Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binging and purging. Though purging typically takes the form of self-induced vomiting, some people that suffer from bulimia will abuse laxatives or over-exercise after a binge. Many people suffering from bulimia lose weight, commonly becoming underweight, due to the lack of nutrition their bodies receive. Though they consume large amounts of food during their binges, their bodies are not provided the opportunity to benefit from the nutrition provided by this food due to the purging. As a result, many people suffering from bulimia must gain weight to bring their body weights within normal ranges.
Step 1
Consult a dietitian. Your dietitian will review your current nutritional status and develop a nutritional plan to meet your needs. The prescribed strategies will help you to gain weight at a slow and steady pace.
Step 2
Visit a psychologist and encourage her to communicate with your dietitian. Gaining weight can be a challenging process, both emotionally and physically, for a person recovering from bulimia. Weight gain can commonly trigger a relapse of symptoms of bulimia, according to "Foundations of Nursing." A psychologist will work with you on relapse prevention. Additionally, your psychologist can work in tandem with your dietitian to ensure that your diet is one that is healthy both physically and emotionally for you.
Step 3
Remove foods from your home that you used to binge on. Though you need to consume excess calories to gain weight, keeping foods in your kitchen that used to trigger a binge could lead to relapse, which would ultimately lead to weight loss. Keep only foods that you and your dietitian have worked into your meal plan in your home.
Step 4
Avoid the urge to count calories, fat grams or other nutritional information. Trust that your dietitian has developed a sound nutritional plan for you and adhere strictly to the plan that you and she designed. Counting calories or portions could trigger a relapse.
Step 5
Weigh yourself only at your dietitian's or doctor's office. Avoid the urge to weigh yourself at home, in the gym or anywhere else, as this could trigger a relapse. Trust that your dietitian has planned a healthy menu for you that will lead to slow, steady weight gain. Remember that your dietitian is helping you to gain weight so that you are a healthy weight. Your dietitian's plan is not for you to become overweight.
References
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw and Anne M. Smith; 2007
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, Gena Duncan and Wendy Baumle; 2010
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