Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by frequent bingeing -- episodes of eating excessively while feeling lost for control, and attempts to "un-do" ingested calories, such as vomiting, laxative abuse or over-exercise. If you have bulimia you likely fear weight gain, suffer from poor body image and self esteem and feel ashamed of your behaviors. Since bulimia is a life-threatening disorder, the National Eating Disorders Association recommends prompt treatment. Particular foods can support your wellness and recovery.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are valuable sources of vitamins and minerals. Nutrient deficiencies are common among people with bulimia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To reap a broad range of nutrients, incorporate a variety of colors and varieties into your diet regularly. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in nutrients include berries, citrus fruits, apples, bananas, pears, red plums, cantaloupe, tomatoes, spinach, kale, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and squash.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are valuable sources of nutrients, such as B-vitamins and iron and glucose -- your body's main energy source. As fiber-rich foods, incorporating whole grains into your diet can help improve digestive function. This is important since constipation is a common complication of bulimia, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Incorporate whole grains into balanced, nutritious meals regularly for optimum benefits. Examples of nutritious whole grain foods include whole wheat pasta, 100 percent whole grain breads and cereals, steel-cut or old fashioned oatmeal, pearled barley, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa and air-popped popcorn. When purchasing breads, pasta and cereals, check food packaging to ensure that whole grains are listed as primary ingredients.
High-Quality Protein
Protein provides amino acids -- the building blocks of lean tissue. Protein also enhances tissue repair, brain function, sustained energy levels and fullness between meals. To increase muscle and prevent or reduce wasting -- the deterioration of healthy body tissue -- the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends incorporating high-quality protein sources into your diet. Valuable sources of protein include lean meats and poultry, fish, legumes, tofu, eggs, egg whites and low-fat dairy products. Fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, halibut and sardines, provide omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation associated with bulimia and improve your cardiovascular health. Yogurt and kefir are protein-rich dairy products that provide valuable nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and probiotics -- healthy bacteria that may help restore digestive health and immune system function.
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