Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 11/4/2006

Question
Dear Leigh-Anne,

I am a 26 year-old male, height 6'3", weight 162 lbs.  This past summer, my female cousin invited me to attend a meeting of Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous.

Since I am a member of another 12-step Program, I decided to check it out with an open mind.  After hearing the speaker, I identified myself as a "food addict" since I certainly did not want to be in denial -- I know how harmful denial can be due to my experience in the other 12-step program.

I now have a sponsor who has me eating 3 eggs and 2 oz. of oatmeal for breakfast, 12 oz. of salad, 6 oz. protein, and 8 oz. of vegetables for lunch, and 10 oz. of salad, 6 oz. of protein, and 8 oz. of vegetables for dinner.

I feel hungry throughout the day.  I never had a weight problem.  My max weight was 185 lbs., well within the healthy weight range for a 6'3" male.  I hate this food plan, but when I give up on it I feel dejected for having given up.

I want to eat whatever I want whenever I want and not feel guilty about it.  But this program got inside my head.  I think I may be eating way too little.  My sponsor tells me I will be hungry for two weeks.  This is not fun.  What do you suggest?  Forgetting that this program even exists?

Answer
What was your diet like before this program?? Have you been losing weight? I don't see any dairy or fruits in your current diet plan. Nor do I see many carbohydrates (complex carbs such as bread and pasta and potato). This plan seems a bit scant to me. Were you an over-eater to begin with? If not, this program seems a bit extreme to me. You need some healthy snacks in between those meals.