Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Eating disorders
please can you rate my recovery meal plan?
chlo3dancer · 10/05/2021 21:46
please can anyone reassure me... I am recovering from an ED but my avoidance of food has turned into a weird fear of swallowing/choking and I am desperate to get enough calories and keep recovering, but I struggle with some types of food really badly (bread, dense cuts of meat, drier stuff like pulses not in sauce). I have a real fear of getting sick/malnutrition from relapsing into restricted eating so I am trying to get a lot of nutrients in and slowly overcome the choking fear.
I've kept a food diary for a few days, does this look ok for a day's food intake?
breakfast:
oat so simple porridge pot with honey and tbsp almond butter mixed in
banana
coffee with semi skimmed milk
lunch:
1/2 avocado, 2 poached eggs, 1/2 can baked beans, some broccoli
dinner:
1 quarter pounder burger, new potatoes, some salad (yesterday was fish cake, roasted sweet potatoes and some broccoli)
snacks:
apple
small packet raisins
pack of crisps
greek yoghurt with berries or glass of whole milk
I also take an iron supplement, b complex, and magnesium
I think I am getting in about 1400 cals a day like this.i know it isn't loads but this is what I feel I can manage right now with my stress levels and anxiety around food. is this OK? for reference, I am 5'2" and just over 8 stone, my weight tends to settle between 8 stone and 8 stone 7 lbs. I have a short walk each day but otherwise not very active right now as focusing on relaxation and recovery.
thanks so much for any help
Horehound · 10/05/2021 21:50
Just from a "I'm a normal person and don't know much about eating disorders".. but that looks good to me!
Horehound · 10/05/2021 21:50
Sorry don't mean you're not normal, I just mean I'm a Joe bloggs!
CaribouCarafe · 10/05/2021 21:50
I can't say I have the healthiest eating habits or any nutritional knowledge, but I'm the same height and a similar weight and eat a similar amount per day... but I'm not very active - if you are exercising as well then it is likely to be too little.
It sounds like you're making great progress so far. Hope someone more knowledgeable comes along to offer some more solid advice!
chlo3dancer · 10/05/2021 21:52
I'm not exercising right now except for a probably 20 minute leisurely walk. my job is sedentary and I get tired quite easily as iron levels are low.
Horehound · 10/05/2021 21:52
What about Philadelphia spread onto a cracker for a snack too? Or cheese pieces along with your Apple? That would be nice :)
Horehound · 10/05/2021 21:55
You say you struggle with dense pieces of meat but what about a nice spaggetti Bolognese or lasagne? If you let that cook for a few hours the mince would be fairly soft plus the sauce etc makes it a wet dish. Or a chilli and you could also add in kidney beans and that would increase iron levels.
Snorkello · 10/05/2021 22:05
Well done on getting to this stage. Sounds like a great menu. Lots of healthy things and you don’t need to stress about not eating bread and too many heavy foods right now. Proteins and veg and fruit will help get you back on track.
Do you have a therapist to talk to about your fears? It might be good to talk them through with someone, though I can understand why you would feel that way.
Maybe try soft foods like rice, cheese, soft fruits, spinach, if that sounds good. Fish is a great way to eat healthy, like smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Risotto, soups, stews and smoothies are healthy ways to pack in lots of goodness.
When you’re ready to exercise more, Pilates or swimming are good to try, otherwise a chilled walk is enough.
I’m on betteryou iron. It’s great and I definitely recommend it for boosting iron levels.
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