9 Foods That Are Great for Eating Disorder Recovery ...

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9 Foods That Are Great for Eating Disorder Recovery ...
9 Foods That Are Great for Eating Disorder Recovery ...

During my recovery from a ten year period of binging and starving, I learned that there were certain foods for eating disorder recovery that could help balance my brain chemistry. The simple fact is that the mind of a disordered eater is imbalanced. It doesn’t mean people who have an eating disorder are crazy or weird. It is no different than someone being prone to another type of harmful self-behavior. An imbalance in the brain can be mostly corrected through therapy and eating foods that help fuel balance in the body. What are these foods for eating disorder recovery and how do they work? Read on to find the answers and my experience with each of them.

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1. Protein

I know people get tired of hearing that they need to eat protein, but protein is one of the best foods for eating disorder recovery. Why so? Protein is made up of essential amino acids. These amino acids help to fuel neurons in the brain that aid in focus, serotonin production, clarity and they optimize blood sugar. Optimizing blood sugar is important for those with an eating disorder, because so often, blood sugar levels go astray due to periods of under-eating and overeating. Protein stabilizes insulin, increases a positive mood, and stabilizes hormones and blood sugar levels. This creates an entire array of balance that prevents disordered eating, and over time, even helps with thoughts towards disordered eating. Quality sources include lean, organic animal sources like plain yogurt, wild fresh fish, turkey, chicken and eggs. Complete plant sources include hemp protein, hemp seeds, edamame, sprouted brown rice protein, and chia seeds. Aim to eat some with each meal and snack.

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Protein is an essential part of any eating disorder recovery plan. It helps to fuel the brain, which in turn helps to improve focus, clarity, and serotonin production. It also helps to stabilize hormones and blood sugar levels, which can be particularly important for those with an eating disorder.

When it comes to protein sources, there are a variety of both animal and plant-based options. Lean, organic animal sources such as plain yogurt, wild fresh fish, turkey, chicken, and eggs are all excellent sources of protein. Complete plant sources include hemp protein, hemp seeds, edamame, sprouted brown rice protein, and chia seeds.

Protein is not the only food that is important for eating disorder recovery. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods is the best way to ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals, while whole grains, legumes, and nuts provide fiber and other essential nutrients. Eating healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts can also help to improve mood and energy levels.

2. Leafy Greens

I used to hate leafy greens and, in fact, I despised them. Once I started eating them, however, I noticed how balanced I felt and how nourished my body felt. It didn’t crave sugar or junk anymore like it once did and I actually enjoyed eating leafy greens, something I thought I’d never say. Leafy greens are powerful sources of anxiety-quelling magnesium, iron, B vitamins, Vitamins A and C, and fiber. They help to increase satiety and the happy hormone, serotonin, in the body. Leafy greens like spinach, kale and collards, and green veggies like celery, asparagus, broccoli, cucumbers and zucchini are some of the healthiest green foods you can eat. Try making them in a variety of ways until you find ones that you like and eat them spread throughout your day.

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Leafy greens are not only beneficial for those recovering from eating disorders, but are also an important part of a healthy diet for everyone. Leafy greens are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, protect against disease, and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, these nutrient-dense foods are low in calories and contain fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Eating leafy greens regularly can also provide other benefits, such as improved digestion, better sleep, and increased energy. Eating a variety of leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, and Swiss chard, is the best way to ensure you get all the health benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Oh, there are some really great options! Think of things like wholesome proteins, healthy fats, and loads of fruits and veggies. Stuff like eggs, avocados, nuts, and leafy greens can be super helpful.

Absolutely, it can be a game-changer! Protein powder can help you get enough proteins if you're struggling to eat whole foods. It's easy to mix into smoothies, yogurt, or even oatmeal.

Snacks are so important! Try things like nut butters on whole grain bread, Greek yogurt with berries, or even a nice smoothie. Balance is key, so make sure your snack has some proteins, fats, and carbs.

Yes, planning is super crucial! Aim for regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Balanced meals with proteins, veggies, and healthy fats can go a long way. Keeping some structure helps avoid binge cycles.

It's best to avoid foods that might trigger you. This is super personal, but things that are highly processed, sugary, or 'diet' foods can sometimes make recovery harder. Always aim for balanced, whole foods as much as you can.

3. Plain Yogurt

I realize yogurt was mentioned in the protein category, but it really deserves a spot on its own here. Yogurt is rich in certain nutrients that calm anxiety, optimize blood sugar, and help increase serotonin by increasing tryptophan in the body. Tryptophan is an amino acid (a building block of protein) that sends signals of calm and relaxation to the brain, which fuels serotonin production. Tryptophan is also found in turkey, hemp, eggs and chicken in fair amounts. Yogurt is also rich in calcium and magnesium. When combined, these two minerals combat anxiety, lower blood pressure and send anxiety away. The probiotics in yogurt also help increase serotonin in the gut, where it is manufactured to reach the brain. Taking care of your stomach is key to fueling serotonin production. The probiotics in yogurt help to do that. Choose organic and unsweetened as much as possible, or at least choose hormone-free brands to avoid excess hormones in other varieties, which can offset your estrogen levels.

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Plain yogurt isn't just a fantastic source of protein; it's a powerhouse for facilitating a harmonious mind-body connection. The presence of calcium and magnesium works in tandem to soothe the nervous system, a critical aspect for anyone navigating the ebbs and flows of eating disorder recovery. Moreover, probiotics play an integral role in gut health, which is intrinsically linked to our mental well-being. Embracing a serving of yogurt daily can be a simple yet profound step toward balanced emotional health. Opt for natural, probiotic-rich versions to maximize these benefits without the interference of added sugars.

4. Root Veggies

I once used to fear all carbs until I learned what certain root veggies like carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beets, and acorn squash could do for me. These root veggies are powerful sources of magnesium, B vitamins, Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and natural carbs that actually lower your glycemic index and prevent sugar cravings. They also help to ease tension, PMS symptoms and their water and fiber content prevent irregularity, which is common in girls with eating disorders. Have these root veggies once or twice a day, or at least five times a week. They are delicious roasted in the oven with a little seasoning!

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Incorporating these nutrient-packed tubers into your meals doesn't have to be a chore. Start your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with baked cinnamon-sprinkled sweet potato. For lunch or dinner, enjoy a vibrant beetroot salad or a comforting bowl of butternut squash soup. These colorful additions not only enhance the flavor of your dishes but also infuse your body with much-needed nutrition. They are particularly adept at stabilizing mood swings and boosting energy levels, contributing to a more balanced and joyful approach to food and overall well-being.

5. Coconut

Coconut is such a great food and let me tell you why. The fats in coconut are some of the healthiest, most powerful brain fats you could be eating. They are used for immediate energy to the body and optimize serotonin production in the body. Coconut is also rich in lauric acid and natural antibacterial agents that prevent bad bacteria in the body. An abundance of bad bacteria in the body can lead to sugar cravings, which can spur disordered eating. Besides that, coconut is rich in fiber and essential beauty nutrients. I love coconut flour, shredded unsweetened coconut and small amounts of coconut oil that I use throughout the day. Don’t worry if you’re sensitive to nuts; coconut is technically a fruit and not considered a nut at all.

6. Avocados

Another wonderful source of healthy fats, avocados are rich in nutrients that help balance brain chemistry that can lead to disordered eating. Two most valuable nutrients in avocados are folate (Vitamin B9), and Vitamin B6. These two B vitamins send a sense of calm throughout the body and ease tension. They also decrease PMS symptoms like a bad mood, anxiety, headaches and tension. These essential vitamins are also found in asparagus. Avocados' healthy fats are monounsaturated fats which nourish the brain and enhance serotonin production in the body, along with increasing heart health. Eat ¼ cup a day or more to get the benefits.

7. Chia and Hemp Seeds

Along with being a protein source listed above, chia and hemp seeds deserve their own spot in this list of foods for eating disorder recovery. Both seeds are two of the most comprehensive sources of a variety of nutrients, including magnesium, iron, B vitamins, plant protein, Vitamin E and fiber. They help to increase satiety in the brain and fuel serotonin production because they also contain Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids have been strongly linked to preventing anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.

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Chia and hemp seeds are both excellent sources of dietary fiber, with chia seeds containing 10 grams of dietary fiber per ounce and hemp seeds containing 5 grams of dietary fiber per ounce. Both seeds are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium. Additionally, chia and hemp seeds are both high in plant-based protein, providing 4 grams of protein per ounce. Lastly, both seeds are a good source of healthy fats, including Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic disease.

8. Fish

Fish is a powerful source of protein, magnesium, potassium and Omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients help to stabilize blood sugar levels, calm anxiety and increase satiety. They also help prevent PMS symptoms. By preventing depression-like symptoms, these nutrients also help to prevent the likelihood of indulging in eating disorder behaviors. Eating disorder behaviors can occur with habit, but often times they occur from stress, tension or a low mood. By balancing the brain chemistry that leads to this scenario, you can prevent the problem from occurring. Fish, along with chia seeds, is a great place to start.

9. Spirulina

Spirulina is a sea algae that is the most concentrated source of protein, chlorophyll and Vitamin B12, along with iron, of any other food. Spirulina is a powerful food that most everyone would benefit from, but especially those with tendencies towards disordered eating. Spirulina’s nutrients help to increase focus, clarity and calmness in the body. These nutrients also help to ward off sugar cravings and enhance satiety in the body. A little goes along way, so I like to implement 1 tsp. per day in a smoothie so I can’t taste it, but many people who like the taste sprinkle it on all kinds of things like salads and more.

Once you have balanced your hormones and brain chemistry, recovery is so much easier on the road to a lifetime free of disordered eating. Eating foods rich in nutrients like these foods listed are a great place to start in balancing your brain chemistry and your hormones. Most importantly, eat regular meals full of healthy foods and seek therapy if you need to as well. Do you know someone who has recovered from an eating disorder?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

This sounds like a slight clean eating diet...

Great list!

Agree with XXXX, lots of verbiage that perpetuates ED… recovery often involves an all foods can fit mentality and this seems to have an unusual underlying vibe…. but if this helps some people that’s great.

Beautiful. Most of these have been at the top of my list, I'll have to try spirulina though!

lets try :)

#4 butternut squash is not a root vegetable. Radishes and turnips, however, are.