My Current Struggle Is Food

[Renizzle2023]

This is what I am struggling with most at the moment. It's sort of like not wanting to eat when you are depressed. My depression is currently under control with my medication, but I am still struggling to get the right nutrition from week to week.

Living by myself and supporting myself has been a learning experience. Everything has fallen into place fairly easily, though, except for food. I'm considering the idea of starting a special diet designed to bulk up, just to make sure I get enough nutrition.

The problem is, it's hard to cook for just one person. It's hard to convince myself that I should spend that much time and effort on myself, when my free time is already very limited. I work nights and sometimes as much as 50 hours a week. And when I go shopping, I either buy too much or too little; I haven't figured out yet how much I need to get through a week.

Another complication is that social anxiety makes it challenging to eat in public or even get take out. I can do fast food. But anything else... by myself... would be very hard.

Another complication is that I visit my parents once a week or so, and I have this needy feeling that my mom "ought" to be fussing over me and making sure that I eat. That is how she expresses affection toward her sons. But I am a daughter, so when I walk in the door, she takes me for granted. Usually, she asks me to help with a chore before offering me anything. That's just her way, and it's not going to change. I really need to accept that no one in my family is going to spoil me or fuss over me or force me to eat. I need to adjust to being an adult who takes care of their own needs, including eating.

Any suggestions? I'm open to feedback and any advice or ideas.

[AnxiousCanadianChic]

I’m probably not gonna be much help as I’m never hungry due to depression. I rarely eat but I force myself to take vitamins. I take a multivitamin but extra A,B complex, C, D, K and iron, zinc, magnesium etc. I also make sure to drink Gatorade or I buy the mio water enhancers with electrolytes. It’s weird how different we all are, some just can’t eat and others find comfort in food. I eat very basic stuff. Like I’ll buy boxed flavoured crackers and eat that or a package of microwaveable rice. I know I’m not getting proper nutrients but that’s all I can do, hence I rely on supplements.

Yes I know it’s not the same as I know someone will comment that.

[Renizzle2023 in reply to AnxiousCanadianChic]

Thanks for your reply! Good for you for taking vitamins. It’s a good reminder to me to keep taking mine. I know, with depression it can be hard to eat. I remember that although fortunately my meds and life changes have got me past it. Yes I take D and B as my labs show I need them, c, a multivitamin sometimes, and a couple others, melatonin and magnesium for sleep and relaxing. That’s good you have some easy options for food. People also recommend having protein drinks or bars on hand for snacks. I recommend fruit, it’s easy to eat and keeps pretty well in the fridge. All the best.

[Artistfriend]

I had an ongoing stomach issue tied in with my anxiety the past few months so ive lost alot of weight, eating and maintaining has been a learning experience for me as well even though its never been a problem in the past.

It can feel like a job having to eat and cook more, its a pain i agree. The best thing i can recommend are making your own shakes, thats a game changer. A blender, milk, oats, granola and protein powder. I make one in the morning, thats like 600 calories right there, add in a banana or peanut butter and it goes up to 700, it takes about a minute to make, tasty , fast and healthy

The other thing is, spoil yourself if you can. Eat food that tastes good, your body will naturally want it more, its hard to eat a lot of bland chicken and rice. The grocery will have some good prepared meals that are easy to cook at home.

The last thing is, unless your health is at risk dont stress over it, it takes time to gain weight, just be consistent and patient. Good luck 👍

[Renizzle2023 in reply to Artistfriend]

Thank you, those are great suggestions.

[Nothing_but_books]

If you're weight is too low, Ensure helps.

If you enjoy Indian food and have an Indian market nearby, their frozen meals are free of the additives you see in the supermarket.

I stretch one frozen meal to last several days by stirring in a vegetable that I microwave. (I have to stretch the meals because they all come with more salt than I can eat. Half frozen meal and half vegetable and I'm okay.)

Add frozen jasmine rice and yogurt if you like.

[Renizzle2023 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I'm not sure... but I will look into that! It would be fun to visit an Indian market if there is one near me.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Renizzle2023]

Tell the guy that runs the place what kinds of food you like. I've learned lots of things there.