Recovering anorexic who wants to lose weight, but not revert to old behavior. Any Ideas?

Question

I am 5'11", I weigh 170 pounds. At the height of my anorexia I weighed 102lbs. I feel really weird about my body. I have gained over 50 lbs over the summer (that's alot, right?) I would like to lose some to put me back around 140-150, but I am scared that I will ultimately revert to my old behaviors (I got so skinny through vigorous exercise and self starvation.) Does anybody have any helpful hints that will allow me to lose a couple of pounds and feel good about myself again?

Answer 1

first of all i think you're at a healthy weight where you're at. if you're determined to lose a little bit of weight (a LITTLE BIT), make sure someone watches you. ask someone who sees you regularly to watch out for you so that you don't become too skinny or don't start to revert back to your old ways. if you're recovering from anorexia, i don't think that it's bad that you gained 50 lbs over the summer. i am 6 feet tall and weigh 165 pounds, and i think i am at a healthy weight. so i think you are too, right where you're at. just eat healthy, don't starve yourself - eat when you're hungry, just eat healthy foods like salads, yogurt, fruits and veggies, etc. and exercise for maybe an hour a day 5x/week and you should be ok.

Answer 2

Listen, for your height you are in your normal healthy range....anywhere from 140-171 is great fro you height. So if you want to lose an extra 20-30 lbs you must be patient because the weight will come off slower but you will be able to keep it off longer, if not for good! You need to make lifestyle changes. Start exercising again and eat good foods. Stay away from fast food, lots of carbs, and junk food. Remember you still need fat and carbs to be able to get you through the day.....just use common sense and look at all the beautiful women around you in all different shapes and sizes....don't look at magazines!!!

Answer 3

I would focus on living a healthy lifestyle. Instead of trying to lose weight, you could try to exercise some and eat healthy. By focusing on making healthy choices, you'll remember that NOT eating is not healthy and therefore won't help you.

Of course that's much easier said than done, and I can't claim to be an expert since I've never had anorexia. You should probably consult your doctor before making any major changes in your diet or exercise.

Good luck!

Answer 4

That's not a lot of weight to gain for your height, especially since you needed to gain the weight after having anorexia. Regarding losing a couple of pounds, don't even go there. It is like an alcoholic who thinks they can have just one drink. Be happy with your weight and glad that you are alive.

Answer 5

Sensible diet and exercise. The key to losing weight is burning more calories than you intake. Avoid sweets, starches and eating late in the evening. Exercise 20 minutes a day, make sure you do something to get your pulse rate up. Do this and you should be fine.

Answer 6

Feel good about yourself NOW the way you are, then it'll be harder to revert back to your old ways. Remember, women aren't supposed to be sticks. Curves are sexy. As for losing a couple pounds, try taking up a sport or game with friends. Don't think of it as exercise, but as a fun time with fun people.

Answer 7

I would have contact your Dr. and have he/she monitor your weigh loss program. I know a gal that was an anorexia when she was younger, then later in life needed to lose, she did it successfully and has since had more problems staying down to a normal weight, but no signs of anorexia

Answer 8

Talk to someone a friend, a dietitian, with anyone and they may help you see why you have this image of yourself. Anorexia is very serious and many have distorted views of they're body image. An increase or decrease is not the issue here, it's getting down to understanding your body and giving it the nutrients it needs to survive. If your worried about portions you know that you u can talk to your local dietitian or even ask your doctor of any referals for the best one. I hope this helped :)

Answer 9

I would recommend you work with a nutritionist or dietitian knowledgeable about eating disorder who can help you develop a healthy eating regimen. I would also encourage you to work with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. You are at great risk to return to anorexic behavior patterns. It takes a long time to appreciate a health body. It's similar to an alcoholic or addict. Take care and good luck

Answer 10

Exercise and eat proper meals. For somebody 5'11" weighing 170 lbs is not that bad.