Another picky eater - no lectures please (long post)

j724mecham

Having some serious food issues that I think are very much affecting my lack of weight loss. I started MFP 5/15 and to date have lost about 4 pounds. While this is nice and all, I'd like to lose about 2 lbs a week. I did realize that I hadn't set my macros correctly so I was eating way too many carbs, not enough protein, and too much fat. My sodium was also set at 2500, while I'd like to keep it under 2000. I corrected my macros to 40/30/30 as suggested to me on a previous thread I started. However, I've come to realize a huge issue...

I am a VERY picky eater. It's not the "oh you were just raised not to like good stuff so now you don't" or the "just try it and you'll eventually like it." It's the fact that during and after pregnancy, something happened. I feel like I have intense smell/taste receptors. I began not to like so many things. I have looked it up before and there is a lot of research about selective eating disorder. While I don't know what's wrong, I could certainly use some advice in the mean time. All of these issues result that by the time I get in at least 1200 calories (when I'd really like to be at 1500-1600), I end up WAY over on sodium, carbs, and fat. I know that it's caused by sensitivity. I'd like to figure out a way to overcome this. I have provided a list below of things I don't like (seems easier than things I do like) and would appreciate your suggestions. Please also keep in mind that it's not the type of thing like I'm trying it and just saying "Oh, that's not as tasty as a Whopper so I don't want to eat it." It's the actual, my husband will be grilling chicken in a pan and I have to cover my nose so I don't puke and have him open all the windows. It's serious. Same with reheating leftovers. If it has meat, I have issues. During pregnancy. I basically ate Taco Bell, McDonalds, mexican food bean burritos throughout my pregnancy - hence my desire to lose weight.

The odd thing is that it's not everywhere that I have the issue. My biggest issue is with meat. I can easily pick up the subtle different tastes. So while I want to vomit when my husband makes grilled chicken, my mother in law makes chicken curry and I love it. Or they'll make chicken enchiladas with grilled chicken and I love it. Or I hate homemade ground beef because I can truly taste the terrible beef flavor (it tastes like the beefy water from when you make ground beef), but I'm ok with it from fast food (obviously because it's not real ground beef). Or ham, I will not eat a homemade ham sandwich, but I love ham sandwiches from subway because it tastes 100% different.

Sorry for the long post, but please no lectures. I don't try to be picky and I would love to like these things. I also work M-F full time and go to school as my husband does too so I don't have time to do crock pots and all that stuff.

Lastly, my diary is open. Please keep in mind I did have fast food yesterday because I was so dang hungry from running out of ideas. I am on a meager weekly grocery budget, which just adds to this whole mess. I am working on making more $ available for it, just now a lot fell on my plate.

I do not like -
Beef (specifically ground, as a steak, in a stew. There's only a couple dishes my husband makes that I like beef in)
Ham
Turkey
Pork (including bacon & sausage)
Chicken (EXCEPT there is a box of crispy chicken tenderloins at Sam's Club that I will sometimes buy for the week and make for my dinners only since I don't like it reheated for lunch - I've tried)
Most veggies except for cooked broccoli and raw carrots
Mangoes
Bananas
Milk
Cottage Cheese
The only cheese I like is pepperjack and cheddar
Hot dogs unless they are beef only
Cake
Cupcakes (luckily)
Brown rice
Fish
Tomatoes
Onions

I'm forgetting what else. Mostly it's the issue with meat, as my protein is very low and my carbs are very high. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

1shauna1

Maybe you should think about going vegetarian if meat is really bothering you? I see you didn't list eggs in your dislike list. What about beans and things like that?

shannashannabobana

I'm totally confused by this post. Not a lecture, but you like fast food ground beef but not homemade? Do you just hate the smell of cooking? Are you buying crappy ground beef? I've found that better meats taste better...

I really am confused by what you do like. Eggs as mentioned have protein, nuts, some beans. Maybe you could try different kinds of meats, different sauces, prepared different ways? No clue.

ThatSoundsHard

Suck it up, buttercup. You're acting like a baby.

See. No lecture.

Polly758

Smoothies with lots of fruit and some yogurt and almond milk

Sandwiches with lettuce and tomato

It sounds like you may do yourself a favor if you get a really massive cookbook from the library and just start trying things. Try "Vegetarian cooking for everyone" by Deborah Madison, or a basic Betty Crocker cookbook.

randomtai

Suck it up, buttercup. You're acting like a baby.

See. No lecture.

xinit0

I have a friend who pretty much lives on french fries and gummy bears. He doesn't eat anything with meat, and very little that's vegetable. It can be a real thing, and it's not always just a learned trait http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supertaster

What DO you like? Let's start there.

Phrick

I don't see yogurt on your list, Greek yogurt especially can be very high in protein and if you don;t like regular yogurt I'd still urge you to try Greek because it is MUCH thicker, smoother and less tart than regular yogurt. Like the other suggestions you've gotten so far too.

RobinvdM

No time for crock pots? They are the goto for people who HAVE no time. Make up batches of food on the weekends to reheat during the week. As for being a picky eater, only you know what you DO like. Figure it out and learn to work with it. That's the only real advice to be offered as far as I can tell. Gluck to you!

MyM0wM0w

Suck it up, buttercup. You're acting like a baby.

See. No lecture.

U

PepperWorm

Avocado
Yogurt
Whole grain/wheat bread
Quinoa
Almond milk/Soy milk
Beans
Hummus
Lentils
Protein powder
Nut butters
Rice cakes
Eggs
Tofu
Nuts
Granola

Just a suggestion.

If you don't like most meat, go vegetarian and try different fruits/veggies...stuff you wouldn't normally eat/try. Season your veggies very well. Etc.

There are tons of different protein sources I wouldn't know of that I haven't even mentioned. Ask other veggies what they eat!

chellycakes

Try adding spinach to smoothies? I heard you can't taste it but I haven't tried it. Also get protein from eggs and peanut butter? Or look up some good vegetarian dishes? I don't think I can be of much help however there's a lot of food not listed on your list!! Good luck!!

clairabellle

My goodness, the only thing I can suggest is going to see a nutritionist if your finances can stretch that far. Good luck and I hope this works out for you as it sounds horrid and you wouldn't be listing if it wasn't a huge issue for you. :flowerforyou:

sandrop329

The following isn't meant to be a "lecture" but just a suggestion as you how you approach food.

From reading your post it seems, understandably, that there's a lot of negative feelings surrounding what you eat. There's a lot of "I don't like" "I hate" "can't " "will not" etc. So often we get so focused on the negative side of things we drag our selves down.

I say instead of making a list of all the foods you hate and can't stand make a list of the foods you actually like! Make a few lists... "Recipes/Meals I Love" "Proteins I like" "Veggies I like" "Fruits I like" "Fats I like" "Spice/Seasonings I like" etc. Really take your time and fill these lists out as completely as possible. Keep them somewhere you can see them and add to them when you find new foods that you like. Use these food lists to make meals and recipes that you love. There are recipe sites that you plug in the ingredients that you have or want to use to search for new recipes.

Change your vocabulary from a negative one to a positive one... You're NOT a picky eater. You have a REFINED palette! You're selected about what you choose to fuel your body with! Don't say you "can't eat ___" say you "don't eat ___." Focus on the positive... don't make it harder on yourself than it has to be. There are sooo many foods out there and you have a lifetime to discover the things that you do like. Try new things, if you don't like meat... don't eat it! Get a protein shake, eat greek yogurt, or some other vegetarian protein source. Do your research. You can do this! Empower yourself! Refuse to get caught up in the can'ts won'ts hates.

Good luck to you!!
Sandrop

PepperWorm

Suck it up, buttercup. You're acting like a baby.

See. No lecture.

Because being incredibly rude and dismissive is exactly what someone looking for support needs.

Grow up.

Toblave

If you're looking to increase your protein intake try using more eggs, or egg whites if you don't care for whole. You could also use Greek yogurt and add in chopped fruit or in place of mayonnaise in sandwiches.

I know it sounds weird, but one of my favorite breakfast recipes is:

1/2 (1 if you want more calories) banana mashed
1/2 cp (1 cp if more calories are needed) egg whites
2 tablespoons almond butter (any nut butter or sunflower seed butter will work)
1/2 cp chopped berries (any are good, I use raspberries or strawberries)
vanilla extract and cinnamon to taste

Mix the mashed banana with the egg whites, vanilla and cinnamon and cook as an omelette, I use an electric skillet and a little coconut oil. use the almond butter and berries as a filling in the omelette by carefully spreading the almond butter and adding the berries so that it's evenly distributed when you fold/roll the omelette up.

lilRicki

Give us a list of non-processes foods that you can tolerate, and we will come up with tons of recipes. I agree with the vegetarian diet You might just love it. But lets see your "love" list first so you can get started on feeling better.

PepperWorm

I agree with others on the yogurt thing. Greek yogurt is awesome and PACKED with protein.

Seeds are good, too. Especially raw pumpkin seeds. I LOVE the taste! They have a new Great Grains cereal with them in it. Sooooooo tasty.

If you like cheddar cheese, buy it by the block and measure out 1 oz at a time in sliced or cubes. You can buy the pre-cubed/sliced as well. Have you tried other cheeses? Monterey Jack is close to pepperjack and cheddar. Munster, provolone, feta...mmmm.

Try dicing veggies in the food processor really fine and mixing it in with your food. Sometimes you can't taste it. Unless you're a super taster like my husband...lol.

Everyone has time for a slow cooker meal. All you have to do is wake up a little early and throw everything in. Prepare some of the ingredients the night before if you have to, then put it in the pot in the morning. If you're really crunched for time, you can cook things on high for 4 hrs and have instant dinner.

Good luck!

77tes

Find the healthy foods you like and eat them. To increase your protein, you might try those smoothies some folks make with protein powder. I'm not a fan but lots of people love them. I also have a friend who loves Quest bars which have lots of protein. Find what works for you because you won't eat what you don't like, and life's too short to eat "nasty" food.

j724mecham

Suck it up, buttercup. You're acting like a baby.

See. No lecture.

Because being incredibly rude and dismissive is exactly what someone looking for support needs.

Grow up.

Thank you!!! If I could just "suck it up," i would have done it already.

SoDamnHungry

Find the healthy foods you like and eat them. To increase your protein, you might try those smoothies some folks make with protein powder. I'm not a fan but lots of people love them. I also have a friend who loves Quest bars which have lots of protein. Find what works for you because you won't eat what you don't like, and life's too short to eat "nasty" food.

There's a really good pumpkin seed protein powder by Omega Nutrition if you can afford it (I know you're on a budget). It turns the smoothie a little green, but you can't even taste it.

murphy612

Suck it up, buttercup. You're acting like a baby.

See. No lecture.

I was going to try and be helpful and nice about it, then I read your food diary and what you're eating. Now I'm with her ^^^^ sorry.

SoDamnHungry

Suck it up, buttercup. You're acting like a baby.

See. No lecture.

No, I'm pretty sure she just HAD a baby. And that's when this problem started. Let's treat people with post pregnancy problems rudely. It's just so fun.

j724mecham

Thanks for those who have actually replied. I do like meat. I do not like tofu or vegetables nearly enough to become vegetarian, but love to substitute beans. So as many of you have requested, here's a list of foods I do like:

Oh and by the way, i didn't add eggs to my list, but can't stand their taste and I've had them so many different ways. Just tried quiche the other week (couldn't even tolerate) and an omelet last night that also didn't go over well.

Foods I love:
Avocados
Stir fry (with beef & broccoli, noodles, carrots, soy sauce, that sort of thing)
Most fruits except bananas
yogurt (if there's not fruit chunks, the texture bothers me)
Sam's Club chicken
Rice
Pasta
Hot dogs - beef only
Pesto
Bagels
English Muffins
Sour cream
Cream cheese
Cheese (sharp cheddar, pepperjack)
Ranch (sadly so fatty)
Cucumbers
Tortillas
Potatoes (in any form)
Peanut Butter
Most condiments except mayo & ketchup
Popcorn

Also, for others, here's an article that perfectly describes how it is for me:
http://mealtimehostage.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/picky-eating-vs-selective-eating-disorder/
I have OCD with cleaning BIG time, cannot touch raw meat, and get very anxious when eating socially per my selectiveness. I wanted to start this topic to have someone to relate to and for assistance as it's been a constant struggle for me.

murphy612

ok

rowanwood

This is most likely a bad learned behavior. If you eat fast food and trash all the time, it will screw up your taste buds...nothing will be salty enough, nothing tastes right because all the flavor enhancers have messed you up.

My only advice is to cut out the fast food. Period. Until you can get over this, eating that is going to make it worse. (And I have nothing against fast food as a general rule) Take two weeks. Promise yourself you will only eat food made at home that doesn't come from a box. Even if its boring or less than perfect. See what happens. You might be surprised.

Meg_Shirley_86

Suck it up, buttercup. You're acting like a baby.

See. No lecture.

Succintly spoken! I have to agree. You can retrain your taste buds if you want to.

Full disclosure: I'm a vegan , so I may be taken as having a bias here, but there are just about an infinite amount of vegetarian or vegan recipes that you could try. I like vegweb.com. For many things, you can cut them up very very small or even blend them and slowly increase their presence in your food over time. It is possible that you are an supertaster, but it's not a death sentence. If you would like help, feel free to add me. I work in IT now, but I do have plenty of experience in the Culinary Arts and I cook nearly everything at home. I'd be happy to help. Healthy food is important. If you don't make time to eat healthy now, you'll have to make time for illness later.

susanr613

It must be incredibly frustrating to dislike so many foods. It's along the lines of having food allergies; you have to figure out what you can eat by trial and error. Have you done any research into why you might have this sensitivity and if there are any food groups/types/base flavors that work for others?

I agree with others who recommend a vegetarian diet. It will keep you away from overly processed fast-food meat. I also recommend that you adopt a health-oriented focus on finding things you enjoy eating. That might also steer you away from relying on junk food and introduce you to a whole new world of food.

I also have very little free time during the week, so I cook in bulk on the weekends and put stuff in the freezer. Borrow cookbooks from the library, look up vegetarian websites for recipes, etc.

If you had a health problem like celiac disease or diabetes, you'd be proactive and serious about modifying your diet, right? Treat your taste sensitivity the same way, and you might be pleasantly surprised at all the healthy things you can enjoy.

Good luck!

Toblave

Regarding my recipe from earlier, you could substitute mashed berries in place of the banana and it should taste good also. After skimming your diary, you eat an awful lot of processed and fast foods. Having them once in a while won't hurt you but they will impact your diet significantly when eaten often.

You had at least a couple of meals in the few days that I looked at that were very high calorie, I saw one at around the 900 mark. That's a lot for your body to metabolize at one time, try keeping meals a little smaller and evenly distributed at around 400-500 calories.

xinit0

Thanks for those who have actually replied. I do like meat. I do not like tofu or vegetables nearly enough to become vegetarian, but love to substitute beans. So as many of you have requested, here's a list of foods I do like:

You actually have a pretty decent list of things you like - carby, but with all that fruit on there and some careful attention paid to portions, I think you're fine. I think that you could start with your list and find comparable foods to widen options a bit.

I see sour cream and cream cheese on your 'likes' list, so 0% greek yogurt might be an option. Dice some cucumber and mix it into the yogurt for tzatziki...

I know you're not a fan of veggies, but what about green leafy things; spinach (raw or cooked), romaine, kale, even iceberg lettuce? How about parsley?

j724mecham

Rlalik, Thanks for the advice. I would like to keep my meals around 400-500. The past week has been really rough. I think it'd be best to just stick around a baseline of like a peanut butter sandwich and then add fruits, granola, and such to it for my breakfast & lunches.

Susanr613, I am leaning towards Selective Eating Disorder. I've had this going on since I was a kid, but has hugely amplified since being pregnant. There are a lot of studies going on with it right now since it is a differentiation from being a picky eater.

I've gone to banquets with meals of grilled chicken (with the bone in), vegetables, and mushrooms and just sat there while my husband ate his plate and mine to save me from embarrassment. And I was starving. It's not just a choice of getting over something and just beginning to like things. It's a real issue.