There are different types of eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, emotional or binge eating, and night eating. The first step to overcoming an eating disorder is to identify the symptoms and then choose the right diet. The symptoms of eating disorders include insomnia, social withdrawal, irritability, and refusal to eat. Other signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, abdominal pain, irregular menstrual cycle, and irregular heart beat. Food is the enemy of people who suffer from anorexia. Sufferers avoid foods that are considered high-calorie and fattening.
A meal plan can be developed by a registered dietician after the specific eating disorder is identified. Anorexics, for example, consume low-calorie foods and skip meals. A balanced menu for patients with anorexia includes products from all food groups – protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The menu should include meat and fish, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. The key to recovering from an eating disorder is to combine the right diet with therapy. Therapists help patients to examine the reasons for skipping meals and engaging with anorexic or bulimic behaviors. In fact, people who suffer from eating disorders often adopt ritualistic behaviors. They use certain tricks to make people believe that they are eating (i.e. cut food into small pieces).
They also avoid certain foods or prefer to eat alone. To overcome the disorder, patients should try to change the way they act and think. If you think that some foods are fattening and are avoiding them, try to add them gradually to your daily menu. Once patients are in recovery, their nutritional requirements are not very different from those of a healthy person. They should eat nutrient-dense, healthy foods that are rich in protein, monounsaturated fat, and dietary fiber. Patients with eating disorders need sufficient amounts of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. The daily calorie intake and requirements depend on a variety of factors. These include genes, medical history, activity level, gender, weigh and height, age, and others. Registered dietitians and physicians can determine the calorie needs of a patient with anorexia or another eating disorder. In general, the patient’s fullness level and hunger should be taken into account to determine portion sizes.
Patients are often advised to eat colorful fruits and vegetables, beans and nuts, and whole grains. It is best to avoid saturated fats and use unsaturated fats such as canola and olive oil. Patients should choose healthy sources of protein such as soya, fish, shellfish, poultry, and lean meat. Good sources of protein also include low-fat and non-fat dairies. Meals should contain a source of protein and complex or unrefined carbs – pasta, rice, or whole grain bread. Eat vegetables and fruits at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Consume foods with healthy fats at each meal. You can have salad dressings, mayonnaise, butter, olive oil, avocado, etc. A balanced diet of healthy fats, protein, carbs, and fiber will help you to maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Some nutrition experts also recommend taking supplements, especially if the patient is not eating enough yogurt, cheese, and milk.
Patients with eating disorders should stop dieting. They should consume nutritious food and learn healthy eating habits. It is a good idea to keep a journal and describe the types of foods that you eat. You may want to describe how eating and specific foods make you feel, when you eat, which foods you prefer, and so on. This way, it will be easier for you to keep track of your progress and notice if you are at risk of bulimic or anorexic behaviors. Find online health and food guide: http://www.lowcarbdietguide.org/
