21 weeks pregnant and bulimic

[tumaro]

I'm currently about 50% raw mainly because i'm still batteling bulimia. The only thing that helped me before I was pregnant was going fully raw. I've been trying to research going raw in the middle of pregnancy but I keep reading that the detox isnt safe for baby. I understand that me being bulimic isnt any safer, but i am doing the best that I can at this point to be healthy. all advice is welcome. thanks for reading.

[Raene]

I recommend getting Jinjee's Raw Pregnancy e-book which can be found at www.thegardendiet.com. It's really helpful. I've heard both things about detoxing while preg--some think it's safe, others don't. Just make sure to do everything in moderation and really listen in to your body.

[Clare]

Look at what you are binging on...my guess is that those foods are not good for your baby either. WHen I was bulimic, it was mostly dairy (ice cream) and processed wheat junk. Raw has cured me (I believe - no lapses in months). If you eat a varied raw diet without fat restriction (unless nuts are a trigger for you - then go with coconut, avos, flax, etc) your baby will surely be doing just fine. I don't think you'll have major detox if you have a raw history and you don't do any kind of fasting or fat restriction while pregnant, of course.

[Jenifae]

Eating plant food is the way our bodies are designed to eat. I don't see how that can harm your body or your baby.
I do see how bulemia and junk food and chemical food can.
I think Raene gave you a great link :).
Be easy on yourself and you can only get better.
Welcome :)

[Priscilagj@mac.com]

sorry this might be a bit long, but i really want to help.
for the past 5 years I've struggled with quite a few eating disorders- bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder... and after the last one had fully developed, I kept beating myself up about it. You see, I usually am the most committed person I know, my will power has never let me down. However, my bingeing wasn't stopping and I couldn't understand what was going on. Everyone around me knows I have this disorder, which is an added plus to the situation and everyone was pretty aware that the only thing that helped me was going raw. You see, I had no idea why raw helped me so much. Because even when I binge on raw, I never wanted to throw up. When my best friend asked me why raw helped so much, I couldn't answer anything else but "it just does." So for the past four weeks I've been researching and researching what could possibly be making me do this, and yesterday evening- BAM! I found the answer.
- Last year I was told, all of a sudden, that I was allergic to peanut butter and wheat. This truly came out of nowhere, and I didn't understand, nothing physical happened when I ate these things and my doctor had a tough time explaining it. So here I found the answer:

"Food Addiction – Causes and Manifestations
Food addiction, as with any other addiction, is a loss of control. The individual understands that their way of eating is harmful, but continues the destructive behavior. The phenomenon of food addiction is both physiological and psychological.

Many individuals have what may be termed “food allergies.” These are trigger foods which when ingested cause negative symptoms and changes in the body but at the same time provoke cravings. The individual, for instance, the diabetic, may be made “sick” by the intake of sugar, but will still continue to crave it and eat it in excess, with adverse effects. Studies are also continuing regarding certain proteins in milk and wheat which when ingested produce narcotic-like effects. These chemicals mimic the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, and have thus been termed “exorphins.” Individuals may be suffering from depression, low self-esteem or loneliness; they will find a high when ingesting large quantities of food or certain foods such as salt or chocolate. The immediate high gives way to a sick feeling or guilt, leading to more depression. Because the addict is out of control, he or she will turn once again to the same eating patterns in a conscious or unconscious effort to feel better. "
(http://www.allaboutlifechallenges.org/food-addiction.htm)

So, I hope I helped. And these are the good news, this is all what you could call a vicious cycle.. but we have found the miracle cure for it.
best to you,
please keep me updated.

[diamondscape]

Hey There

I also battles with eating disorders off and on for over 10 years. And then I became prego with my first. I think the raw diet would be awesome for your baby. Just trust what you are feeling... use this as an oppurtunity to learn how to listen to your body before the baby comes. This will help you even after and also in teaching the child how to be healthy and love itself.

ANyways... I am new to this raw diet too but so far helps me from feeling ""guilty" about what I eat. And in turn is giving me an oppurtunity to relax and deal with the real issues that underlye the eating disorders!!!

And ya know what.. just keep thinking about that little wee one in there... and the love that you send its way... it will feed off of that more than anything...

Seems to me like you know already what is the right path for you!!!!

Blessings on your journey....

But I am feelin ya!!!!

BTW I have 3 kids now and have been free from those eating disorders for many years... it is so doable!!!!

diamondscape

[leela13]

I'm at the tail end of my pregnancy and like you have been trying to stay raw. I have battled with eating disorders as well throughout my life. Please be ready for a big change in your body. Every day I am still amazed at how HUGE I am. (not really but it feels that way). It has been an enormous struggle and learning experience to watch my body change every day while my baby grows.
My best advice: get exercise every day.
try and stay as strict to healthy foods for as long as possible
(I have given in from time to time)
and do prenatal yoga (buy a dvd or take a class)
I am only have three weeks left and can't imagine getting any bigger--but it happens every morning when I wake up. Stay strong, its hard but, realize you have precious little one that loves you growing so quickly and needs your strength.