Gaining weight? eating disorder recovery?
Replies
-
Because she is struggling to eat her calories and her job provides her with enough activity at this point. Eating enough to gain is hard enough when you are struggling to get enough calories as it is. An eating disorder actually makes food and weight gain frightening so exercising means you have to eat more. I have lived with a person with an eating disorder they often under estimate how many calories they have burned as well. She needs the help of a healthcare team to assist her in this because it is more then a simple weight gain program.0
-
*facepalm* :noway:
Not exercising until she is at a healthy body weight?Incorporating foods higher in fat can make it easier to reach your calorie goal.
This includes avocado, cheese, butter (and other dairy products), oils, chocolate etc.
Cut the exercise as much as possible, at least until you are at a healthy weight.
Continue working with a dietitian specialized in eating disorders.
Why would she do that? Even if she is trying to get to a healthy weight she should still be doing weight training.
Physical recovery from a restrictive ED is not just about gaining weight outside. There is also repair going on inside the body too, e.g. restoration of organs, such as the heart. The heart muscle is the only muscle you should be worrying about in recovery, and as the heart can be damaged, weight training could be potentially dangerous.
+1
Exercising while underweight and putting more strain on the heart is NOT a good idea.
ETA - not to mention that the body needs every bit of energy it can get to repair at the moment, rather than waste that precious energy on exercising.0 -
I'm a giant language nerd, so bear with me...
Please be cautious when using the word "healthy." It means different things to different people, so on its own without context, it's pretty much meaningless. For the majority of people on MFP, "eating healthy" typically means more fruits and veggies, lean protein, low-cal, etc. However, for a small group of people here, including you and me and a lot of the people on this board, that definition doesn't work. If I follwed the definition of "healthy" that Jane Doe, Typical MFP User has, I would end up in a very unhealthy place.
For us, first and foremost, a "healthy" day is one where we hit our minimum calorie goal. That's the #1 most important thing to consider. So, when we're asking ourselves "did I eat healthy today?", what we should be asking is "did I meet my minimum calorie goal?" If we didn't meet that minimum goal, it doesn't matter what we ate.
After minimum calories, the next question should be "did I meet or come close to my macro goals?" (That's assuming you have a reasonable macro distribution for your individual circumstances. I'll be honest and say I don't know enough about anorexia recovery to be able to tell if your macros are set up accurately or not.) I looked through a few days of your diary, and your fat macro is consistently lower than your target.
When you're in a place that "healthy eating" means almost the opposite of what it means for other people, it can be really difficult to tell whether or not you're doing it right. It kind of feels like everyone else is going together in one direction, and you're off by yourself somewhere else. I'm really happy to see that you're still posting and still working on getting better. We're all rooting for you to succeed.0 -
*facepalm* :noway:
Not exercising until she is at a healthy body weight?Incorporating foods higher in fat can make it easier to reach your calorie goal.
This includes avocado, cheese, butter (and other dairy products), oils, chocolate etc.
Cut the exercise as much as possible, at least until you are at a healthy weight.
Continue working with a dietitian specialized in eating disorders.
Why would she do that? Even if she is trying to get to a healthy weight she should still be doing weight training.
Physical recovery from a restrictive ED is not just about gaining weight outside. There is also repair going on inside the body too, e.g. restoration of organs, such as the heart. The heart muscle is the only muscle you should be worrying about in recovery, and as the heart can be damaged, weight training could be potentially dangerous.
Yes, she needs to get healthy first and doctor approval. When she has that, she can resume a normal life in moderation.
Also, when I said that she will gain muscle, I mean even if she doesn't lift weights. She will gain muscle. It won't be just fat. And she can still move around and be weight bearing and mildly active. Some people are bed ridden. But, not always.
And when we say weight training, we do not mean to start at heavy weights. She can start with 5 pound dumbbells (with doctor approval).0 -
hi, not sure if you have a clinical team?
i have been in treatment since october for anorexia nervosa.
i would suggest to cut down on the exercise. you are active at work, there's no need to do 30-60 mins of exercise on top of that a day.
try calorie dense foods so you do not feel so full, and switch to the full fat and full sugar versions of things. no diet foods.
if possible try to get clinical help, i have failed with recovery for years because i never got help.
eating disorders anonymous has online, phone and in person meetings different days and times of the week, and they are very helpful. overeaters anonymous also welcomes people, even without overeating issues, really any issues with food, are welcome there as well.
there is an app too called recovery record that has been super helpful for me.
2200 seems like a good amount to help you gain. if it is too much to handle, try upping your cals by 100 every week or two until you get there. stay away from the scale, for me seeing gains were triggering so i had to not know what i was gaining. i have been maintaining now for several months, and i am no longer underweight, no longer deficient in vitamins, my white blood cell count isn't as low and my heart rate is up from 52bpm to now 68 bpm.
feel free to add me on here, i do not log my calories anymore. i just log in recovery record app what i ate, i really have no idea how much i am eating. i go by hunger cues now and try to eat a full breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack or two, and have been successful in maintaining a healthy weight.
it is hard as hell to do this, i still have disordered thoughts quite frequently. i'm no where near recovered yet, but i am on the road to recovery.
feel free again to add me if you want a recovery buddy, if you use kik you can message me on that too.
best of luck to you.0 -
right now in my treatment, we are focussing on breaking the terms unhealthy and healthy from foods. it's okay for me to eat candy, cookies, full fat foods. because i am not overweight and i do not have heart disease. as long as i eat the recommended amount of fats, sugars, carbs etc, then that is okay. i wouldn't worry about your sugars being a little high, as your body really needs everything it can get. once you are at a healthy weight with good labs and bloodwork, then staying within the daily recommended levels is fine. if you start only eating junk food constantly, well then down the road you will run into problems. now focus on those calorie dense foods. seeds, nuts, full fat dairy, nut butters, avocados. just by having the full fat versions of foods can easily get you at the calories you need.
calculate your tdee at active, and make sure if you do exercise to eat those calories back, as you do not want to be at a deficit since you do not need to lose weight.
also, i would not suggest a pedometer, as that can lead to obsessive behaviors and can be triggering.
i also agree if you are to do exercise, to try and to strength training as you need to get muscle mass back. only start this once you are on a healthier weight gain, i wouldn't suggest to do this right away.0 -
I threw my scales out today cause im sick of weighing myself, and im aiming for more calories as well, how was my diet today? thanks guys
im thinking about getting more support from the doctor too 0 -
I threw my scales out today cause im sick of weighing myself, and im aiming for more calories as well, how was my diet today? thanks guys im thinking about getting more support from the doctor too
Great! Good work today! You are still going to need to eat more calories, but you are working towards that.0 -
+1*facepalm* :noway:
Physical recovery from a restrictive ED is not just about gaining weight outside. There is also repair going on inside the body too, e.g. restoration of organs, such as the heart. The heart muscle is the only muscle you should be worrying about in recovery, and as the heart can be damaged, weight training could be potentially dangerous.
Thank you.0 -
hows my eating been today guys? 0
-
I'd say it's a good start but for anorexia recovery you need about 2500+ calories a day for weight restoration and other internal repairs. If you could add foods high in fat (ex: nuts, seeds, butter, full fat dairy products) on top of what you're already eating that would help you add more calories to your daily intake without much volume.0
-
how was my eating for 12/04/2014 guys? any help is great, been feeling better actually!0
-
Looking at your diary, if I had to guess, your sugar is probably a bit on the high side. Try to stay below 50 grams a day. But otherwise it doesn't look too bad.
Also, if you're underweight, try to go easy on your exercises. I know they probably make you feel good, but if you're having a hard time meeting your minimum caloric needs a day to gain weight, any added in cardio is only going to compound the problem.
If you must to do cardio, keep it light and under 30 minutes.
I'm currently working with someone else who has/had a eating disorder and the key that has helped her, is eating multiple, small meals throughout the day. If you're working a hectic job at a hospital, I'd pack yourself quick & easy healthy snacks to bring in with you and just constantly be snacking on something throughout the day.
Get a Pedometer as well. This will tell you exactly how many steps you're taking per day at your job and from there, you can more accurately calculate how many more calories, on top of your 1,647 caloric base needs, you need to be eating per day.
Good luck and don't give up!
Why would you tell someone who is trying to gain weight to cut back on sugar? Yes, she needs fats and protein, but I wouldn't suggest counting sugar to someone struggling to hit her calorie goals. The focus by even the American Heart Association on sugar is for reasons of getting too many calories.
Because she asked about how healthy she is eating. High amounts of sugar is NOT healthy for you and can contribute to all sorts of inflammatory diseases in the long term, including heart disease and diabetes.
There are plenty of other, easy ways to get your calories. Such as natural peanut butter, nuts & avocados and just eating regularly throughout the day.
OP - ignore this. It's pseudoscience and scare mongering.
You do need to get your fats up. A low fat diet is counterproductive, was abandoned in the 90s even for losing weight, and actually will endanger your health. The treats you're eating, not so much.
Listen to this guy. He knows what his talking about!0 -
how was my diary for 15/04/2014? thanks, for all the comments guys 0
-
how was my diary for 15/04/2014? thanks, for all the comments guys
i think you mean 04/15/2014? do they write it the other way in some countries?0 -
how was my diary for 15/04/2014? thanks, for all the comments guys
i think you mean 04/15/2014? do they write it the other way in some countries?
Yes, they do.0 -
how was my diary for 15/04/2014? thanks, for all the comments guys
i think you mean 04/15/2014? do they write it the other way in some countries?
Yes, they do.
Actually, 04/15/2014 is only used in the US, the rest of the world writes day/ month/ year as in 15.04.2014 (ok except for China, they write the year first^^)0 -
If you suspect you have an eating disorder it is best to get a professional assessment from an intake therapist at an eating disorder treatment center. Eating disorders are diseases and should be treated by doctors/professionals who understand the disease.
I have an eating disorder. I am a restrictor and avoider of food and then I binge eat. It is never about the food or calories it is more about what is going on inside of you. You could be eating healthy and still losing weight because of the stress/trauma in life your going through and that usually requires professional help. Also, if you are losing weight, you might have to reduce and/or stop the exercise for a time frame.
I went to treatment three times at different treatment centers around the country. Where do you live? I highly recommend Castlewood Treatment Center in St. Louis, MO. www.castelewoodtc.com
They do have a location in California called Monarch Cove too. You can call them and just do a free phone assessment to find out what they would recommend. Hope that helps.0 -
I did review your diary and you aren't eating all your calories and your protein levels are none to very low....You would do better eating more protein and you are eating a lot of fruit for breakfast. I would eat one fruit, one good source of protein, like oatmeal, eggs, turkey bacon for breakfast and a grain like granola. You definitely need about 6-8 glasses of water for hydration or your electrolytes will be very bad. Looking over the Diary it does look like eating disordered behavior and I would highly recommend seeking professional help.0
-
how was my diary for 15/04/2014? thanks, for all the comments guys
i think you mean 04/15/2014? do they write it the other way in some countries?
Yes, they do.
Actually, 04/15/2014 is only used in the US, the rest of the world writes day/ month/ year as in 15.04.2014 (ok except for China, they write the year first^^)
wow, i really need to get out more. how do they do it in NorCal?0 -
how was my diary for 15/04/2014? thanks, for all the comments guys
i think you mean 04/15/2014? do they write it the other way in some countries?
Yes, they do.
Actually, 04/15/2014 is only used in the US, the rest of the world writes day/ month/ year as in 15.04.2014 (ok except for China, they write the year first^^)
wow, i really need to get out more. how do they do it in NorCal?
We use the date convention of 16APR2014 (for ex). This was also the format at the last company I worked at. Don't know if it is becoming scientific convention, or what.0 -
how was my diary for 15/04/2014? thanks, for all the comments guys
i think you mean 04/15/2014? do they write it the other way in some countries?
Yes, they do.
Actually, 04/15/2014 is only used in the US, the rest of the world writes day/ month/ year as in 15.04.2014 (ok except for China, they write the year first^^)
wow, i really need to get out more. how do they do it in NorCal?
We use the date convention of 16APR2014 (for ex). This was also the format at the last company I worked at. Don't know if it is becoming scientific convention, or what.
We write the month first in Canada also, so it's a North American thing.0 -
i am already seeking help, just advice helps0
-
OP - are there any foods that you used to really enjoy, that really made you happy? Could you try adding some of those into your diet to help with calories? Maybe you really used to like your mom's mac and cheese, or an aunt's coffee cake. Getting some food that you enjoy could help you get your calories up higher. Liquid calories could be very helpful as many have already mentioned. Best of luck!0
-
Hiyya,
Sorry if this has already been mentioned, but an idea could be to add in a supplement drink like fortisip or ensure. As they are nutritionally balanced you'd be able to just get a little top up on your intake and know that it had all the things in it that will help you repair your body and mind
Generally speaking I used to find a handful of nuts quite helpful either raw or as a butter.
Also ( this was given to me IP and a good habit I stuck with) An evening drink before bed like ovaltine,horlicks or hot chocolate and a banana or a biscuit or other small snack helps you sleep and just gives you a little more intake.
Another thing I tried to do was not to attatch too much emotion to food and not to see it as punishment or reward - just nourishment. I also tried to enjoy eating as a social and bonding occasion maybe with family or friends. Nothing extravegant, but tonight for example, I plan to roast a chicken without extra fat in the oven, seasoned and to boil up some carrots and beans and pop in some potatoes and gravy (you could make this with oil if you wanted more cal) then I will invite my brother over and eat with him and catch up over dinner and then there probably will be some chicken left over for tommorows lunch! (and of course some scraps for my spoiled kitty).
Finally I tried to make my excercise more social and relaxed and less driven by calories - now I often yoga and hang around after to chat (this also clears your mind wonderfully). But I do still run, but out of enjoyment and to raise money for mental health charities A little excercise helps manage stress, keeps you refreshed and healthy, too much excercise can make you tired and unhappy
I hope that helps, and apologies if I've said anything to offend,
best of luck OP 0 -
you are so correct in your reply about exercise while recovering from an ED.0
-
how was my eating today guys?0
-
Just looking at your diary, you haven't met your calorie goal once? I'm just wondering how you think you're doing?
The next question I'm asking you, I'm asking with the upmost of respect, and from one ED sufferer to another, but what exactly are you hoping to gain from getting us to look at your diary? As I've said already, you haven't met your calorie goal once (2,323 calories, which for somebody your age, is insufficient for recovery), so having us check your diary obviously isn't helping you increase. As a fellow sufferer, having so many people observing how much I'm eating would actually be very unhelpful for me because I'd feel like I was 'failing' at anorexia if I ate enough (that will only make sense to ED sufferers!).
Really, the only people who should be watching your food diary is you and an ED professional. I honestly can't see how this can be helping you.0 -
Got to agree with the above..
I'm also in recovery so I do understand that you will be wanting reassurance from others about your intake, but your not meeting your daily goal-so there isnt much advice anyone can give except meet your goals, specific macros aren't really your priority right now, just calories.
I'd suggest stop trying to seeking verification from others, except a medical professional specialising in ED and just meet your goals.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions