Constant Hunger: My Journey Post Eating Disorder Recovery
I am a 17-year-old female diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder, and a patent foramen ovale. Additionally, I have a family background of diabetes. From 2023 to mid-2024, I severely limited my intake to around 500 calories daily for a month or two, then gradually raised it to between 700 and 1200 calories. By mid-2024, I began my recovery process and I can confidently say that I am nearly at the point of full recovery. Despite almost a year of being in recovery, I am perpetually hungry regardless of how much food I consume. My daily protein intake exceeds 100 grams, and I make sure to take fiber supplements while minimizing processed foods. I am well within a healthy eating pattern—my total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) is approximately 1750 calories, and I aim to consume around that amount each day. However, on at least five occasions each week, I find myself inadvertently overeating by 1,000 to 2,000 calories. To manage my appetite, I prepare soups and large-volume meals that provide temporary fullness, lasting only about 30 minutes before hunger returns. My physical activity is limited to walking to and from school and work, resulting in fewer than 8,000 steps daily. When I engage in activities without having eaten beforehand, particularly at school, it often feels as if I haven't consumed food for an entire day, leading to lightheadedness and the sensation of almost fainting, though I’ve never lost consciousness. Additionally, I've noticed a decline in my memory, which feels quite unsettling. Recently, I decided to have an extravagant breakfast that included two large pizzas, brownies, and four churros with chocolate sauce. Just a few hours later, I was ravenous again. In a typical day, I've had 800 calories for breakfast, 900 for lunch, and around 2000 for dinner along with snacks, totaling 180 grams of protein. Yet, even while working now, I can’t shake the feeling that my stomach is empty. To clarify, I am no longer engaging in any restrictive eating behaviors.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 10:10:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a challenging time with persistent hunger and related symptoms after your recovery from an eating disorder. This can be distressing, especially given your background and the efforts you've put into restoring your eating habits. Let’s explore the potential reasons behind your constant hunger and outline some practical steps to help manage it.
Main Points
- Persistent Hunger: Your body's adjustment after a period of severe caloric restriction may lead to ongoing feelings of hunger.
- Possible Nutrient Needs: Even with a high protein intake, you may need to reevaluate your overall nutrient balance.
- Managing Symptoms: Implement strategies to stabilize your appetite and energy levels.
Explanation
After recovering from an eating disorder, it's not uncommon for hunger signals to be irregular as your body readjusts to a normal eating pattern. Hunger can also be influenced by factors such as hormone changes, nutritional needs, and mental health conditions. Given your anxiety and history, psychological factors may also play a role in how you perceive hunger and fullness.
The fact that you feel lightheaded when you don't eat suggests that your body might still be recovering and requires consistent energy. Overeating on some days could be the body's way of compensating for low intake from your past.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Monitor Your Nutrient Intake:
- Evaluate the balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Consider incorporating more whole grains, healthy fats (like avocados and nuts), and a variety of fruits and vegetables. This variety can help improve satiety and provide essential nutrients that may help control hunger.
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Regular Meal Timing:
- Aim to have more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day to help manage energy and hunger levels. Eating every 3-4 hours can prevent intense hunger and stabilize your blood sugar.
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Hydration:
- Ensure you are staying well-hydrated. Sometimes thirst can be misinterpreted as hunger. Aim for 8-10 cups of water daily, adjusting for activity levels.
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Physical Activity:
- While your activity is currently limited, consider gradually increasing it with light exercises that you enjoy. Even short walks or stretching at school might help improve your mood and appetite regulation.
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Mindful Eating:
- Practice mindful eating techniques, where you focus on eating without distractions. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, and consider keeping a food journal to track what you eat and how you feel afterward.
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Consult Nutrition Guidance (Optional):
- If consistent hunger persists, consider seeking advice from a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your recovery journey.
Conclusion
These steps are meant to provide guidance for your constant hunger and related concerns. It's important to remember that recovery is a process, and it's okay to seek additional support as you navigate this phase. You’re not alone in this journey, and addressing these challenges will contribute to your overall well-being. If you find any symptoms worsening or remain concerned, please discuss these with a healthcare professional.
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