Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (91 page)

Eat iron-rich foods (see above) with vitamin-C rich foods at the same meal (vitamin C helps with absorption of iron). For example, eat fish, lentils, and eggs with vegetables and salads.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

The term anorexia originally meant loss of appetite. Now it is generally used to describe someone who denies themselves food, even when they are hungry. Anorexics have an irrational fear of body fat and weight gain and a constant desire to get thinner. They have misperceptions of body image, often feeling fat even when underweight.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Dramatic weight loss; 15 to 25 percent below normal weight is the definition for being anorexic.

Eating only a few foods that are low in fat and calories.

A preoccupation with body shape and image.

Wearing baggy clothes to hide thinness.

Avoidance of social gatherings where food is involved.

Making excuses for not eating and secretiveness around food.

Missing three consecutive periods.

Loss of sexual desire.

Malnutrition and failing health.

Obsessive exercise.

White spots on nails, which indicate a marked zinc deficiency.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

A culture where thinness is associated with attractiveness.