Eating disorders are illnesses that involve obsession over food and/or weight loss, poor body image and self-esteem, and that frequently involve harmful methods of managing your weight. The main types of eating disorders include anorexia, which involves self-starvation, and bulimia, which involves bingeing and purging. Additional types include binge eating disorder, a disorder characterized by bingeing without purging, and eating disorders not-otherwise-specified, which involve disordered eating behaviors and attitudes but without the specific characteristics of other eating disorders, such as bingeing or extreme weight loss. Treatment for eating disorders may require psychological counseling, medical treatments and/or medications. A diet plan that supports your recovery is also crucial.
Function
If you have an eating disorder, the specifics of your diet will depend on the type of eating disorder you have, your overall health and your doctor or dietitian's guidance. In general, an appropriate diet provides sufficient amounts of calories and nutrients and encourages normalized eating habits, such as eating meals and snacks at regular time intervals and avoiding calorie counting and fad diet techniques. Overall, your diet should enhance your healing process and promote long-term physical and emotional recovery.
Basic Guidelines
Once you are ready for a diet plan, following basic guidelines can help you develop and grow accustomed to a normal, healthy eating routine. According to social worker and dietitian Ellyn Satter, normal eating involves eating three meals and snacks, as needed, most days. It also allows for flexible food choices, provides enjoyment and does not enforce rigid rules or view foods as "good" or "bad."
Eat your meals at similar times each day and aim for a variety of foods at each meal. Though almost any food can suit your diet while recovering from an eating disorder, certain foods are particularly helpful. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends incorporating high-quality protein sources, such as lean meat, eggs or fish, into all of your meals. Aim for a variety of fruits and vegetables for broad dietary benefits and to strengthen your immune system and digestive health. Other fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains and legumes, also enhance digestion and provide an assortment of helpful nutrients. Dietary fats are important for improved skin and hair health, brain function and nutrient absorption. Optimum sources include plant-based oils such as olive and canola oils, nuts, seeds, peanut or almond butter and avocados. Though most of your food choices should be reasonably healthy, your dietitian or therapist may recommend including "treat" foods in modest proportions
Features
Eating disorder diet plans generally take place on an out-patient basis. If your weight is extremely low and/or you refuse to make efforts to eat normally or gain weight, you may require hospitalization and re-feeding---a process in which you are fed nutrients and calories intravenously. If you are overweight, your diet plan may or may not address weight loss. In many cases, treating the emotional and behavioral aspects of your disorder is the top priority of health care professionals and leads to healthy weight management, according to the American Psychological Association.
On an out-patient basis, you may see your dietitian on a daily, weekly or less frequent basis, depending upon your needs and progress. You may be asked to keep a food diary that tracks your food intake and emotions. You may also have a diet plan guide, such as a healthy eating food pyramid or list of appropriate meals and snacks. Your recommended food intake may be gradually increased if you have been restricting food and calories severely.
Treat Foods
Treat foods are foods that you eat for pleasure rather than for dietary benefits. Though you should not consume excessive amounts of foods high in sugar, refined flour or saturated fat, enjoying them on occasion is acceptable and, in some cases, helpful toward improving your attitudes and behaviors regarding food and eating. Your dietitian or therapist might encourage you to consume treat foods on a scheduled basis, such as an appropriate-size treat or dessert per day, as a step toward normalizing your eating attitudes and behaviors and to prevent or reduce feelings of deprivation.
Long-term Recovery
To attain long-term recovery, avoiding harmful dietary practices is vital. Steer clear of fad diets, even if you carry excess body weight. Fad diets can lead to reduced metabolism, poor energy, nutrient deficiencies and weight gain, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Instead, aim for a healthy, balanced diet that promotes your physical and emotional wellness. If you feel that your wellness is weakening or you feel tempted to partake in harmful dietary behaviors, seek guidance from your therapist or dietitian. Staying in close contact with your treatment professionals on a long-term basis can also help ensure the strength and endurance of your recovery.
References
- American Psychological Association: Treatment for Anorexia and Bulimia
- University of Michigan: Normal Eating
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bulimia Nervosa
- National Eating Disorder Association: Dieting Facts and Risks
- American Psychological Association: Binge-Eating Disorder: What's The Best Treatment?
Member Comments