Breaking free

I've been anorexic, but turned bulemic in the recovery process. I have a psycologist to work out the mental underlying issues, but I've no idea what how many calories to eat. I loose weight on the amount I eat, then have to binge/purge to get up again to my ideal weight. I'm sick of this cycle, but can't stop counting callories as it;s been imprinted on my brain. all I can find is my BMR rate, should I be having that much or more/less?

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear Clearsky,

Your BMR or basal metabolic rate is the amount of calories needed at resting for daily metabolic functioning.  It does not include calories burned for exercise, walking, standing, daily activities, etc.  If an individual is eating the number of calories for BMR, they will definitely lose weight. You would need to eat more.  

By eating calories needed for BMR, you are also restricting.  When individuals restrict, it sets them up to binge which can lead to purging.  

In addition to your work with a psychologist, I would recommend that you see a registered dietitian that specializes in eating disorders.  The dietitian can help you nourish your body efficiently.  

For more information on eating disorders, you could visit the bella vita website.

With Joy,

Dr Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA

[bay_lynn]

A related discussion, Really scary...wanna recover...but dont at the same time was started.