Meal time for someone with an eating disorder can be very stressful. When treating a bulimic, nutrition therapy dictates what types of foods are appropriate. Which lunch would be best for an 18-year-old client who is being treated for bulimia?

A) 6 oz of chicken noodle soup, 6 saltine crackers with 2 tablespoons of butter, 3/4 cup of ice cream, and 12 oz of diet soda

B) 3 oz of hamburger, lettuce leaf, tomato slice, 1 slice of onion, 1 oz of processed cheese, 1 hamburger bun, 6 oz of French fries, and one 8-oz strawberry milkshake

C) 6 chicken nuggets, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 4 oz cup of applesauce, and one 4-inch slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream

D) 3 oz of grilled swordfish, 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli, 1/2 cup of rice pilaf, and 4 oz of hot tea

The best lunch for a client with bulimia is option D, which avoids trigger foods and provides a balanced meal. Nutrition therapy emphasizes the importance of balanced meals that prevent binging behaviors.

Explanation:

The best lunch for an 18-year-old client being treated for bulimia would likely be the option that avoids trigger foods and promotes a balanced approach to eating. Among the choices provided, option D: 3 oz of grilled swordfish, 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli, 1/2 cup of rice pilaf, and 4 oz of hot tea would be the most suitable. This meal includes a balance of protein, vegetables, and a moderate amount of carbohydrates without the inclusion of high-fat or high-sugar items that could trigger a binge-purge cycle.

Nutrition therapy is crucial for the treatment of eating disorders, and it is important to select meals that are balanced and non-triggering for those with bulimia. As part of the therapy, avoiding extreme dietary restrictions and high-calorie, fatty, or sugary foods that can lead to binge eating episodes is essential. Proper meal planning plays a significant role in preventing the recurrence of bulimic behaviors by promoting regular, nutritious eating habits without the sense of deprivation that can lead to binging.