Regaining appetite after an anxiety attack?

[Lilikat]

Hi all,

I'm the type who loses all appetite when in an anxious state, even to the point that my gag reflex kicks in and I can't even keep food down. This last bout of anxiety, however, lasted about a week and a half. I ate as much as I could stomach during that time, but now (post anxiety attack) my body is all out of sorts. Food is still making me nauseous and I have trouble even telling whether I'm hungry or not, even though I know I need to eat more.

Any tips for working on regaining my appetite? Any suggestions of foods that are easy on the stomach, but still nutritious, would also be lovely.

[LadyZen]

I had trouble eating when I was depressed or anxious. At one point, I lost 20 lbs in a month. I forced myself to drink smoothies and California rolls because the drinks were high calorie and the California rolls were squished rice. So I got more carbs in one bite of California roll than anything else. I could also force myself to have one roll every hour and get through a pack in a day. Korean rice cakes are also loaded with carbs.

[Lilikat in reply to LadyZen]

Thanks ZenithK! I'll definitely try those out, as those are foods that I do like. Smoothies, I think, will be especially helpful.

[Lislis0831 in reply to LadyZen]

Oh my and I thought I was bad I’ve lost 11lbs in like 6 months I’ve tried forcing myself to eat because I’m not hungry or my anxiety depression kicks in and I try eating high carbs but still losing weight, which I get more depressed about.

[LadyZen in reply to Lislis0831]

This was 5 years ago when my marriage suddenly fell apart. The weight loss was concerning because I wasn't that big to begin with. High carbs might not work if you're very active.

[Sprinkle1]

I think smoothies are great, or milk shakes. I also like simple cereals with almond mild, go down smooth and the stomach accepts them. You can buy quality protein mixes at the drug store, ice cream if you like it. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations, she/he could point out some sources.I wish you well, Ssending love and support with big hug....Sprinkle 1.....

[Lilikat in reply to Sprinkle1]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Stilltrying_]

I had this problem in the summer. I could not eat anything. One thing I would say is that your body can take you not eating for a short while and it won't harm it; but you do need to start to get on the right track now like you said.

I would suggest that you eat whatever you feel you can manage to eat. For me it was teacakes; not toasted as I was too depressed to put anything in a toaster but just as they were. They were easy to digest. Another one is toast. People often find that easy to digest. Or a cuppa soup. Even if you have one spoonful and throw the rest away at least you have tried. Liquids are good like a glass of milk as that is nutritious. But if you don't like milk that won't work! Sometimes yoghurts are easy to digest or some people like scrambled eggs on toast.

Your appetite will come back naturally in the end but in the meantime I hope these ideas help a bit.

Gemmalouise x