Trying to recover from anorexia...?

Question

Ok, I am 15 and for the past 2 years have been struggling with anorexia. I am 5 foot 5 and weigh 78 pounds now. I am really trying to get healthy now, gain weight, and get back to normal but i need a little help... what is a good weight for me once i am healthy again? how much weight is healthy to gain per week? how many calories should i be eating per day to gain this weight? what is an example of a good breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack for me? also if anyone has any good advice on how to handle gaining these weight as anorexia is a mental illness more than physical id also appreciate that. thanks!

Answer 1

Don't thnk so much. I recovered 12 years ago and I didn't think I just started eatting what I missed the most during my time starving. Do not eat until your stomach bloats outward. If you eat too much it will do that because it is so small in there. I did that and I felt terrible and almost relapsed. Everyday try to eat one or two items more than the previuos day. I do not know what you should weigh, do you have a doctor helping you with this? I think it is great you want to do this the correct way, but don't think about it so much or you will be obsessing about it like you did with anorexia. Relax and slowly add a different food or two. Eat small frequent meals. Throw the scale away. Throw you food calorie journals away as well. When you are 15, weight is a big issue , I know, but think of all you are missing. When you are anorexic you lack not only food, but happiness, having something in common with friends and family...it isolates you and all you think about is you. Find something to do around people esp. ones who injoy eatting good and healthy. Did you know weight watchers is not only for heavy people, but people who need to eat healthy. I am not suggesting you join, but read up on the internet about them and their ideas...they are sound, healthy eatting ideas. And remember anorexia is only 5% food issues and 95% emotional issues...you need to talk to someone and figure out what has been making you want to waste away. Once I figured mine out...healing went smoother. Best Wishes!!!

Answer 2

You should not weigh less than about 110 pounds, and 120 would be better. As for how many calories you need to eat to gain the weight, that is very hard to guess, it depends on many things, including how much exercise you do and what your basal metabolism is like, suffice to say that you can pretty much eat whatever you want for the time being and not be at risk for being overweight. However, it's best to stay to a healthy diet even if you're trying to gain weight, there is no need to count calories, but try to stay away from too much junk food (other than that, you should be fine).
As for the psychological aspect, I would strongly recommend that you continue seeing your psychiatrist, you are absolutely correct to say that anorexia is a disease, and it won't just go away, so get all the help you can.

Answer 3

You could start out with health shakes like SlimFast or Ensure and make sure to take vitamins as well. I realize that starting to eat again is hard (been through it). I never counted calories or anything, but if it's important to you, you should probably take in anywhere from 1500-2000 daily for a few weeks, but make sure tehy're healthy calories and not quick, fried fast foods as the majority. Carbs are your friend! Most of the calories should come from meats, chicken and fish. Breads and cereals are also a good staple for a healthy diet when you're trying to gain weight. As for a good weight for you, well, basically wherever you feel most comfortable. I, myself am also 5'5", and I keep my weight anywhere from 118-122. The doctor says I should be over 130, but I just don't feel comfortable at that weight. I don't feel healthy or at my best if I'm over 125. It all depends on your body structure as well. Good luck!

Answer 4

you should go to a rehab center. but if you cant you should weigh atleast 120 lbs would be the minimum. dont worry about how much you gain per week. you need to take in 2000 calories a day and you need to eat many fruits and veggies and meat. they will help you gain weight and feel good. work out some too to help gain muscle. but dont overdo the excercising. check some websites for help. search "anorexic rehab" on google search. good luck and God bless.

Answer 5

Oh, Honey...

I don't think anyone on this forum is really qualified to give you this kind of advice. Perhaps you should talk to your doctor, or the very least, go see a dietitian.

Anorexia is a very serious condition and you might need to be on a special diet, at least until your body gets used to food again. In my humble opinion, I think only a professional can help you with your questions.

Best wishes on a full recovery...
T.