Understanding Anorexia: A Typical Meal for Someone with Anorexia and What They Do and Don’t Eat

When it comes to understanding anorexia and its eating habits, it's crucial to delve into the typical meal structure of someone with anorexia. This can be a complex and challenging topic, but it is essential for providing support and understanding. In this article, we will explore both the 'do's and don’ts' of anorexia eating habits, offering insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals with this eating disorder.

Monthly Overview: The Current State of Anorexia Recovery

I am currently in the midst of a relapse and feel a bit embarrassed to discuss this, but here we go. For an extended period, my meals were minimal, often skipping breakfast and lunch completely. However, my partner's increased watchfulness has made me more conscious of my diet.

Breakfast and Snacking

For breakfast or a snack, a typical choice might be plain 0% Greek yogurt with no-calorie sweetener and strawberries. Alternatively, I might opt for a pre-made overnight oats/chia meal that can be prepared quickly with simply added water. Black coffee and tea provide a boost of energy and warmth, which I often lack.

Lunch: Refined Snacking

At lunch, my choices are often limited by calorie and portion sizes. A 70-calorie low-carb tortilla with a light Laughing Cow cheese or egg whites and cucumbers is a common option. If I have a salad for lunch, it typically includes a mix of greens, protein sources, and a low-calorie dressing—ideally no more than 5 calories per tablespoon.

Dinner: Struggling with Carb Portion Control

The dinner meal can be more varied but still constrained by calorie counts. Vegetables like broccoli, cucumbers, and salads are safe choices. Protein sources like minced chicken, chicken breast, shrimp, white fish, or tofu are included. For carbs, rice, quinoa, and perled couscous can be consumed, but not exceeding 1/2 cup because they can significantly impact calorie intake. In some cases, I might substitute these with cauliflower rice or keto noodles, allowing for a slightly larger portion of protein and vegetables.

Portion Obsession

The central theme in my eating habits is the desire to consume fewer calories to fill me up. Zero-calorie drinks like water and diet sodas are also frequent choices. The key element is the portion size because controlling it is integral to my restricted eating practices.

Personal Anorexia Experience

It's important to note that the experiences of anorexia and the foods consumed can vary widely from person to person. Here's a look at what a day of eating during my worst anorexic period might have looked like:

Breakfast

During particularly difficult times, my breakfast might consist of a small bowl of oatmeal or yogurt. On some days, I might consume a single fruit, such as an apple or a banana, to meet my minimal caloric intake.

Lunch

I often skipped lunch entirely, resorting to fruits or small snacks like potato chips when I did consume anything. Gums and water were common choices to provide a sensation of eating without the actual consumption.

Dinner

My dinner options were often decided by personal control and the need to manage portions. A microwaveable burrito with some baby carrots might be the extent of my food intake, with a small packet of guacamole as a rare inclusion. This day’s total calorie intake would typically be around 700-1200 calories, not including the calories burned from exercise.

Concluding Thoughts

Understanding anorexic meal habits is crucial for family, friends, and professionals in the field. By recognizing the careful balance of calorie and portion control, we can better support those in recovery and promote a healthier approach to eating.