Diet Plans for Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by uncontrolled binging---periods of excessive overeating---and harmful means of purging, such as vomiting, laxative abuse or over-exercise. Bulimia is associated with poor body image, low self-esteem and depression. A healthy dietary plan that addresses the bulemia sufferer's physical and emotional wellness and behaviors is important. People suffering from bulemia need to seek dietary guidance from a qualified professional.

Function

Diet plans for bulimia aim to normalize eating habits and restore or support physical wellness. A bulemia diet will likely involve meals and snacks of healthy foods, consumed at appropriate time intervals throughout the day. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, since nutrient deficiencies are common among bulimia sufferers, doctors and dietitians may also recommend dietary supplements.

Guidelines

Bulimia diet plans encourage a variety of healthy foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, protein and fats. According to "Nutrition and Diet Therapy," by Linda K. DeBruyne, Kathryn Pinna and Eleanor Noss Whitney, an appropriate diet does not promote severe calorie or food restriction. Instead, the diet should provide sufficient calories, usually no less than 1,600 calories per day, and guide the individual toward choosing balanced, normal-sized food portions at meals. Since people with bulimia often view certain foods, such as sweets, fats or carbohydrates, as "bad," the diet plan may encourage modest amounts of these foods on an occasional basis until the patient no longer associates them with binging or cause for self-punishment.

Optimum Foods

Diet plans for bulimia encourage a broad assortment of healthy foods. According to DeBruyne, Pinna and Whitney, dietary guidelines should mirror healthy guidelines for healthy adults, which includes fruits and/or vegetables, complex carbohydrates, lean protein sources and healthy fat at most meals. Rather than restricting carbohydrates, as some people with bulimia do, it's important to opt for complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and starchy vegetables, most often. Lean protein sources include lean meat, skinless chicken and turkey breasts, tofu, legumes, fish and low-fat dairy products. Healthy fats derive from nuts, seeds, fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, and plant-based oils, such as olive, canola and sunflower oil.

Challenges/Risks

Altering a diet while recovering from bulimia poses numerous challenges. Since bulimia involves negative attitudes about food and harmful, generally addictive dietary behaviors, treatment that addresses the patient's emotions and behaviors is key. She may require individual counseling, medications or, if symptoms are severe, hospitalization to successfully improve her diet and health, according to the American Psychological Association. Once the patient has begun the recovery process, partaking in restrictive or gimmick-based diet plans can increase the risk for relapses and lead to reduced metabolism, unhealthy weight gain and even heart problems. If any organs were damaged due to bulimia, these risks are heightened.

Suggestions

Though bulimia is a complex illness, it is treatable. Once the patient is on the road to recovery, staying in contact with her therapist, medical doctor and dietitian can help ensure long-term recovery and wellness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A patient surrounding herself with people who love and accept her for who she is and seeking work, hobbies and relationships that bring emotional fulfillment, unrelated to body shape or size, can also help. It's important for a bulemia patient to take her diet plan one day at a time and aim for healthy foods most often, rather than "perfection," and exhibit patience. Patients need to remind themselves that, though recovery from bulimia may take time, their wellness and happiness are worth their efforts. If a bulemia patient exhibits signs or symptoms of bulimia or bulimia relapse, it's essential to seek prompt professional guidance.