Eating disorders are complex illnesses that affect your body, emotions and behaviors. If you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia, bulimia or a binge eating disorder, getting the proper diagnosis and treatment from qualified professionals is key. While an assortment of diets is available to today's consumer, fad diets pose potentially serious risks. Instead, aim for a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports healthy weight management and healthy dietary habits. Continual monitoring by a qualified dietitian can enhance your recovery.
Types
There are three types of eating disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health--anorexia, bulimia and eating disorders not otherwise specified, or EDNOS. Though emotional components of the diseases are often similar, such as depression, anxiety and distorted body image, anorexia involves self-starvation and severe calorie restriction, while bulimia involves binging and purging. EDNOS include binge eating disorder and a range of other disordered eating habits, thoughts and behaviors. Your diet during recovery will vary, depending upon your disorder type, severity and symptoms.
Function
A healthy diet during eating disorder recovery aims to restore nutritional imbalances and healthy body weight and minimize unhealthy diet behaviors. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people with bulimia often exhibit nutrient deficiencies which may require dietary supplementation in addition to healthy foods. If you are underweight, your diet should support healthy weight gain and lean tissue development. If you are overweight, your diet program may or may not address weight loss initially.
Guidelines
Though the specific guidelines of your diet may vary, your dietitian will likely recommend balanced meals at regular time intervals and a variety of healthy foods from all nutrient groups, including fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, protein and fats. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests high-quality protein sources, such as lean meats and poultry, low-fat dairy products, legumes, eggs and tofu, which enhance lean tissue growth and repair. Complex carbohydrates provide nutrients, fiber and glucose--your body's primary energy source. Fruits and vegetables supply significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which support your physical recovery and strengthen your immune system. Healthy fats, found in nuts, seeds, plant-based oils and avocados, promote healthy hair and skin and improve brain function and nutrient absorption. Though sugary and high-fat foods are not necessary foods, your diet will likely allow or promote modest amounts.
Diets to Avoid
While fad or "quick-fix" diets pose risks for most everyone, they are particularly dangerous if you have or have had an eating disorder. According to the Weight-Control Information Network, diets that promote intense calorie restriction, limit entire nutrient groups, such as carbohydrates or fats, and those that promise rapid weight loss can increase your risk for kidney stones, heart palpitations, mood and energy problems and weight gain. If you are underweight or normal weight, take special precautions to avoid all fad diet books, which may trigger negative dietary behaviors. If you are overweight and feel tempted by popular weight loss diets, discuss your concerns with an eating disorder specialist to determine whether you are ready to address weight loss and what method is optimum.
Suggestions
Eating disorder recovery is often challenging and time intensive. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests involving your loved ones in your treatment program so that they can offer emotional support and help prevent relapse. Do your best to avoid negative influences, such as friends or coaches who place value on thinness, and weight loss and magazines that display unrealistic beauty standards. Avoiding caffeine and nicotine, exercising moderately and staying in close contact with qualified professionals can help ensure long-term recovery and dietary success. Keep in mind that though eating disorders are complex, they are treatable; full recovery tends to instill deep emotional satisfaction and joy.
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