Struggling with Bulimia? Five Tips from an Eating Disorder Dietitian

Having bulimia in San Diego and elsewhere is so difficult. You just want to be out in the sun, but you’re struggling with the shame and preoccupation that accompany bulimic behaviors. I’ve interviewed San Diego eating disorder dietitian Theresa Carmichael, RD, for five amazing tips to help you with nutrition-related issues that come with bulimia recovery.

TIP #1 for Bulimia Recovery:

Make sure you have a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders on board to support you with recovery protection. As much as every client is their very own "healer," many of us need a "helper" as well. Asking for help and accountability is a huge sign of strength. Ask your eating disorder therapist if seeing a dietitian is right for you, and what referrals they may have. Always choose a registered dietitian that has experience working with "disordered eating" or eating disorders. Refrain from any dietary services that are for "weight management" or "weight loss."

TIP #2 for Bulimia Recovery:

Eat consistently, just about every 2-3 hours. Fill meals and snacks with foods that are both physically and psychologically satisfying. Be sure to include foods that have been habituated throughout the recovery process and keep them in regular rotation. It is important to reiterate to the body that it can expect satisfying food regularly, without fear of deprivation.

TIP #3 for Bulimia Recovery:

Choose meals and snacks based on "what sounds good?" instead of any other external reasons for feeding. Honor cravings for food while concurrently using the tools on your toolbelt (coping skills) for coping effectively. It is encouraged to choose meals and snacks that have multiple different food groups and flavors, as it may excite the palate for full satisfaction while containing all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for proper physiological functioning. 

TIP #4 for Bulimia Recovery:

Normalize the idea that being a little overly full or "two bites too many" within the spectrum of satiety is OK. It is wrong to think that intuitive eating is "perfect" or that intuitive eaters are never "a few bites too many" during eating experiences. So instead, be sure to reframe any experiences with this type of fullness as being something that will indeed happen in the life of intuitive eating. Reject any ideas that you must "compensate" nutritionally when respecting your fullness in this way. 

TIP #5 for Bulimia Recovery:

Get active. And NO- I am not talking about exercise (unless you find joy in this and experience a healthy relationship with physical activity). I am referring to getting active in your community-based support groups and advocacy. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people with similar nutrition philosophies helps decrease any windows of opportunities for sliding back into old ways of thinking. Research the nearest free support group in your area as well as any instructor-led community groups to find an ally or two in the recovery process.

——————————

Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog!  Have a wonderful day. :)  

Marianne 

Need Support? An Interactive Class for Bulimia Can Help!

I offer an interactive class for bulimia and binge eating if you need support. Additionally, if you are struggling to find online eating disorder treatment with help with bulimia, binge eating, or other eating disorders in San Diego, schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation using the online scheduler (just click on the orange button), and I will help you get where you need to be! 

You can find more information about me on Instagram @drmariannemiller or on my Facebook page.