Gaining weight with the least amount of food

shayleac

For most trail mix it is 190 calories for just 1/4th of a cup.
Give that a try.

GODfidence

A large peanut butter fudge shake from sonic =1940 calories.
Most Ben and jerrys pints are over 1000 calories.
2 mcdoubles from McDonalds over 800 calories
5 tablespoons peanut butter close to 500 calories.
The choices are endless.

Val_from_OH

Even your husband thinks you are losing weight on purpose? You need to confide in him so that you have some support. The adrenal disorder and the added stress of keeping the secret are teaming up against your appetite!

The smoothie suggestion I think was a really helpful one. Being busy and not hungry would make it really hard to stop to eat! I think other mushy-type foods can be easier to stomach when nothing else sounds good. Maybe oatmeal with peanut butter mixed in, thick soups, mashed potatoes with some meat & gravy mixed in. Also, if you have an ice cream maker, go nuts with that thing :-) You could make fresh sorbets with very little added sugar, frozen greek yogurt with cashews, etc. A coffee drink in the afternoon would do double-duty to get some calories in and give you a caffeine boost. Since you are crashing after sugary items, go for sugar-free syrup, and full fat milk.

grentea

Have you thought about eating a small amount every few hours? I have issues with carbs and blood sugar also, and it works for me. You can try protein shakes mixed in a blender with peanut butter. Also full fat dairy like cheese and protein, nuts, and dried fruit are calorie dense. I wouldn't eat a meal with carbs and starch. Can you tell your husband about your hormone and nutrient issues and why you can't always eat the same foods?

DouMc

Can I ask what exactly the adrenal issue is and how you are being treated for it? I was diagnosed with Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) early last year. This sounds like what you have, basically my adrenal gland doesn't produce any cortisol. Before I was diagnosed I was really sick and I had zero appetite. I would make myself a big dinner in the evening out of habit but then I wouldn't be able to eat it because after a few mouthfuls I would start to feel nauseous. Since being diagnosed I have to take cortisone tablets everyday to make up for the cortisol that I don't produce and once I started on these my appetite came back with a vengeance. So much so that six months later I had to come on here to learn how to control my eating again.
Have you seen an endocrinologist? If not then I would highly recommend seeing one.

nichelle0126

It seems a little more clarification is needed on my end. Sorry to leave you all speculating. I can tell my husband. He does know. But I don't want him to worry. I make these elaborate carb laden dinners, and try to eat it but can't. I do this I hopes of him thinking I'm getting better, again because I don't want him to worry. Instead of it seeming like I'm getting better, it makes it appear as if I am just choosing not to eat. Since I crash from too many carbs and limit my portions. I make this kind of food for dinner because we live in Texas and its very very hot. He works on site a lot of the time and I don't want to subject him to my diet of peanut butter and berries. His lifestyle require a lot more caloric intake then mine. For example, I made something I could eat one night -- zucchini pasta with tomatoes and a lemon basil aioli-- and he was still starving. I'm learning a lot from you all and really appreciate the thought most of you have put into your replies. I think if I make little adjustments to our meals, I can still get my calories in smaller portions while still providing nourishing food for my family thank you again everyone!!

nichelle0126

Can I ask what exactly the adrenal issue is and how you are being treated for it? I was diagnosed with Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) early last year. This sounds like what you have, basically my adrenal gland doesn't produce any cortisol. Before I was diagnosed I was really sick and I had zero appetite. I would make myself a big dinner in the evening out of habit but then I wouldn't be able to eat it because after a few mouthfuls I would start to feel nauseous. Since being diagnosed I have to take cortisone tablets everyday to make up for the cortisol that I don't produce and once I started on these my appetite came back with a vengeance. So much so that six months later I had to come on here to learn how to control my eating again.
Have you seen an endocrinologist? If not then I would highly recommend seeing one.

Yes!! It's addisons! I started taking the cortisol about three weeks ago. I haven't seen any improvement thus far you give me hope though. And today I am actually feeling HUNGRY! I miss that feeling. I'm such a foodie. I love to cook and to eat. And it's just so sad that I have been robbed of one of my most favorite things to do. Maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel )

DouMc

I'm also a huge foodie and I couldn't understand when I was sick and I had no appetite. if you are on the medication you will definitely start to feel better soon. It did take me a while for my body to adjust to the medication and it was probably a couple of months before I finally felt human again. if you want any support through any of the symptoms/issues you are having feel free to add me (although I am certainly not an expert as I was only diagnosed last year).

ken_hogan

Ask you doctor to refer you to a registered dietician.

This.

Celearnil

I've had a similar problem with inability to eat. If you can drink liquids, and milk doesn't bother you, then I suggest you try Boost nutritional drinks. There is a whole line of them with different targeted benefits (weight loss, protein, weight gain, glucose control), decent flavors (when chilled), and decent nutrition. I drank the Boost plus ones in addition to whatever I was able to eat. Don't worry if you can't drink a full one in one sitting, if you can drink 1/2 or 1/3 every few hours that should help you at least maintain your weight.

You can also try ice cream if you are only concerned with increasing your calories. Ice cream is typically smooth and easy to eat has the added benefit of fun flavors to try to get you excited about eating.

There are also liquid nutrition stuff on the market that are supposed to be able to provide you with all the daily nutrient requirements in only about an ounce. I don't remember exactly what brand/product I was using, but it didn't taste good. You can look into something like this to try to boost the amount of nutrients for your body.

aetzkorn14

I wonder if because you have been eating so little if your stomach has shrunk a lot making you seem full all the time. You may have to stretch it back out again which will probably suck but it is a must. Also, your metabolism has bound to have slowed down making your food stay longer....once you speed it back up buy eating more and exercise even if it is just a short walk it should help you out. Im not sure what you currently eat, but If you are still wanting good nutritional value food you can simply add coconut or olive oil when you cook and that will add calories easy. So will nuts and any high carb starchy food.

kimmymayhall

Can you make the foods you are able to eat and just give your husband more and/or add something for him? Make your zucchini pasta. You eat however much of it you can manage. He eats his servings with a chicken breast and bread.
I understand about the carbs being tough for you, but what about protein? You are getting fat from the nuts, but not that much protein. This sounds like a really complicated problem that a dietician would need to work out.

keem88

full fat options. breads that are 110 calories a slice instead of like 50. cook with olive oil. add some avocado to salads or sandwiches. cheeeseeeeee. beer? seeds are also good to put on salads, or in the morning have a piece of 110 calorie bread with 2 tbsp pb (190-210 calories) - bam over 300 right there. try to not have high calorie foods like fast food/fries stuff like that, although it's weight gain you don't want bad weight gain and bad fats in your body.

http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/highest-calorie-foods.php

lindustum

MFP is just a tool, and it's not designed to replace any professional help, which you very obviously need. I applaud you for signing up and taking initiative, and I hope that you can use MFP to help you eat more! But since you have a medical issue, the people here can only help so much. Consult a nutrition or specialist first and foremost. Good luck!

nichelle0126

Yes of course. And as mentioned in previous posts, I am under the care of a general physician and endocrinologist. I am not trying to seek medical advice or even opinions on Addison's disease. I am just trying to find suggestions which will help me cope in my day to day life... In addition to, not in lieu of my medical diagnosis on prescription.

NaurielR

I'm not very familiar with Addisons disease. What are the foods that you don't tolerate very well? Which foods are you able to eat the best? Offering basic meals with multiple side dishes can keep everyone happy by offering everyone food that satisfies.

ChangingAmanda

Sorry, a bit late to the party on this one.

Have you looked at any sites/books/etc for the Atkins or South Beach diets? Since carbs are your problem you could probably get a lot of ideas for foods and recipes with low carbs that won't make you crash.

As for dinner situation - try choosing meals where you can easily substitute your side for something low carb. So for the chicken fried steak example, go ahead and bread his portion but just pan sear/fry with no breading your portion. You don't necessarily need the gravy, do one potato for him and spaghetti squash and tons of veggies for you. It may take a few extra minutes to plan and an extra pot or two while cooking, but it'll be better than not eating or eating then crashing, especially until you and your endo doc get you on the right dosage of meds.

I'm sorry you're going through this. *hugs*

Corinne1w

Hi, this is totally amateur input. When my son was in Pop Warner football and the children had to weigh a certain amount for their playing category, the coach would recommend bananas as a quick weight gain food. I've since read that a banana is also one of the most "complete" foods. I've had medications that caused me to loose my appetite entirely. In that situation, foods that I could swallow without chewing really helped me. Lots of good nutritional input can be "hidden" in a smoothie. Good luck.

Dragonwolf

Find things that you like that are full of fat and/or starch and sugar. Use lots of oils while cooking, if you can.

Don't buy lean cuts of meat. If you're currently eating chicken, try to switch to beef or pork.

Are you more likely to drink than eat? Make some sort of shake that has a fair amount of sugar in it, along with some vegetables for vitamins and nutrients, and drink that instead of water.

potatoes, potatoes, potatoes. load 'em up with butter, bacon, sour cream, whatever.

If you like chocolate, add a piece after every meal. Or ice cream... the full-fat stuff. Or milkshakes with whole milk, if that's more appealing.

A big bagel with cream cheese in the morning could be good for almost 500 calories.

Look for foods that are "portable" so you can move them place-to-place with you during the day... that way you're not tied down to the meal table in order to eat...you can just eat wherever you are.

Good luck. It's not easy to have to force yourself to do something you have no desire to do. Think of eating the way the rest of us think about exercise: "I may not feel like doing it right now, but I know I have to, it's good for me. Here we go."

I really like this answer. I forgot to mention in the initial post that I can't get too crazy with the processed sugars and carbs. Because the adrenals aren't working, my body over compensates and makes insulin. Insulin isn't as effective or as efficient as cortisol (the missing hormone) so it takes a LOT of insulin to process foods. That over compenensation causes my insulin levels to sky rocket and I crash, even from just a bag of Cheetos for example. I am not diabetic though.

But I think I will heed your advice and make smoothies. I would rather drink than eat. The lack of appetite combined with the lack of time I have sometimes makes me forget to eat. After chasing babies all day I look up and it's four in the afternoon and I haven't eaten yet.

As far as what I am eating when I do eat: granola and peanut butter, part of a banana or a whole date, cashews or any type of nut, all of that is normal food I eat during the day. And at night, mostly to keep up appearances when my husband gets home (my entire family thinks I'm losing weight on purpose) I make something so rich and heavy with carbs that I can't eat it because I crash. He needs that food though because he works all day. For instance I made chicken fried steak with gravy and mashed potatoes last night. Obviously something I can't eat.

I'm going to do the smoothies and portable foods like you said and maybe come up with something dense enough with calories and nutrients that we can both eat for dinner. Thank you for your answer

Might I suggest investing in something like a Vitamix or other heavy-duty blender? It allows you to fully blend things up, so you can put in heavier/harder to blend (and more nutritious) things into your shakes, allowing you to not just get calories, but also nutrients in, without relying on sugary stuff.

Also, with the insulin issues, lean more on fat for fuel, then. You can even do this for the rest of your family, since fat and carbs are both pure fuel for the body.

The GOMAD (gallon of milk a day) method is the go-to for most lifters for gaining weight, but milk has a disproportionate insulin effect (ie - it has the same amount of sugar as a slice of bread, but will cause the body to release more insulin than the bread), so go with the lower-lactose versions of dairy - things like cheeses, cream, and full-fat yogurt. Use cream and coconut or almond milk (preferably home made, but if you get store bought, be careful of the additives) for your smoothie base, for example, then add in things like avocado or nut butters for more calories, leafy greens and berries for vitamins and minerals, and protein powder for...well...protein.

Also, do you like coffee? It might be worth trying Bulletproof Coffee if you do. You can easily get in 400-500 calories or more with a cup of Bulletproof Coffee, and it's all fat so it won't screw with your insulin. There are also variations on it, such as Mark Sisson's Primal Egg Coffee, which uses whole eggs or egg yolks, emulsified in the coffee for a more cappuccino-like drink. That variation has the added benefit of the nutrients in the egg yolk (including protein, choline, and vitamins).

Check out recipes along the lines of Atkin's, Paleo, Primal, and other low(ish)-carb/GI groups to get more ideas, too. Not everything may be your cup of tea, but there will be enough crossover for you to get ideas for foods.

Finally, perhaps start setting a timer and eat something, even if it's just a single strawberry with whipped heavy cream (to help counteract the sugar), or a small spoonful of peanut butter, or a bite of a sandwich. Anything to at least get you started eating. It's possible that it might be easier to continue eating once you've started, and even if it isn't, at least you've added to your calorie count for the day.

highervibes

If that's all the calories you're taking in, I would try and fill them with protein and fat since those are essential.

Peanut Butter, Steak, there are recipes on this site for fat bombs that would help too. Pizza is a good protein/carb/fat option. Is there no medication that can help get your adrenals under control? I take Ortho-Adapt for the opposite reason, but not sure if it's a regulator in general that can be used either way. Worth looking into.