Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 5/7/2007

Question
Hi
i am struggling to recover on my own. i'm 5'1 and weigh 33-35 kg. and i really wanna eat normal again but i'm scared to be back to my super fat old self.
could you advise me on an eating plan? something like how i can increase my calorie intake slowly and how to go about doing it? thanks so much.
luv
meefael

Answer
Increasing caloric intake slowly is a reasonable approach. I would recommend increasing your daily intake by 200 calories every week... until you get to a reasonable daily intake (1400cal/day).

Many times those in recovery don't like the full feeling that comes with increasing food intake. To minimize that distress I would recommend eating foods that are a little higher in calories but is not increased in density. For example... instead of eating that slice of toast with Jelly... have a poptart. maybe for breakfast you could have your dried fruit and strawberries over top of a cup full of yogurt. For lunhc i would recommend taking ins ome protein to get you through the day. Maybe a meat and cheese roll (a slice of lean meat and a slice of cheese of your choice). and a cup full of fruit and/or veggies. For dinner... mix some veggies with your egg white... kind of like an omlet. you essentially have no veggies on your menu... you need that fiber to keep you regular. Often times those with eating disorders suffer from constipation. How does that sound?? you think that is doable?