Desperately Need a Friend
 

Hi, my name is Sarah. I'm obviously new here. I suffer from anorexia. I am 5' 3", i used to weight 92 lbs. Recently with support from friends and family I have gained back 13 lbs. I had been maintaining my weight at 105 lbs, but I just moved to a new state for school. I feel alone and have begun to restrict again. I have been eating 200 - 300 calories a day for the past few weeks, and my weight is starting to drop off again. I'm starting to feel hopeless.

I know this is a diet website, but I just want to be healthy. I look in the mirror and I can't stand the sight of myself, which causes me to restrict. I want to shatter all of my mirrors...

Without my support system from home, I feel like I'm heading down the same path. I know if I keep going like this it's eventually going to kill me, but I can't stop. What can I do? Is there anyone out there who can help me?

Oh honey...don't know much about anorexia. But I can tell you that this site is very encouraging! I'm praying for your health and strength...be well!!!

Why don't you get yourself an eating plan? You should find one that tells you to eat so many calories per day to maintain a certain weight. Then break those calories up into your meals. You can control and maintain your weigh that way. You should teach yourself proper nutrition.

We all have neurosis of some kind or another. Most people will look at you and think how beautiful you are. There's no need to punish yourself what have you done wrong? You live in a great country where you don't have to search for food every day. Some people have to really live like you're treating yourself. They're lucky to get 300 calories a day, not by choice. In some countries mothers have to decide which child doesn't get to eat today.

You should get your mind off punishing yourself. In America 60% of the people are overweight. No one is judging you and most everyone will say you look great unless you get to thin. I would advise you seek medical help either from your school nurse or outside help.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope you can learn to love yourself and get well.

Sincerely,
Kit

But why is your current weight 105 and your GOAL WEIGHT 98 if you're working to maintain your weight? I think you need to see professional help - it's tough to beat that mindset of control by just wanting it. Good luck.

Calorie and Nutrition Needs:

http://www.sheerbalance.com/nutritio...n-calculators/

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This is a reliable BMI calculator (Body Mass Index) it tells you your healthy weight range. I see you have 98 pounds as your desired weight and that is in the underweight range for you. Your lowest healthy weight is 105.

http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

appletini;

You've taken the first step by reaching out . . . (that's really good, and probably the hardest part)

Now, how did you gain from 92 lbs to 105 lbs . . . did you eat lots of small meals, 3 regular meals ?????

Set up a menu for yourself: (this is just a sample)

Breakfast, 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon a piece of toast and a glass of orange juice (if two is too much then just do 1 egg & 1 piece of bacon), a bagel with cream cheese, toast with peanut butter and a sliced apple on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar . . . oatmeal, diced apple and peanut butter (I know it sounds icky, but actually pretty good)

Snack: a Banana with peanut butter, or an apple with a piece of cheese, or yogurt (Greek yogurt with honey is really good with nuts or granola), a mango (if you've never tried these, they are really good and juicy, they should be soft when you push on them, but not mushy) carrots & hummus or dip (full fat darlin') try different things, you're in a new place, so try new things . . . try to look at it as an opportunity to find food that you never new existed

Lunch: chicken and a green salad (I put all kinds of things in my salad, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, boiled egg, pineapple, almonds or cashews) or a pita with lots of veggies, chicken, a little mayo

snack: see the list above

Supper: Spaghetti, tacos, fish, lasagna, try a local restaurant


Are you in a dorm and eating in a cafeteria???? Get some snacks, granola bars, a jar of peanut butter (If I need protein, I'll just get a teaspoon and eat a scoop out of the jar), popcorn (microwave)

make a plan for yourself, make a list of 10 things you like to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks (yup that's 40 things) and go from there, make a menu for yourself . . . take a nutrition class, think about what you did when you were gaining weight before.

Try to meet some people: what do you like to do???? roller blade, ride your bike, hang out in the park, walk by the river/lake, knitting/crocheting, play pool, swim, read books, volunteer with kids or the elderly, special olympics . . . wine festivals (not sure if you're old enough for this one) check the local paper for free events going on and then GO!! It's summer time so there should be lots of things you can do.

and FIRST and foremost CHANGE YOUR TICKER TO 105!!! for your goal weight

I don't know much about anorexia, but I do believe you need to take it slow, do what works for you, make a plan and try to stick with it, eat healthy though. GOOD LUCK TO YOU

Hi Sarah - I don't know anything about anorexia. Just wanted to send you hugs. Please take good care of yourself.

Hi Sarah!

I understand how difficult it must be to struggle with anorexia :hug: It must be scary to lose your support system. Anorexia is about much more than diet plans and calculators, and unfortunately we are not equipped here to offer qualified advice for you. I would highly recommend that you check out the Something Fishy website. You'll find a whole community forum dealing with anorexia and other eating disorders, during all stages. Best of all, they have a qualified staff and peer support to help guide you during recovery and maintenance.

Good luck :hug: