Food Intake Suggestions

[veoh112]

I am recovering from multiple eating disorders called anorexia and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. I am an adult now and have issues finding what to eat. Do you have any suggestions for someone who is extremely picky and has Neophobia. I also have trouble finishing full meals sometimes, and I'm very skinny. I would love to know as I mainly eat the same thing every day and do not feel satisfied or full.

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Hi and welcome to the Healthy Eating group, veoh112 .😀

Are you allergic to anything food related? Have you talked to your doctor or a dietitian about changing your diet?

[veoh112 in reply to Activity2004]

I am not allergic to anything. I have not gotten a dietitian nor am I sure there are any in my area. My doctor and the previous therapist told me I was underweight which is why I am trying to gain weight now naturally by eating.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

Do you like eating nuts, eggs, etc.?

[veoh112 in reply to Activity2004]

Nuts yes, eggs yes. I haven't bought those items in a while. Proably because my taste buds fluctuate and I am not able to eat full meals or enjoy the taste of it. Nut's because I have senstive teeth. Any other suggestions?

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

Do you have quinoa?

[veoh112 in reply to Activity2004]

I have not ate that before? I feel like it taste bland

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

It’s low carb high protein. You can mix it into other food.

[Whydothis]

This sounds difficult for you. Perhaps if you can tell us what you are eating now we can try to make suggestions of very small and gradual changes that might help?

[veoh112 in reply to Whydothis]

Granola bars, apples, other fruit. For dinner, I mainly eat fish that is it. I generally don't know what I'm supposed to buy at the store. Due to being Neophobic I am not a huge fan of trying or testing new foods. Maybe it has something to do with my taste buds?

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

Do you like tofu mixed in with rice and curry sauces?

[veoh112 in reply to Activity2004]

Tofu not much. I have to eat rice with something else like beans. I have mixed feelings about curry. Any other suggestions?

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

Hummus? It’s made with chickpeas.

[veoh112 in reply to Activity2004]

What do you eat that with?

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

Mix it In with veggies or on its own. I usually mix in vegetables.

[Whydothis in reply to veoh112]

I think Cooper's suggestion of a drizzle of olive oil on your fish is a very good one - it would be very good for you, without too much change of taste or texture.

Then I wondered whether you could make yourself a little sauce to have with the fish, perhaps based on vegetables with olive oil, milk or cream.

Another thought is to extend the granola bars into buying a box of granola, and eating it with fruit juice - so you are combining flavours you already like into something extra.

[veoh112 in reply to Whydothis]

I only drink water. I don't really use sauces, I eat my foods very plain possibly due to taste buds.

[Cooper27 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

Have you been given any support to work through your neophopia? It sounds like a hard thing to attempt to overcome both this and your anorexia by yourself.

[veoh112 in reply to Cooper27]

I'm not sure. I only have a doctor and therapist. I don't know what those type of people specialize in? I can check again to find out if there is any in my area.

[Cooper27 Administrator]

Hi, and welcome to healthy eating!

I'm sorry to hear you've suffered with eating disorders. It's such a mental battle, but I'm so pleased to see you're working on it.

At the moment, there's a bit of a movement to promote intuitive eating, particularly helpful for those who suffer eating disorders, as it works to teach you to listen to your body. Have a look into it

It's hard for us to provide direct advice without knowing where your boundaries are: you may have trigger foods, or we might suggest tips that work for us but that aren't right for your background.

Perhaps look at how your could lightly push your boundaries, perhaps including more protein with your main meals or a drizzle of olive oil, adding a little more each time until you feel full?

[veoh112]

I was thinking of buying protein powder or some type of fat gain powder instead. Because I don't think this route is working for me.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

Let your doctor know before you get either type of powder so everyone is on the same page. They may want you to use something else.😀👍🌈

[Cooper27 Administrator in reply to veoh112]

I think it could help, if you do opt to try it, look for one with some added vitamins. As Activity2004 says, run it past your doctor first. Use them as an addition and not a meal replacement.

[stoopidhorse]

hey i know how youre feeling! but the thing is if you are trying to fully recover, you will have to push through some of your fear foods or 'excuses' for not liking food. i saw you said you dont like adding sauces? theyre a great way to make things taste better!

you will be afraid of new foods and thats okay but to get better, (which you can and you will!) its really helpful to try new foods! maybe start with one new food a week

i really wish you the best of luck with recovery