Learn What the Diet Recommendations of Bulimia Nervosa Are
Top Dietary Recommendations for People with Bulimia Nervosa
The top diet recommendations of Bulimia Nervosa sufferers are not altogether surprising in that they consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. However, in conjunction with those foods, there are some vitamin supplements that are recommended for those trying to re-establish a healthy eating lifestyle.
Read on to see what the best foods and supplements are for bulimics exchanging bad eating habits for a healthy food plan.
Healthy Food Choices
Eating fresh fruits and raw vegetables will help the body get all of the natural vitamins it’s been denied by eating junk food filled with sugar and empty calories. Dark green leafy spinach, broccoli, bright orange carrots, red tomatoes, and green, red, and yellow peppers are all wonderful sources of A, C, D, E, and K. They are also foods that are high in fiber to assist the body back to good health.
Spinach, eggs, fish, beans, dairy products and lean meats all contain the protein tryptophan. Tryptophan helps to keep serotonin levels high which helps to reduce food cravings and keeps moods even. Other foods high in tryptophan are chocolate, dates, oats, poultry, peanuts, and spirulina or seaweed. Sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds are also a good source of this vital protein necessary to those who have had unhealthy eating habits and need to build up their bodies.
Yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, fermented miso, and sauerkraut contain probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that can be found in certain foods. Probiotics replicate good-for-you bacteria in the body and help to maintain and restore digestive tract health. It also helps to improve immune health in those recovering from bulimia. Some of these foods need to be eaten daily to help the body recover from bulimic abuses.
While milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese are excellent sources of calcium, plant-based sources of vital calcium should also be consumed each day. Some plant based sources are broccoli, kale, beans, Brussel sprouts, and collard greens.
Eating Transition Tips
It may be very difficult for a person with bulimia to go from very unhealthy eating habits to a structured meal plan without a little help. Here are some tips to help with the transition from unhealthy foods to recommended foods that will assist the body in recovering from dietary abuse.
- Don’t allow more than 3 hours to go by without eating a snack or a small meal. Too much time in between meals or snacks could be a trigger for your bulimia.
- Eat breakfast! Eating breakfast will kickstart your metabolism and give you energy to get active during the day.
- Get rid of any junk food in the house. Try to substitute healthy sweet/salty food combinations like an apple with a handful of salted peanuts to help you get past junk food cravings.
- Brown rice, baked potatoes, bananas, and whole grain breads boost serotonin levels and provide extra fiber to help you feel full.
Dietary Vitamin Supplements
A few vitamins that may be lacking in the body because of poor past nutrition are potassium, magnesium, and omega 3 vitamins. While there are foods sources that are high in these vitamins, a body that is deficient in these vitamins may require extra supplementation to help build up deficiencies.
Vitamin supplements are also part of the diet recommendations of Bulimia Nervosa - especially when sufferers are transitioning to better eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. These supplements, along with the above recommended dietary foods, will assist a person with bulimia to develop a healthy and strong body through good nutrition.
References
Help Guide.org - Nutrition for Women: https://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_women_nutrition.htm
Alternative Mental Health - Natural Treatment of Anorexia and Bulimia: https://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/anorexia.htm
Bulimia Help.org - Creating a Meal Plan: https://www.bulimiahelp.org/book/creating-a-meal-plan/creating-a-meal-plan
