[Nepeta]

Can you say “empty calories?” Most of that is nutrient-deficient, at the very least. Lots of carbs and little protein. If you have a metabolic problem like this, I should think every calorie taken in should be loaded with the best nutrients possible.

That isn't the way nutrition works. If you are doing a lot of physical work, you need more energy, not more protein. Energy comes from fats and carbohydrates. You can use protein for energy, but not as efficiently, and it is a waste of quality protein. This woman has normal bones and teeth, so she is absorbing minerals properly. She did not stay childlike, so she has grown. She appears to have a problem processing sources of energy, or burning through them at a phenomenal clip.

[caseinpoint]

I agree you need carbs to keep energy up but I think there is a difference between simple carbs in a lot of junk food and complex carbs and it seems her reported snacking is all simple carbs, without a balance of other nutrients or long-lasting carbs.