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Recovery tip:

Starting to eat normally

Starting to eat normally can be really frightening. Many people are afraid of how much weight they will gain or how they will feel with a full stomach. Take it slowly, as it will take a while for you to adjust.

It's probably best to get some help with this. A therapist can help you deal with how you feel about gaining weight and talk to you about some of the fears you may have. If you want a specific meal plan, then it's best to speak to a dietitian.

Your body will probably respond quite strongly to eating normally. After all, it's been starved of vital nutrients for so long. It's normal to feel full very quickly. Take your time when eating, and start off with smaller meals until you feel comfortable. Your stomach may feel bloated after you've eaten or you may have tummy troubles like indigestion or constipation. This is because your body is probably no longer used to taking in food. It will usually come right over time, but go and see a medical doctor if you are worried about any of your symptoms.

You may not feel hungry, or you may feel hungry all the time. Both of these are normal responses. Try to eat reasonable sized meals regularly, and your appetite should come right.

Some people in recovery from anorexia feel out of control while eating. You may eat a large amount or just feel out of control even though you've only had a few biscuits. This is also part of the process of learning to eat again. It will normally calm down when your body has gained all the nutrients it needs. Try and eat food with a high nutritional value, so you won't feel as bad about eating. If your binges continue and you feel out of control, it would be best to chat to a therapist about the problems you're having. It's very common for people in recovery from anorexia, but it can obviously be very frightening.

Lots of people crave junk food and sweets when they start to eat again. This because the body has been deprived of energy for so long. Read the guidelines on 'choosing what to eat' if you're not sure what you should be eating.

Starting to eat normally is undoubtedly a difficult process, but it's one that's worth it.