Gaining While Dieting/Recovering ED

[dawnpb]

I am currently recovering from an eating disorder.  I have been doing the South Beach Diet for five weeks.  I have been on plan 100% but have gained 13+ pounds.  I am doing the 30 Day Shred DVD daily along with other exercises.  I know I have screwed up my metabolism and it will take me a lot longer to see results.  I am thrilled to be recovering and not in the control of food and eating 24/7...but I am really having a hard time sticking with it when all I do is gain..  I do not want to go back to binge/purge/lax abuse.  It is not because I am at a below normal weight.  I am 5'7" and currently weigh 157.  I would be happy to stay  140.  Any ideas?

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

You sound relieved to not be bingeing, purging and abusing laxatives.  It is certainly true that your metabolism could have gotten thrown off by your eating disorder behaviors.  However, my concern is following the South Beach Diet and your focus on the scale.  Have you been in therapy or a treatment program to address the underlying biopsychosocialspiritual dynamics to contribute to your eating disorder?  You may want to go to the bella vita website to review what goes into having an eating disorder and treatment options.  Best, Dr Patricia Pitts, PhD  The Bella Vita  Los Angeles, CA

[Reeso8]

I think as long as you incorporate some healthy exercise like walking 30 min a day, follow your plan and drink water this will work out.  Your weight gain might have a lot to do, like you said, with your metabolism adjusting.  If you maintain even minimal activity, this will eventually even out.  I'm going through the same sort of thing right now.  I've been bulimic for 12 years and in the past month have had my first real success addressing my issues with emotional eating and control over food.  In addition to trying to work on controlling my food intake in a healthy way, and not bingeing, I've been adding in exercise (biking and walking).  My weight has not changed in the past month, and infact some days it's higher.  But I still attribute that to the muscles I've been getting, and the extra water I'm drinking.  Give your body time to adjust.  Celebrate the successes you are having with your health and do your best to know the scale is just a number.  I know that's not easy, but it's just the best we can do right now.  Be kind to yourself, and give this more time.  Your metabolism will readjust.

[kellephant]

i wish i knew what to tell you... i'm having the exact same problem :(