Expert: Reverend Abbott - 6/5/2007

Question
I have been working on my recovery for 6 months after spending 2 1/2 months in a treatment center. It has been a difficult road and I have had more bad days than good. I was working with a nutritionist before and during my at at the center. Unfortunately because of the cost of my weekly therapist and psychiatry appointments I don't have that much money to have a nutritionist. I find I work really well with a routine nutrition plan but it is difficult for me to do one on my own. Also, I find it difficult to get protein in my diet because  I have only taken a liking to most fish and little chicken. I like tofu but that even gets old for me after a while. My therapist wants me to gain 1 to 2 lbs a week and I don't want to do it through junk food. What would be a good nutrition plan to follow and what are other optimal protein sources for my diet?  

Answer
I'm so glad you're doing this Lisa. There IS a light at the end of this tunnel you're in. I'm a walking example of success and becoming more powerful than my eating disorder. ALL of them (I was not just anorexic, but various types of bulimic too).

Eating right IS the most important step to regaining your health (let's not focus on weight).
 
I still can't eat fast food (junk), can't justify it. So I'm with you all the way on that.

 Keep up the fish and chicken. Tofu can be made as interesting as the spices and food around it.  Peanut butter is a staple in my life, as are other legumes/beans. Every sort of fish there is, I've tried - then I go back and try it again a different way.
 Turkey too!  Turkey sausage - ground turkey to make meatloaf, tacos, hamburgers, stews, just get creative.
 
I think motivation is more the real concern than the right foods.  You know the right foods. Climbing out of the pit is the hard part isn't it?

 I'll support you all the way - if you don't mind that I can be really tough.  Remember, I've been where you are (a few times) and I've mastered all the excuses and reasons and stories - so I know 'em when I see 'em

 You can contact me here or through my site

www.GetTheReal.info

 We are not defined by a number.