Struggling to eat

[GreenEgg]

Hello

I’ve been really struggling lately, feeling very anxious. Part of that is that I find it hard to eat - I just don’t have an appetite and I can go days without eating anything substantial.

I had some Easter eggs today that were on my counter still, and forced down a spinach roll yesterday. Mostly I just don’t feel hungry. When I do feel hungry it also seems like effort.

How does everyone else deal with this? I think maybe if I ordered some stuff online and just had it sitting around. But I just can’t think of what, nothing seems appealing.

G

[Croix]

Dear GreenEgg~

Welcome back, I've read your other threads and know you have a difficult time wiht anxiety and depression and are on a Mental Health Plan - something which I hope helps. I also understand that work sits heavily on your mind and rahter suspect you expect too much of yourself in advancement and the hoops you have to jump though to get it (my apologies if I'm wrong)

I'm a bit worried about you as not eating can become a very dangerous habit. There are of course various reasons for not eating but you do not seem to have a particular reason, more a matter of disinterest.

Lack of nourishment can (obviosly) make you ill and if it goes on for long can have permanent serious results.

Even if you feel the matter may not be important I'd strongly suggest you talk to the experts at the Butterfly Foundation, who can give the best advice.

I think this is a better answer than ordering stuff on-line.

Do you think this might be a good way to go?

Croix

[Mark Z.]

Hi GreenEgg,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with anxiety and loss of appetite. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time. As you've been struggling with anxiety and losing appetite for a certain period, I think it's time to seek professional help, otherwise your physical health might be affected more.

I would suggest you to talk to you GP about the possibility of referring a dietitian. In addition, here are some gentle yet filling foods that you can eat when you are not in the mood for eating:
- White Rice: It is recommended for people who suffer from stomach discomfort because it is easy to digest. This is also a rich source of B vitamins, iron, manganese and magnesium.
- Smoothies: Smoothies can be a good choice for what to eat when you don’t feel like eating because it’s often much easier to trick your brain into drinking calories because you don’t have to chew.
- Nuts: You can also “start” your metabolism by eating some nuts before your breakfast.

Hope it helps a bit and everything will be better.

Mark

[GreenEgg]

Thanks Mark and Croix, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. 

I read your comments and thought about it for a little. I hadn’t really considered it as disordered eating, like I knew it was an issue but I was thinking about it more as a symptom. So it took me a bit to look at that link Croix, but I did do the self test.

I went to my GP and discussed medication, and I’ve had an appointment with my psychologist too. I‘ve been making more of an effort in the past couple of weeks and I’m more hungry too - thanks for the suggestion for smoothies I think that’s actually been really good way when I don’t feel like eating. I’ve been making some with oats blended up and protein powder.

[Mark Z.]

Hi GreenEgg,

Thank you for your feedback. It's great to hear that you have been making progress, and are already on the right track of seeking professional help. Please do stick on your plan to see your GP and psychologist, it will be helpful for sure.

It'll be great if you can further improve your appetite and nutrition. For example, try to establish regular meal times, instead of eating only when you have appetite. Try new recipes and flavours to make meals more interesting and appealing. Focus on nutrient-dense foods especially those with high nutrients and low calories, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Next time when you see your GP, you can explain to her what you've been eating recently, to get some suggestions. And do not forget to drink enough water, it can help with digestion and appetite regulation.

It will be very helpful if you can do regular and gentle physical activities. Exercise such as walking, yoga, streching can help you reduce anxiety and stimulate appetite.

Please come back to share your progress, we'd all love to hear.

Mark