it’s rough out here (eating edition)

[gaylittlemonkey]

hi everyone!! so i just got diagnosed and started meds blah blah blah, but i’ve been really struggling with appetite suppression and stuff, like i’m never hungry and i was just wondering if y’all have tips on how to get your nutrients and nourish yourself when you don’t have much of an appetite! i used to struggle a lot with disordered eating and now i’m really proud to say that i actually want to eat and make sure i’m being kind to myself!! idk i was just wondering if anyone has tips on that ◡̈ thank you so much!

[STEM_Dad]

If you aren't feeling hungry, then perhaps an eating routine would help.

I've only experienced a slightly diminished appetite, just from coffee consumption. My metabolism has slowed down with age, so I now usually feel satisfied with less food. But, I've noticed that my energy levels dip if I wait too long to eat, if I don't eat, or if I don't eat enough.

So, I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to my routine. (On weekdays, lunch is as much about letting my brain take a break from thinking about work, as it is about eating.) Plus, I keep a bag of almonds in my desk drawer for occasional snacking. I also have some microwave popcorn, if I need a bigger snack (and an excuse to get away from my office for a few minutes).

[gaylittlemonkey in reply to STEM_Dad]

thank you so much, that’s very helpful!!! i like the almond snack part, that’s a great idea!

[Emochick]

Hello,Yeah, that is very common. My son had the same problem so the doctor prescribed cyproheptad. That worked for him. He even started to be more open to trying new food. Definitely talk to your doctor. They may have more options.

[gaylittlemonkey in reply to Emochick]

ooh i’ve never heard of that! thank you so much!!

[Sunshinerider]

in not eating either. To add to it I’m at work about 12 hrs a day - super deadlines time is tight. Seems I take vitamins, pepperoni,protein shakes banns yougurt and that s about it.

Been loosing weight, and while not healthy, it dawned on me that hose leather riding pants that were pretty darn tight are going to fit different. Well…. It did. Ass and hips lost what they haven’t had in yrs. Bell no diff. Neck and arm Skin is getting saggy. clearly a problem I am pushing aside

[gaylittlemonkey in reply to Sunshinerider]

it’s really really hard! i’m sorry you’re going through this too, but i believe in us!!

[lemonspeaks]

I make a huge smoothie every morning filled with veggies, fruits, and protein powder. I sip on it all day. I also will grab a couple grapes or almonds or a piece of cheese here and there to give myself something regularly.

[gaylittlemonkey in reply to lemonspeaks]

ooh that’s so smart!! thank you!!

[breadandcircuses]

I also eat on a routine - same times all day. I vary dinner a lot, but for breakfast and lunch I tend towards the same things (or at least the same categories of things). I eat about half the portion size I used to eat and that's fine - it's just hard to factor that in to my grocery shopping. We eat very healthy, but I keep buying too much of various things - working on that. I also eat whether I'm hungry or not - I just eat less and different things. I'm a lot less interested in meat most of the time and finding a lot of joy in veggies. Be patient with yourself - you'll figure it out. Amazing that you want to eat after having issues with disordered eating - celebrate that! What a huge achievement! I'm very impressed.

[gaylittlemonkey in reply to breadandcircuses]

ahhhh this is so kind, and very helpful! i’ve noticed the same thing about veggies as well! thank you so much for your comment <3

[writer35]

Following this thread! Until your post, I never connected why it's been difficult for me to eat at "mealtimes" when I'm not hungry due to suppressed appetite - disordered eating patterns make the deprivation sensations feel familiar, however unpleasant. Solidarity, friend.

The only tip I have - I've been trying to eat breakfast whether or not I'm hungry, which seems to help me follow through with lunch and dinner at appropriate times. Reading the replies above, that sounds like a good strategy so I'm inspired to go get my fruit to start my day. I will sometimes go for a protein drink (I like premier protein, chocolate) if food is unappetizing to me but I want to get some basic healthy nutrients in... if I've left it too long without nourishment, sometimes that actually seems to reset my energy and I'm ready to make a small supplemental (solid food) meal within 10 or so minutes. Good luck!

[gaylittlemonkey in reply to writer35]

Ahhhh I’m sorry you’re going through this too, but it’s nice to know i’m not alone!! i’m gonna go eat some breakfast right now!! i believe in us, friend! <3

[Gettingittogether]

Well in my case, the appetite suppression didn't last. I mean maybe for six months or so ... but ultimately it would wear off. In that sense appetite suppression is a side effect that the body learns to adjust to ... and thus diminishes over time. So I wouldn't panic if I were you--though with a history of disordered eating, it's really smart to jump on this.

Get on a schedule. You cannot wait til you feel hungry. Not now at least. And go for favorite foods with the ideal being your favorite and most healthy foods. Don't be trying to eat steamed carrots without salt or butter or sugar or cinnamon if you have no appetite.

[JayannL]

Set a timed schedule and make sure you stick to it. Just have little bits but more often. Also make sure it's things you like to eat.