Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 2/6/2012

Question
I am 37 and have been anorexic since 2005. I started trying to recover in 2010. My BMI was 15, now it is probably 16-17. I only recently decided to recover completely. Since I started eating as much as my body was asking, I have had these very strong hunger attacks. I eat so much. Maybe around 3000 calories some days. I used to eat 1400-1600. One moment I am full, and the next I feel like my diaphragm is squeezing so hard that I could faint. Hunger develops so quickly, a lot faster than before. I also start feeling a bit shaky, my jaws and lips get tingly, and can have slightly darkening vision or a little worse hearing. I get very scared. It gets better once I eat. I don't know if this is me panicking or real hunger? I have stated fearing these moments so much that it is eating my self esteem. I worry about being able to do my job and to take the public transportation.
Will I get normal once my weight is restored - because I realize that if I eat as much as my body wants now - and it is scarily lot at this moment - I am fine? Do I need to worry? How to feel safe and prepared for this when out of the house?

Answer
Dear Susa,

Would you believe that you are one of the lucky ones?  Your metabolism is running 150 miles an hour!

When you're normal, and your body is acting normally, you'll be fine.  A good idea for you would be to look up the glycemic index.  If you eat foods that have a low glycemic index, you won't be hungry as often.  The glycemic index is what tells us how quickly foods are digested into sugar.

Another good trick is to carry a snack bag that has low-glycemic foods in it.  That way when you're on public transportation and you're hungry or when you're in the office, you'll have what you need right there!!

Please let me know what you find out.

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