Healthy Weight Gain? Sugar Addict?

I think I'm finally on the right path in weight gain here!!

I feel like I've overcome a big step of my ED this week.... and now I eat whenever and whatever I want!!

The problem is, I always crave sweets/non-nutritious sugary junk (ie. chocolate bars) so I've been eating A LOT of those lately.

But I feel that I do eat pretty nutritiously for the rest of the times I'm not eating chocolate junk.

And I know I'm gaining weight and hitting high calories everyday now.... but sometimes my day turns rather unhealthy.... so I feel like even if I gain weight, I'm not necessarily gaining weight the 'right way'.

I know I shouldn't be eating excess chocolate -- its not healthy for anyone, but right now I'm trying not to deny myself anything.... and see if that can make me 'normal' again.  I thought letting myself eat as much chocolate as I wanted, whenever I wanted would gradually decrease cravings.... but nope, theyre still there.... i guess its quite like a drug :S

Any advice/thoughts.... what should this confused sugar/choco addict do!!

It is thought that the reason so many people have chocolate cravings is because it's a "forbidden" food. If you think it's bad, you'll want more. In societies where it isn't seen as a "guilt" food, people eat a lot less of it and rarely have cravings.

I can understand the "I'll just eat whatever", but eating chocolate or candy IN PLACE of the healthy nutritious foods you need to gain weight isn't the best idea. In addition to? That sounds fine.

You may also consider dark chocolate as a healthier alternative to the processed, sugary variety. The most important thing is not to deprive yourself of the nutritious weight gain staples.

Yes, Im having the exact same problem, I'm finally hitting over 2,000, but it is primarily due to ice cream, chocolate, and cake.  I just can't stop with all the junk. My thoughts are just to have one serving, but then I can't help going back for more.  Im trying not to worry myself too much cause i know binges are "normal" during weight gain and my body needs it, but Im starting to get scared that im headed down a dark road. 

I also have a stupid question to add, does it make a difference in the weight gain? I've read many a post saying the weight will redistribute, but it is all stubbornly staying around my stomach area and that makes me extra nervous.  I was always extremely heavy in the stomach area pre-ed and I dont want to go right back to how I was because that is what lead me to want to lose weight in the first place.  Seeing the fat sitting there covering what were my nice firm abs is pretty triggering.  I went from a nice flat stomach to blahhh grossness.  I just wish i could gain weight in my shoulders and butt and be done with this crap and keep my stomach how it is...or was.

Yeah, thats what I was wondering as well, to what aeropink said.

Will different types of food affect weight distribution?

Because I always get so worried about sugar because I have this obscene thought that the sugar will go directly to my stomach and turn to flab. But I'm pretty sure thats not true. Just wondering though if different types of food e.g. fats, carbs go to different places?

Oooh I would like to know this as well. I don't think any particular type of food affects weight distribution but Im not 100% sure. However any calorie is a good one if you're recovering from anorexia I suppose but maybe try to cut down on the chocolate? or try mixing your chocolate with healthier stuff, like breaking up smaller pieces into yoghurt or something? i do that sometimes :)

xxxx

Will different types of food affect weight distribution?


No.

In recovery, food is food is food. The differences come from if it is a food you are "fearful" of - in which case you should aim to eat it until you aren't scared of - or if you're severely lacking in a food group (for example I've noticed lots of people seem to be wary of carbs, even though they should make up 60% of your intake). But what you eat will NOT affect distribution, will NOT make you fatter just because you're eating healthy fats or a bit more sugar than your average bear, or whatever other crazy myths you can concoct. This idea, sadly, is one stemmed from the fears of your eating disorder and not any real proof.

What you do need is a good balance. 60-10-30, particularly as most of you don't have your period. Like any human being, if your diet IS largely cookies, cake and non-nutritious junk then yes, you will likely end up getting unwell. But that doesn't mean you CAN'T have any. Just make a balance, like Dolly said. Put your chocolate into live yoghurt or melt it onto a banana. When you opt for cake go for a slice of fruit pie/tart rather than one filled with jam and iced or make your own wholemeal bread and butter pudding. Remember that dairy like custard and ice cream will have a calcium content. Etc.

If you're really worried you're eating too much junky refined sugar make switches out for dense sweet fruits. Think how satisfyingly delicious dates are, and they're exactly like eating sweets. Dried prunes, cherries, banana chips... but remember to have some sweets and "junk". Never restrict anything on a gainer diet unless you have an allergy or a severe intolerance. :]