What are the nutrition needs for people recovering from anorexia?

Answer 1

I overcame anorexia about 1 years ago. At the time I saw many people including dietitions, phsycologists, doctors, and school counselors. We would never discuss calories. But I was basically supposed to eat what you see on the Food Pyramid. Fruits, vegtables, grains, dairy, and meat. I also had to take a woman's multivitamin every day along with extra calcium tablets. I was very low on phosphorus, a necessary nutrient for anyone's body, and had to take 4 prescribed phosphorus pills a day.

Answer 2

I met with a nutritionist to discuss this when I was recovering from anorexia, and reached the conclusion that while specific needs vary a lot depending on the habits of each anorectic, these suggestions may be helpful:

-Remember that the recovery tends to be more emotional and mental than physical. Accordingly, more important than trying to get the right vitamins and minerals can be getting the necessary help to change ones relationship with food. For me this meant accepting that fat is an important nutrient--and learning not to obsess over choosing only "healthy" fats. Fat is fat is fat, and it's something anorectics need more of as they recover. The so-called "healthy" fats provide certain nutrients which are also important, but in my case I found that it was better to eat fats in what ever form was most palatable and then take several additional tablespoons of much-needed "healthy" fats in capsule form each night.

-Likewise, don't consume only whole grains--some white bread can be good for you too--and don't entirely avoid sugars.

-Focus on getting protein, and supplement with iron capsules if needed, since many anorectics are also anemic.

-Don't fill up on fiber--some fiber is good, but remember you are trying to retrain your body to accept MORE food, not to feel full on very little.

-Eat a variety of foods and eat often.

-Get some exercise, but again, keep it fun and avoid becoming obsessive. I don't know how anyone who had suffered from anorexia (and so had obviously struggled with body image) could handle the necessary weight gain recovering anorectics go through without some exercise to help keep your body looking trim.

I highly recommend meeting with a nutritionist trained in helping anorectics recover in order to get individual guidance and support.