How to Gain Weight After Bulimia

According to licensed dietitian Joanne Larsen, restricting calorie intake by purging can cause the metabolic rate to go down as the body attempts to conserve energy. Once the bulimic resumes a normal eating pattern, her body will automatically readjust her metabolic rate back its pre-bulimia state.

Instructions

Gaining Weight

• 1

  Consume more calories. According to the UCLA educational website, you must consume 3500 calories just to gain one pound. In order to gain one pound per week, you will need to consume an additional 500 calories every day. To do this, you need to eat 3 large meals per day, plus an additional 3 snacks. Consume foods that are high in healthy fats, such as fish, nuts, and steak.

• 2

  Eat more carbohydrates like breads and pastas. This will ensure you are getting enough energy to perform the physical activity that is needed to restore your body back to it's original, healthy state.

• 3

  Consult with a licensed dietitian to properly assess your dietary needs. He will evaluate your personal situation and design a diet program that fits your needs directly. A consultation with a dietitian is covered under most medical insurance plans.

• 4

  Continue to drink plenty of water, but also add liquids that are high in fat such as milk, juices, shakes, and sodas. Add protein powder to a glass of water to consume more calories daily.

• 5

  Exercise to build muscle and achieve a healthy weight. Walk a mile or two every day, and only do weight lifting exercises with dumbbells. Performing a lot of cardio exercises, such as running or aerobics, will cause you to lose weight.

• 6

  Talk to a school counselor or a psychologist while you continue on your path to recovery after bulimia. Keep a food diary that will track your daily food intake, as visually seeing your progress may keep you going in the right direction.