Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Anorexia Recovery- Hunger

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 3/14/2011


Question
I have suffered from anorexia for the past 8 years with severe to moderate phases. Over the past year I have been moving towards recovery. I try to eat regular meals with small snacks in between which I normally am able to do unless I am under stress. However, since moving towards recovery and beginning to eat again on a regular basis I have been unable to satisfy my appetite. I have found myself overeating to the point where I feel ill despite not reaching a point of feeling full. I was wondering if it is normal to have this feeling of extreme hunger when recovering from anorexia. I was also wondering what types of foods may help me to feel full and to maintain a fuller feeling longer.
Thanks

Answer

Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear DM,

I would love it if you gave me an idea of your height and weight, as well as what you're eating during the day, at meals and snacks!  Then I can make some informed suggestions.

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

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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