Sluggish digestion and feeling of food just sitting there?

[RoMello]

For a few months I have been gaining weight and feeling that after a reasonable meal food is just sitting there for a few hours after eating. My appetite is not great as I've lost my sense of smell and some taste with having nasal polyps. I know that can cause inflammation with frequent sinus infections, but I'm wondering if it's got something to do with long term B12 deficiency (20 years). I SI 2 X a week for the last 5 years.

I've been trying to lose the weight again by cutting out chocolate, cake desserts and biscuits and walking/gardening, but there's a limit to how much activity I can manage. I don't drink and otherwise have a reasonably healthy diet. I am losing only a couple of lbs a month.

Has anyone else had the sluggish food thing, or any experience of trying to lose weight without flooring themselves?

[charks]

Sounds like you need to reset your metabolism. There are several ways of doing it but I use Intermittent fasting to control my weight.

Here is an article explaining it.

healthline.com/nutrition/in...

I use the 20/24 version I only eat during a 4 hour period. It sounds harsh but remember that the non eating period includes sleeping time. And you can eat what you want during the eating time.

I use quite an extreme version as it also controls my diabetes type 2. Most people use 16/24. It is best to start using 12/12 and gradually work up to 16/24. If your last meal at night is a 8pm you can eat at 12 next day.

If you don't want to use this method you can find other ways to reset your metabolism on the net.

[RoMello in reply to charks]

Some interesting reading to explore. I guess keeping on top of diabetes is pretty important for you! I probably do 12/12 quite normally.

I'm slightly unsure how doing longer I might affect my energy levels though...

Thanks for the suggestion 👍

[Nackapan]

Slow transit can be a problem.Perhaps look at smaller more frequent meals.

Also types of food and drinks .

I'm not a fan of fasting and extreme Regimes as they can put your body into

'Starvation mode '

And muck up a normal metabolism.

Some find them useful .

Weighing carbs can help you get to know what you are eating.

Smaller plates

Food diaries.

Regular meals at set times.

Main meal at lunch time I find works better for digestion and an earlier lighter 'tea '

Then you will get a natural 12 hour no food from tea to breakfast.

There are so many ways.

Many hidden sugars in takeaway food or eating out too to contend with.

Hope you find a way that helps you .

[RoMello in reply to Nackapan]

I know, I don't want to mess with energy levels. I think my metabolism is very slow when I'm tired.

I've lost weight in the past but sometimes when stressed and have lost my appetite. Thanks for the encouragement about small meals. That's pretty much what I have had to do.

I understand the calories stuff and really have to manage my energy expenditures, so not all that sure about 'metabolic reset'. It might well floor me.

But the food not going anywhere feeling is the part that's new. I'm not short of fibre or quality of diet, I really wonder if it's a digestion thing? Acidity or lack of?