Posts by girlplurality

Usually, about 50% or less. Recently though it's increased to 60-70%... sigh.

I think sometimes in recovery from eating disorders we can become distracted by other things. Remember that you are sick, and prioritise recovery over the other things on your mind. Once you're recovered you can give them your full attention.

Hey, my therapist and nutritionist have taken the same approach. At first I found it really daunting not really being sure what to aim for. In fact, my therapist recently said I could finish therapy without setting a goal weight if I wanted (luckily, I did not want this!). I suppose the main thing is to address the psychological issues so that the weight becomes less of an issue and focus.

I think how she's planned for you to create your own meal plan sounds good. I do that too! Try thinking about a food that both feels relatively safe yet something you haven't had in a while (it helps if it's something you really want!) and just start having it! Alternatively, if you're skipping meals start by introducing them back in (this is what I did). Then you can start working towards adding variety and addressing fear foods.

As Sarahbear said it is true that each goal becomes easier, and that as you gain weight your disordered thoughts will lessen. Perhaps you could set yourself your own individual weight goals? I've found that the freedom I'm allowed in my treatment has actually been very beneficial; make it work to your advantage!

Height: 5'2.5 (I think, might be just 5'2)

LW: 38kg

Last week: 43.2kg

This week: 43.2kg

GW: 48kg

I'm sick at the moment so I'm struggling with getting the calories in, but when I'm better I'll be increasing!

Original Post by oatsnmeals:

In addition, there is no "right" or "wrong" food. You don't have to eat healthy or natural all the time. It's totally ok to treat yourself, and actually part of recovery is also to learn to incorporate "junk food" into our diets without having to freak out, because are you going to bring your own lunchbox to social events? If people order pizza, what are you going to do? Starve and then go home to binge on your healthy organic foods?

 

This is why I don't post in this thread... There is such a focus on healthy and 'clean' eating that my menus would just embarrass me.

I think Agruskin does a great job of checking up on people: it's easy to look at what people have eaten and assume it's enough, but unless you look hard enough you can't really tell. And sometimes people need that reminder to keep eating enough.

I also think that BMI and goal weights are a very personal issue. It's about what feels right for each person, mentally and physically. But I also think that people who have had an ED should not settle for a lower BMI and should at least get to 18.5 in order to be healthy.

Breakfast: 7.15am (!)

Snack: 10am

Lunch: 12pm - 1pm

Snack: 3pm

Dinner: 6.30- 7.30pm

Snack: 9pm

This is on weekdays. Weekends everything shifts to about an hour later, because I sleep in!

I think the important thing to focus on is that everyone is different and you should eat to a schedule that works for you. My eating is very much dictated by my work and study, for instance, whereas other people might be able to be more flexible. It's also good to eat regularly (every 2-3 hours). I find if I skip a meal or eat late for whatever reason, I feel triggered to restrict and eating becomes harder.

Height: 5'2.5 (I think, might be just 5'2)

LW: 38kg

Last week: 42.8kg

This week: 43.2kg

GW: 48kg

I'm struggling today. I gained nearly a pound on 2000-2200 (bad, I know) so I'm going to push up to 2500 but I am utterly terrified.

Haha good thread!

I have a friend that seems oblivious to nutrition. Whenever I stay over he forgets to provide me with breakfast or, if he does, offers me a sugary cereal bar. He's currently trying to lose weight (he's overweight) and told me excitedly that his new healthy eating plan involves having fruit for lunch. Just fruit. Alarmingly, he keeps trying to advise me about gaining weight (which I need to).

A girl he lives with is also pretty bad; she only eats sweets and chocolate. I'm not even joking... Everyone is quite concerned about her.

Original Post by agruskin:

no, i agree with GIJANE

youre health is at such a dangerous risk, a stupid little internest site is NOT where your guidance should be coming from.  there are no medical doctors here to give u firsthand suggestions based on YOUR health status.

again, ur health is at such a risk rt now, no one here through the internet can be the best help, stay with medical doctors.

Agreed.

If you're gaining on 2200 calories, why not gain on 2500+? I doubt there'd be any difference to how quickly you gained; and after all, it doesn't matter how quickly you gain.

Also, a BMI of 17.4 is NOT a good goal. It is not even out of the anorexic range. Your doctors are probably telling you that so as not to scare you into relapse, and they are also probably suggesting it as an initial goal. When you get to 95lb you'll feel healthier, stronger, and happier, and be able to keep on gaining to a healthy weight. Once weight restored you'll then be able to fight the issues that contribute to the ED.

By the way... the more you eat the quicker your metabolism will speed up, as Helen said.

Height: 5'2.5 (I think, might be just 5'2)

LW: 38kg

Last week: 42.2kg

This week: 42.8kg

GW: 48kg

Woo progress!

Height: 5'2.5 (I think, might be just 5'2)

LW: 38kg

Last week: 42.7kg

This week: 42.2kg

GW: 48kg

I am amazed by my metabolism. I was weighed in at 9.30am instead of 2pm, but I expected at least to maintain so... up go the calories!

Original Post by plashford:

I've looked into the shelters info online, but it seems to be geared toward domestic violence, i.e., women who are getting their faces beat in and may be in mortal harm. I would hate to think I was taking resources away from women and children who need them more desperately than I do.  My son's therapy is paid through private insurance and the remainder picked up by PA's medical assistance.

I suppose I hadn't mentioned that I am a full-time mother and housewife, and therefore without money or transportation (since he blew up the engine in his truck and started using the van to go to work).

Thanks for the quick response. I feel very alone right now.

The term 'domestic violence' is actually not very helpful because domestic abuse involves emotional and mental abuse as well. I'd suggest you look into shelters further; I suspect they will be very willing to help you.

Do you have any friends/family you could stay with if needed?

I'm 5'2 and exceedingly small boned. I look my best at a BMI of 19, but am going to go for 20, which is 110lb. I strongly recommend you aim for this to prevent relapse. Last time in refeeding a BMI of 19 was not enough to prevent me relapsing. You need to do this. The weight you say was your highest weight is a little above what I am now: and I am still gaining!

Mid 80lb is not just 'low', it is dangerously low. You are putting your health at risk by allowing ED to dominate your thoughts like this. You will be most equipped to fight the ED and those thoughts at a higher weight, so keep on gaining.

Try looking at it this way: you're gaining weight now, so you may as well increase to an amount that will help repair your metabolism. It's gain on 2000 and not repair, or gain on 2500-3000 and repair... Drawing the process out will not make it any easier, because at the end of the day you still need to gain weight. You may as well do it the healthy way!

I also agree that 10-15lb is not really near your goal; I have about that amount to gain as well and would not say I am near a healthy weight at all!

I make a to do list. Sometimes just the task of thinking what you need to do for the day is motivation enough. If it's a study-related funk, I read something light and engaging until I feel strong enough to tackle the denser reading. I then promise myself I'll take a good lunch break and relax properly in the evening. Good luck!