Experiencing an increased appetite and feeling like you can't stop eating during eating disorder recovery is not uncommon. There are several reasons why this may happen:
Physical Recovery: During the period of anorexia, your body may have been deprived of essential nutrients and calories. When you start eating again and providing your body with the nourishment it needs, it can trigger an intense hunger response as your body tries to restore itself to a healthier state.
Metabolic Changes: Prolonged restriction of food intake can slow down your metabolism. As you begin to eat more, your metabolism may increase, leading to a higher demand for energy and causing you to feel hungrier than usual.
Emotional and Psychological Factors: Food can become intertwined with emotions and coping mechanisms, both during the eating disorder and in recovery. It's possible that you might be using food as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotions, leading to feelings of insatiable hunger.
Fear of Restriction: After experiencing anorexia, there might be a fear of going back to restricting food intake. This fear could lead you to eat more than usual, even when you're not physically hungry, as a way to ensure you don't restrict yourself again.
Regaining Trust with Hunger Signals: During anorexia, hunger signals may have been ignored or suppressed. In recovery, as your body begins to heal, those hunger signals might become more pronounced and difficult to regulate initially.
Gut Hormones: The gut produces hormones that can influence appetite. After prolonged restriction, these hormones might be dysregulated, leading to increased hunger and overeating.
While it's not uncommon to experience an increased appetite during recovery, it's essential to find a balance and listen to your body's needs. It might be helpful to work with a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders. They can help you develop a structured and balanced meal plan that meets your body's nutritional needs while addressing your emotional relationship with food.
Additionally, therapy can be beneficial in addressing any emotional or psychological factors contributing to your eating behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other evidence-based therapies can help you develop healthier coping strategies and build a positive relationship with food.
Remember that recovery is a process, and it's okay to seek support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends. They can assist you in navigating this challenging phase of your recovery journey. Be patient with yourself and give yourself the time and space needed to heal physically and emotionally.