you can blend seeds and nuts to bulk them up. i've seen banana smoothies that are blended with pumpkin seeds for a bit of a zinc boost before. i add chia seeds to some of my smoothies. green smoothies would be good too. have you read green for life? blended greens with some fruit is very nutritious and they don't taste bad like you would think.

Hi Monkey,

I have dealt with the same eating disorder and have been shy about vocalizing it.  It was totally psychological/emotional, and I came to more clarity recently on my fast that showed how I linked food to love (and sex) due to the severe childhood abuse I got while at those crucial ages of 5-7 where the amydala portion of the brain was most active/growing, and that controls our sleep, fear/anger, food, sex, and I think also body temperature regulation. 

Now after breaking the fast, I am eating minimally due to being super conscious and wanting to regain my vitality properly.  I just got a shipment of chlorella powder, because I read that it acts as an appetite suppressant and I think fat burner too and is the notable algae that repairs our tissues best.  It also tastes much better than spirulina, and I put 1/2 teaspoon in both my morning smoothie and post-workout smoothie today and after my breaking the fast very early today since I just couldn't sleep anymore--I'll explain more in the Raw for 60 Days thread, although I may write it tomorrow since I'm tired.  I feel great from what I ate so far and hope this super food really does follow through with what I read.  I can't tell just yet since I did a 5.25 day water fast, but before with a 7 day water fast, I ate more voraciously; therefore, I do think it may be working.  I also want to learn to make sunflower sprouts as those are the most delicious ever and make me feel the best!  Definitely eat organic greens with your fruit, and you will be a happy camper too. 

And you are right about the smoothies being easier to not overeat than eating the food whole.  If you feel like your emotions and tendencies are coming back to control you, run out the door and do some exercise, even if it is cold!  Nights are the worst for me, and thankfully I'm adopting these healthful practices now since we have such long days here.  But, the discount grocery store is down the street, and it was always fun to see what new junk food was there, so that is still there to tempt me.  I have to keep myself focused and busy, and I exercise often now. 

My best to you,
Theresa

Hi Monkey Monkey,

I too have struggled with eating disorders for years.  I've found that eating raw helps me to keep my addictive eating impulses under control (to a point, that is).  The 2 types of recipes meals that have been most useful for me so far are:

1) green smoothies.  I have a huge one for breakfast every day.  Lots of beautiful fruit, whatever I have on hand but I especially like bananas, and lots of greens, as much as I can handle in terms of taste.  I add chia seeds, as they are very soothing to the digestive system, full of nutrients, and keep me full for hours.  I also had maca powder, which helps regulate hormones.  Also I've found that adding fresh herbs, like mint, parsley or coriander gives me an extra happy energetic feeling.

2) mono-fruit meals.  This is the best for lunch - I want until I'm reeeeaaaalllly hungry, then slowly eat as much of one fruit as I want until I feel satisfied.  This makes me feel so good and energized. 

I still love to be a creative non-cook, so for dinner I usually make a fun raw recipe with lots of veggies, or a big salad.  I've actually found that reducing my intake of nuts and other high fat ingredients helps reduce the urge to binge. 

Oh, and also, I eat raw cacao every day!  Because my soul craves it, and I think an important part of healing is letting ourselves know that we deserve beautiful, healthy, soul-satisfying treats.  I like to mix the powder with some coconut oil and honey, but there are lots of great raw chocolate recipes on this site and others.