly,
Jeannie



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

QUESTION: I have gone to a nutritionist-but she told me to eat more especially carbs I don't feel comfortable with that. So, this is what I eat mostly everyday.
Breakfast egg white omelette 120 cal.
Coffee.  30 cal
Lunch lean protein chicken
Dinner lean protein chicken with salad no dressing
Snack #1 carb smart yogurt 45 calories
5nack #2 atkins bar 200 calories
Snack #3 trail mix 150calories.

*sometimes for lunch I will have a low carb wrap with natural peanut buTter.
I usually average out to 1280-1300 calories daily.
Hope you can help!
Thanks!

Answer
Dear Kate,

You are eating a diet that is perfect for someone with an eating disorder!  You do need to eat more to re-start your metabolism.  Remember this is about being completely recovered where you can be a normal eater that has three small meals a day (each one including protein) and 2 small snacks daily.  I really think that your nutritionist is spot on.  Recovering is about learning to take risks even though you're uncomfortable.  The uncomfortable feeling is your eating disorder speaking to you.  You also are eating mostly a fat free diet which is definitely not healthy -- it's also quite eating disordered.  See if you can get at least 2-3 tablespoons of fat daily.

Keep in touch -- I know this isn't going to be your best message from me, but I hope that you consider these suggestions thoughtfully!

Warmly,
Jeannie