I went through a long period of this a few months ago, and then my appetite seemed to settle out a little. I wasn't sure if warmer temperatures decreased my appetite, or being at a higher weight, or probably some combination of factors.
I have been working on breaking up exercise routines, not really decreasing time yet but just varying activities more, to shake the Do or Die approach to routines. This means I'm using new muscle groups, and replenishing those could also be revving up the appetite.
I guess it is the scientist in me that can't resist making hypotheses about every tiny phenomenon that I notice. If I am hungrier than usual, there must be a reason I can pinpoint (yoga-induced muscle fatigue, lack of sleep, or the omni-scapegoat, global warming), as if having a quantifiable explanation will make the problem go away. The practical fact, though, is that I'm howngry.
For all the progress I've made, I still haven't built up enough trust in my body to give in to its cues. I eat the huge lunch prescribed by my meal plan, and feel ravenous 30 minutes later. I am stuck waiting until the next meal, though, because I cannot bring myself to exceed the mealplan. I think I "should" be full, and still can't justify taking pity on my body for being needy.
Has anyone else had the hypermetabolism/appetite part of recovery come and go in waves?
4 comments:
Hi there, from a blog lurker. :) I read all your posts and I wanted to comment on this one. Specifically, I am recovered from anorexia and I absolutely went through the same thing with a hypermetabolism that you describe. While in recovery I was CONSTANTLY hungry even with huge amounts of calories. This is OK!! Your body is using the calories to heal and repair itself from the damage the ED did to it. I was worried that I'd NEVER stop eating and never feel full, even after treatment. Well, our bodies are truly amazing and they are designed to take care of us. Eventually, after reaching an appropriate weight and body fat level my hunger did subside. Not too much and I still eat ALOT (~2200-2400 calories EVERY day!) and I maintain my weight pretty easily. I don't worry about it too much anymore, which I never thought would be possible during my ED/DE years! I will frequently grab beers with friends, eat too much chocolate on occasion and enjoy plenty of snacks, but I balance it out with exercise and lots of veggies/fruit/lean proteins/nuts/whole grains, etc. Really, you'll be absolutely fine. Trust your body, even though that seems impossible to do. It is hard, but it's totally worth it to get to the point where you can go out and not worry about every calorie and just truly be present and enjoy your life without ED. :) You can do it! Keep up your awesome work!
Thanks for sharing your experiences, it's good to hear from someone who has dealt with this and come out the other side! Also thanks for delurking, I love your blog, new addition to my Google Reader list. :)
YES--the past few weeks, I've just been SO unbelievably hungry, and, yet, maintaining. it's kind of weird--i've been doing the kind of intuitive thing--eating when i'm hungry, and it's way more than i often think i *should* need. it's weird, that's for sure.
I am kind of going through the beginning of recovery. I swear, my stomach is an endless pit. I chalk it up to bulimic tendencies coupled with my anorexia. I think mainly it just has to do with my body attempting to re-establish a healthy weight.
Best Wishes,
Sarah
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