I'm not a medical professional, so it's essential to consult with your healthcare team, including your doctor, therapist, and a registered dietitian, before making any decisions about exercise or your recovery plan.
That being said, exercise during eating disorder recovery can be a complicated matter. On one hand, regular physical activity can have many positive effects on overall health and well-being. However, during the early stages of recovery from anorexia, it's crucial to focus on restoring your body to a healthy state, which may require a temporary reduction or modification of exercise.
Here are some important considerations:
Restoring body weight and nutritional balance: Gaining weight is an essential part of recovery from anorexia, as it helps restore your body to a healthier state. Your body needs adequate energy and nutrients to heal, including the recovery of your menstrual cycle.
Hormonal balance and the menstrual cycle: Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) is common in individuals with anorexia due to hormonal imbalances resulting from low body weight and insufficient nutrition. Gaining weight and reaching a healthier body composition can help restore hormonal balance and encourage the return of your menstrual cycle.
Physical stress and energy availability: Intense or excessive exercise can place additional stress on your body, making it more challenging to gain weight and restore your menstrual cycle. It's important to ensure that you have sufficient energy availability to support both exercise and recovery.
Psychological factors: Exercise can sometimes become a compulsion or a way to compensate for eating. During recovery, it's crucial to address any unhealthy relationships with exercise and focus on healing your mind and body.
Given your progress in gaining weight and recovering from anorexia, it's generally advisable to reduce or modify exercise during this phase. Your body needs time to adjust to the increased calorie intake and weight gain.
It's essential to have open and honest communication with your healthcare team about your exercise habits and goals. They can help you find a balanced approach that supports your recovery while ensuring you engage in healthy and safe physical activity when appropriate.
Remember, recovery from an eating disorder is a complex and individualized journey, and the guidance of medical professionals is essential to ensure your safety and well-being.