Posts by incandescentmoon

1. Basics: age, height, lowest weight/BMI, goal weight/BMI? (*do not answer if it will trigger)

16; 5 ft 3; 38kg (?) BMI of about 15; goal about 50 kg; BMI of ~ 21ish

2. How long did you have an ED? How long have you been in recovery?

1 year; 4 months

3. What made you decide to recover?

Finally realising the seriousness of the situation when I had to temporarily leave school.

4. How supportive are your friends/family?

Incredibly supportive. Wouldn't have been able to make it this far without them.

5. How many calories are you eating now?

2500 + everyday

6. The biggest challenge you have faced during recovery?

Fish and Chips from a restaurant called Squires in Devon. *shiver*

7. At what weight did you (or are hoping to) get your period back?

As a male, I'm kinda hoping I don't get one ;)

8. How long did it take for bloating to go away or for the weight to redistribute?

To be honest, I never really noticed the weight gain. It was as if my body dysphormia lessened in proportion to my increased mass :D

9. Things you have learned about yourself?

That I can achieve great things when I am truly well.

That my future is not dictated by a stupid set of imaginary rules/rituals that have no meaning.

10. What your goals are for your health for the future?

To nourish myself properly, everyday.

To exercise normally and be able to run without  compromising my well-being.

To be happy.

Just out of interest, have any of you guys ever tried hazelnut butter? I would say it's even better than almond or peanut...

Anyhow, onto today:

B- Large bowl of muesli w/ ff natural yoghurt + blueberries

S- 3 Digestives w/ gooseberry + elderflower jam

L- Massive Turkey salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, celery, grilled turkey, balsamic vinegar) w/ 2 large emmental cheese + pumpkin flatbreads; hummus; nectarine

S- 2 slices of malt load w/ hazelnut butter

D- Beef + chilli casserole; brocolli + carrots; 4 chunks ciabatta bread.

     2 scoops of yeo valley madagascan vanilla ice cream; 2 squares of dark       chocolate; 1 homemade ginger + chilli biscuit.

You need to take into account the fact that you've been restricting for so long; of course you're going to need 3,000 cals! Everyday you're body has been routinely undernourished so you have to compensate for the massive energy deficit.

At first weight gain may be slightly faster than desired but this is water weight and happens to everyone recovering from anorexia. After a couple of months things will even out and your metabolism will speed up when it starts getting consistent nutrition.

2,500 cals is a gaining amounts for women; you're a fairly tall bloke so will need more.

hope this helps...

Hey there- great to see you're taking recovery seriously. I've reached a healthy BMI after about a year with anorexia and know how difficult the first few steps are :)

Anyway, I definitely think you should try talking to your nutritionist. In my opinion being able to choose all your foods as part of an exchange plan this early in recovery is probably not a good idea as your mind is still set to consuming the lowest-calorie option. This is not healthy!!

As for how much you need, as a growing teenager to gain your requirement should be about 3,000 calories a day. Any kind of exercise should be compensated for on top of this (although I would advise cutting back on physical activity for a while, walking and gentle yoga being 2 exceptions).

The easiest way to manage the food is to divide it throughout the day into 3 meals, 2 snacks + 1 pudding. (plus another snack if needed). Try eating every 2-3 hours and get in plenty of fluids.

Here's an example:

B: Bagel w/ peanut butter + banana; Glass of Orange Juice

S: Bowl of cereal/muesli w/ milk (ff or ss if ff is too difficult)

L: Wrap filled w/ hummus, cheese, meat, veg etc; Side salad w/ olive oil; yoghurt; biscuits

S: Fruit w/ yoghurt

D: Large portion of a cooked meal (like a salmon fillet w/ plenty of rice + 2 types of veg. Include a creamy sauce to boost the meal).

Then a bowl of ice cream or cake etc.

S: Glass of milk w/ cookies..?

Basically you can fit whatever foods you want into this basic structure as long as you're getting in the cals. Also, though it may be difficult, try to enjoy the food and take part in making it (if that's not too triggering). Food is meant to be pleasant as well as a fuel supply and a deprived body needs plenty of it! Wishing you the best for the future- you can beat this ED:D

Hi Everybody!!

Haven't been on the forum for about 4 months. Fortunately I recovered and reached a BMI of 19. However, my birthday's coming up so I need to gain more weight to consolidate on my progress and make sure I don't slip back into the <18.5 zone.

Just want to say you guys are all making a fantastic effort. Believe me, at times I know it can feel like a genuine march through hell but in the end you get rewarded with your life; a real life that you can win without being dictated by food/exercise/ED. Keep it up you legends. :)

Today:

B- Wholemeal Bagel w/ hazelnut butter + a large banana. Bowl of muesli w/ ff milk.

S- 4 Belvita breakfast biscuits.

L- Multigrain seed wrap w/ hummus, celery, tomato, cucumber + feta cheese.         9Bar

S- Blackcurrant Ensure plus. Emmental + Pumpkin flatbread.

D- Gammon steak + creamy peppercorn sauce w/ home grown broad beans, courgettes + broccoli. Anya potatoes.

Quarter of a melon w/ 3 scoops of Mackie's Luxury Dairy Ice cream.

Yes the reason for dizziness when standing after sitting fora period of time is due to low blood pressure- but not the kind that will show up on your blood tests. Basically, when you sit, your heart doesn't need to work as hard... beats slower... decreased pressure. Thus, your brain has a lowered supply of oxygen. When you stand up, you mind suddenly needs far more oxygen than its getting- cue dizziness. This should only be temporary. However, if this is a persistent problem even after a couple of weeks OR you pass out etc. then you should consult a specialist. :)

Ate at Jamie Oliver's restaurant in Oxford!!! The food was absolutely exquisite but unfortunately ED was giving me hell all through lunch. This meant I was focusing more on making sure I ate it all rather than actually savouring the flavour. Why is it ED always flares up when I most want to enjoy something?? Grrrr, so annoyed because of it- but hey, I really challenged myself: mozzarella cheese, vegetable in plent of olive oil, pasta with loads of parmesan. And I did manage to get it all in. So that's good enough :)  hopefully I'll go there again sometime and have a meal without this frustrating anxiety. Keep up the good work guys.

Maybe just rest this weekend and do a bit of low-intensity training throughout the week? If you're feeling up to it, of course. :)

Hi there! Firstly, although it may seem impossible, I urge you to relax. My experience with AN was fairly similar to yours- I restricted, but not to some extremes which others have.

Its good to see you realise there is a problem and have all ready made an effort. I would definitely recommend upping to 3000- this will ensure a consistent weight gain. Also, remember there is no "upper limit" for weight gain. Some people take on about 5,000!

As for metabolism, the best way is not too absolutely stuff yourself at mealtimes- instead spread your calories throughout the day. Much easier on your system :)

Like you, ED was constantly filling my head too. However, through perseverance you come to accept that food is absolutely necessary for healthy living. Honestly, the thoughts do fade.

Hope this has helped and good luck with your exams. Recovery is completely worth (I just found out I am at a BMI of 18.7 yesterday, so am physically at a healthy weight. Still need to gain more for consolidation purposes though)

For some ideas on what foods to eat, check out the 2,500+ thread. The people on there are legends ;)

Heyy to everyone on the forum! I haven't been on here all that long but I can honestly say that you guys inspired me to reach my goal...

Had my weigh in today and have reached a BMI of 18.7. Obviously I have still have a little more to gain but as I am now classified as a "healthy weight" my dietician is reducing my plan to just 1 ensure a day so I might not be making 2,500 everyday.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you so much- you guys are truly amazing. I wish you the best of luck: recovery is completely worth it. Right now, I feel awesome :D

Bye