Anorexia is an eating disorder that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. People with anorexia often restrict their food intake and/or exercise excessively in an attempt to lose weight. People with anorexia can become dangerously underweight and can experience serious health problems as a result.
Eating Habits of Anorexic Patients
People with anorexia may restrict their food intake to only a few hundred calories per day or even less. This can lead to malnutrition and further health complications. People with anorexia may also engage in behaviors such as purging, bingeing, or fasting.
Nutritional Needs of Anorexic Patients
It is important for an anorexic patient to get enough of the essential nutrients their body needs, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Eating a balanced diet can help an anorexic patient meet their nutritional needs and can help them maintain a healthy weight.
What an Anorexic Patient Can Eat in One Day
An anorexic patient may need to eat more than they are used to in order to meet their nutritional needs. A typical meal plan for an anorexic patient might include foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. Some examples of what an anorexic patient might eat in one day include:
Breakfast: Whole grain toast with peanut butter and a glass of milk
Lunch: A turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato, carrot sticks, and an apple
Snack: Greek yogurt topped with granola and berries
Dinner: Grilled chicken with steamed vegetables and a side of brown rice
Snack: Popcorn, a banana, and a glass of low-fat milk
It is important for an anorexic patient to work with a registered dietitian to develop an individualized meal plan that meets their nutritional needs.