Re- distribution of fat after ED

Question
Hello! Firstly, thank you for volunteering your expertise to help me.

I AM AFRAID OF RELAPSING.

I am 5 ft 4 and now 126 pounds, which I have maintained for a good 8 - 10 months now. However, I am post anorexia, 2 years of hell where I was about 95 pounds at my lowest. In 15 months I have only had 2 periods, and so recently got a full blood work up for hormones, liver, kidneys and thyroid. Results are pending.

After the worst of it, I went to a less severe diet, but maintained High intensity cardio 4 times a week, weights 2 x weekly, and still no fat (stupidly not even the good ones)
But, I was determined to get well, and in the past 6 months I have really fixed my diet - I eat porridge with Amaranth, LSA and Psyllium at breakfast followed by a slice of rye sourdough with coconut oil and tahini spread and a poached egg white. 3 hours later, an apple and an omega (fish oil amaranth and flax seed) bar. 3 hours on, chicken breast, avocado and mushroom salad with alfalfa and an orange, 3 hours later 8 or so celery sticks and about 20 nuts - almonds and walnuts. Dinner is 3 hours later and is usually steamed salmon and about 3 cups of steamed vegies - any vegies, really, except corn. I love veggies.

I drink 3 litres of water a day and dandelion tea only. NEVER SUGAR, WHITE GRAINS, ALCOHOL OR TRANS FATS.

I have also scaled back my workouts to small amounts of walking through the week (not routine, more incidental) and 2 weight classes lasting 1 hour each.

Here is my problem, and I am so frustrated by it I cry a lot and am starting to think maybe I was better off too thin!

Throughout my whole recovery, I have consistently gained weight on my stomach - to the point where I have a huge pot belly / gut and get asked about twice a week if I am pregnant. My arms and legs remain skinny, but there is this big blob of fat (a soft pouch)on my belly, and fat on my waist at the sides. The doctor said I have great belly muscle underneath - but you wouldn't know it!

Is this common after AN? Is it hormonal (I've still not had a period) Does it go away "in time?" Is it about needing to be in caloric surplus for longer, (as I've probably only been doing that for about 3 months in total) or have I scaled back / relaxed TOO much?

Please, give me all the help you can. I am desperate and so tired of fighting the good fight it's not funny!

Thank you so very much - you might just save my life!

Answer
Hello Em,

I was just writing to follow up with the progress and status of your fitness and or nutrition program. I was also writing to see if the information I have provided you, was useful and beneficial.

Feel free to reply with any additional questions.


Sincerely,
Zachory L Cook
CPT,CFI, CSN, CSFI
International Fitness Association:
Certified Instructor Number: 209967
[email protected]

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