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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Eating Disorder Recovery Meal Plan

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 4/21/2011


Question
Hello,
here's a brief intro on my condition...I'm 5'1 and 94 pounds- this causes my BMI to be towards the very low end. As you know, I am unhealthy and have a problem.I am diagnosed with Orthorexia and have not had a period in four months. It's obvious that my recovery requires gaining weight. The only exercise that I do is 30 minutes of walking followed with 30 minutes of strength training 4 days a week. I consume between 1500-2000 calories a day, but have not gained any weight. My dietitian says that my eating disorder has sped of my metabolism and because of this I need to eat 3000 calories a day. I'm looking for another opinion on this because her approach seems incorrect. I had thought that eating disorders screw up your metabolism causing it to practically stop. I want to get to a healthy weight where my period returns, but I don't want to gain too much weight, too fast where I find myself on the chubby side. What is your opinion on my 3000 calorie eating plan? If you too agree, than I'll be more willing to take everything into consideration. If I was to also raise my calorie intake to 3000 and partake in the exercise that I already am, will I be able to gain more muscle mass than fat so I'd be less likely to become chubby?
Thank you so much,
Angelina

Answer

Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear Angelina,

Yes, your dietitian is right  on!  You're one of the very few lucky ones.  With 99% of people with eating disorders, their metabolism stops.  Yours is going strong!  Eat more food, follow your dietitians instructions, and you will not get "chubby."  Absolutely not "chubby!"  If you keep on doing the exercising you're doing, you'll gain muscle rather than fat.

You're doing very very well, Angelina!  Keep up the good work!

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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