Hey everyone, I'm a newcomer to this board and looking for some advice. I have been vegetarian since I was 8 years old, I am now 22. My diet was very limited as I am a very fussy eater i.e. I don't like anything creamy or mushrooms or tofu etc etc. In my late teens my weight ballooned when I went to university as I began eating a lot of junk food and I went from 140lbs to 216.5lbs (I am 5ft 5in). I managed to lose the weight and got down to approx 137lbs. However I then developed an eating disorder (anorexia) and went down to a very low weight.

I am now recovered although I will probably always have eating issues. My problem is that my metabolism and body is completely messed up. I am now 147lbs, feel bloated, lethargic, slow, bloated etc and it is driving me crazy. Can anyone give me some advice as to what I should eat in a sensible diet to help me overcome these problems and lose a little weight? I think my ideal weight for height would probably be around 125-130lbs. Maybe I need to detox or something?

Any help greatly appreciated,

Den

Starbug,
What weight do you want?
(Is it Denny or Denise...I don't want to jump to conclusions.)
What was you lowest weight with the E/D.

If you are really bloated a decrease in your salt will help (hard with junk food!)

How is your eating now? Pretty much balanced? Where are you getting your protein? Personally, I think a serving of protein at every meal is crucial to pump up the metabolism, but that's coming from having been overweight. It will take your metabolism a little while to heal because it got used to protecting your body against starvation. Keep a clean eating program, moderate exercise, and everything will straighten out. You are young, so it should not take too long for your body to rebound.

Are you getting support? From people who have been where you have? They can probably answer your questions more specifically and authoritatively. Best wishes! Keep us posted!

There are several strategies to repair and strengthen the metabolism, and you are wise to attempt this now, becuase if you don't you will suffer for it as you age.

1. You do need to eat a balanced diet that includes reasonable amounts of carbs, protein, and fat. As a vegetarian, you may find it challenging to find adequate sources of protein, but you MUST. You should have about 25-30% of your calories as protein with each meal. 1 protein gram = 4 calories. Do you eat dairy or eggs? There are many soy products out there other than tofu... you should look into them. Look for the "Amy's" brand of foods in your healthfood store - really wonderful foods that will help you accomplish this goal.

2. Consume more water and avoid other beverages. This will help you metabolize carbs and fat more efficiently. For your current weight you should drink at least 75 ounces of water daily. Measure it out at the beginning of the day to be sure you get through all of it!

3. Eat often throughout the day. 5 or 6 small meals is better than 3 big meals. The goal is to keep your blood glucose levels stabilized throughout the day. If you are experiencing spikes and drops in blood glucose levels your body will retaliate!

4. Don't reduce your caloric intake too much. Often, by simply strengthening your metabolic function your weight will resolve itself, especially since you are not that overweight and your extra pounds may be fluid retention.

5. Improve the quality of your food. Eliminate chemical additives and preservatives whereever possible. Avoid high sodium and high fat foods. Focus on complex carbs and avoid white flour (including pasta) and sugar products.

You mentioned "detox" - Do not take drastic steps and go on an all-juice diet for 3-5 days (or something similar)... not a good idea. Following the steps 2 and 5 above will detoxify the liver. It won't happen overnight, but afer some time you will feel like a new person.

Hello, What was wrong with the diet you grew up with? Also, you really need to start exercising to get your metabolism back to normal. Exercising will also decrease the bloating and get rid of the tired/run down feeling. I'm sure you can find a willing exercise buddy to exercise with and help with keeping motivated.

Hey Starbug,

Like you, I also am recovering from anorexia, it will be almost a year that I had came to the conclusion I needed help. I was down to nearly 70pds a year ago (5'6), and basically on my death bed. I would maybe eat the equilivent of a carrot or maybe some broccoli and celery each day and drink a half a can of diet rite. I know I totally screwed my metabolism up severely but now I actually am hungry now. I will always have issues with food all my life and will always seek that "comfort" "safe" zone once again. But now I know that I have to eat in order to survive and to have energy. I'm at an ideal weight I guess, I don't weigh myself b/c I have a "thing" about numbers, OCD to be exact. I know it's hard, making the choices on what to eat and when. Eat a good balanced diet... veggies, fruit, protein(yogurt, chicken, turkey, skim milk) Take a walk each day to clear your mind, dont' worry about numbers, worry about your health. Remember, it's OK to eat. Everyone does it! Don't worry about that cookie or sweet you had, gosh, life is way too short to kill ourselves about petty little things like that. Take it day by day, meal by meal. if you have any questions, feel free to ask me because I'm there also :)
Vanessa