For a client with anorexia nervosa, what approach best ensures the daily caloric requirements are met?

For a client with anorexia nervosa, what approach best ensures the daily caloric requirements are met?

• A. Two regular meals with a light lunch daily.
• B. Three regular meals per day.
• C. Three regular meals plus two snacks each day.
• D. Six small meals per day.

Answer: (D)

In anorexia nervosa, restoring weight and meeting daily calories is easier when eating is divided into many small portions so the patient isn’t overwhelmed by a single large meal. Six small meals spread through the day gives a steady, higher total caloric intake with less risk of early fullness or anxiety at mealtimes. This approach also creates regular eating cues and helps the patient tolerate more calories over time, supporting weight restoration more reliably than fewer, larger meals. Two regular meals with a light lunch can undershoot daily calories and leave gaps in intake. Three regular meals may still be challenging if anxiety or fullness limits intake at each meal. Three meals plus two snacks helps, but six small meals ensures there are more frequent opportunities to consume calories, which can be more manageable and effective for progressively meeting energy needs.

In anorexia nervosa, restoring weight and meeting daily calories is easier when eating is divided into many small portions so the patient isn’t overwhelmed by a single large meal. Six small meals spread through the day gives a steady, higher total caloric intake with less risk of early fullness or anxiety at mealtimes. This approach also creates regular eating cues and helps the patient tolerate more calories over time, supporting weight restoration more reliably than fewer, larger meals.

Two regular meals with a light lunch can undershoot daily calories and leave gaps in intake. Three regular meals may still be challenging if anxiety or fullness limits intake at each meal. Three meals plus two snacks helps, but six small meals ensures there are more frequent opportunities to consume calories, which can be more manageable and effective for progressively meeting energy needs.