Expert: Joanne - 11/30/2007

Question
I've been anorexic for about 3 months, ever since transferring colleges. I began school very thin, so really had no weight to lose. At an extremely low, rock-bottom weight, I finally see what my mom has been telling me for weeks and have vowed to begin recovering on my own. So far it's been just under a week, but I've been eating more, more often, and have added protein bars and protein shakes. I want to gain the weight back safely and in a healthy fashion, not just from eating a ton of snacks or chocolate, etc, which is what I've also been doing lately after having the fear of god put in me from reading some articles about anorexia. Because I don't want to completely shock my system, do you have sample menus I could follow, or do you have links to a site that has specifics behind what I could eat each day, keeping in mind I am a university student and have to have options that I can find in a school cafeteria? I'd really appreciate hearing back from you.

Thank you.

Answer
Abby

Unfortunately, it is next to impossible to find a meal plan to give you, as meal plans tend to be tailored to suit the individual.  It may be worth having a look for a local dietician/nutritionist that you could get an appointment with and have a look at a suitable meal plan.  Does your university have any eating disorder services?  They may be able to supply you with some information.

You need to look at increasing your calorie intake to a minimum of about 1500-1800 calories, increasing it by 100 calories or so a week if you want to do it slowly.  You need to make sure that you are taking in enough of each food group.  Your diet should be about 55-75% carb, 10-15% protein and about 25-30% fat.  Make sure that you are taking in plenty fibre and fruit and veg as well.

Holly