Folasade a strict dieter has been skipping her meals. On days she ate, she picked at her meal and discarded the rest. However, she was obsessed with being skinny that she doesn’t even realize she is harming her wellbeing.She spent most of her time in front of the mirror trying to be like the models on pages of fashion magazines and TV screens.
'I’m only just slim, which is the requirement to get into this modeling contest and I need to have the perfect shape for the competition to stand a chance of being selected as the winner' “she thought to herself.
''Along the line she kept experiencing dizziness and lightheaded which informed her decision to see the doctor.
'From the observations and test, it was discovered that she suffers anorexia nervosa' The doctor said.
'Anorexia nervosa?? What is that? she exclaimed , she has never heard of such before.
'It is a condition where an individual eats so little or eat much and induce vomiting in order to lose weight or prevent themselves from gaining weight.
They usually have the illusion that they are overweight and need to lose weight. This perspective is further fueled by wanting to be like models in fashion magazines and TV screens. Sometimes, it could be as a result of underlying diseases but in this case it is not caused by an underlying disease'
'Some dietary and lifestyle modifications will solve the problem and restore balance to wellbeing.gave her the contact of a trusted health and lifestyle coach that will walk her through the process of recovery' The doctor handed over the business card .
'Thank you doctor. I will ,“she sighed.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of gaining weight. The individual tries to lose weight by not eating or inducing vomitting after eating to lose weight. It is more of an emotional or psychological problem . In this article, we will focus on the crucial dietary and lifestyle modifications that can aid in the recovery process for individuals battling anorexia nervosa
1. Have a structured meal plan:One of the primary objectives in treating anorexia nervosa is to restore a healthy weight. A health and lifestyle coach should create a structured meal plan tailored to the individual's specific needs. The amount of calorie intake should be gradually increased.
2. Eat balanced diet: Emphasize a well-balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Proper nutrition is vital for repairing physical damage caused by the disorder.
3. Eat regular meals and snacks: Establishing a regular eating schedule with balanced meals and snacks curb unhealthy eating patterns and restore lost weight
4. Practice mindful eating: Practice mindful eating by paying attention to their body's hunger and fullness cues. Mindful eating promotes a healthier relationship with food by reducing anxiety and guilt associated with eating.
5. Savoring Food: Encourage individuals to savor each bite, focusing on the taste, texture, and enjoyment of the meal. This can help counteract the tendency to rush through meals.
6. Practice safe exercise habits: For individuals who engaged in excessive exercise, it's essential to reevaluate their relationship with physical activity. A qualified health and lifesty coach can help create a balanced exercise routine that promotes overall well-being without overexertion.
7. Shift Focus from Weight Loss: Encourage individuals to shift their exercise goals away from weight loss and towards maintaining physical fitness, strength, and enjoyment.
8. Challenge negative thoughts: Individuals should identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and distorted beliefs about body image and food that often accompany anorexia nervosa.
9. Develop Coping Strategies: Health and lifestyle coach should teach individuals suffering from anorexa nervosa coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress, and emotional triggers without resorting to disordered eating habits.
10. Have a good support system: Engage family and friends in the recovery process, as their support can be instrumental. Encourage open communication and understanding. They can also consider joining support groups or online communities where individuals can share their experiences, offer encouragement, and receive guidance from others who have faced similar challenges.
11. Regular Monitoring of Physical Health: Go for regular medical check-ups to monitor the physical health of individuals with anorexia nervosa. This includes assessments of heart health, bone density, and other potential complications. In some cases, nutritional supplements may be necessary to address nutrient deficiencies.
Recovering from anorexia nervosa is a multifaceted journey that requires dedication and professional guidance. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are crucial components of this recovery, but they must be part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's unique needs. With the right support and commitment to positive changes, individuals can work towards a healthier and more fulfilling life, free from the constraints of anorexia nervosa.
NB:We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all.prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.
