signed up 2 months ago

noogie98

I am just now exploring the message boards. I have been entering my food daily since I started, even when I was in the hospital for 2 weeks. Thank goodness for the android app on my phone! My problem is I am on a special diet and am finding it more and more difficult to hit my calorie mark every day. I am not hungry at all and do not feel like I am depriving myself. I'm usually about 100-250 calories under my goal daily. I was in the hospital for a severe case of diverticulitis & did not eat for 5 days, and when they let me eat, it was a clear liquid diet for 3 days, progressing to liquids and then finally a soft diet, which is where I am at now. Because I also have a very large hiatal hernia that needs repair (but until they get everything else in order the surgery is on hold), I have to follow a soft diet. I seriously have to chew jello & oatmeal or I am doubled over in pain minutes after eating.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to boost my caloric intake so I am not sending my body into starvation mode? Please, no ensure or any supplements like that; I cannot stand the smell of them, much less the taste! And I am not big on milk shakes; haven't been able to drink them because of the hernia. I initially developed it 16 years ago, and my recent severe nausea & vomiting literally aggravated it beyond repair.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions ~ they are greatly appreciated!! :flowerforyou:

Heather75

Soup? I don't know.

kanga1980

If you have a food processor, you could make raw avocado pudding. Spin an avocado, maybe some banana, agave and cocao powder for a nutrient dense "chocolate pudding." Lots of good calories there.

SeasideOasis

There is a drink called "Orgain" that might be of some help to you. Its an organic drink, so this might be significantly more mild on your stomach then pills or other shakes/drinks that arent natural. Its got a milk like consistency. Its best used as a meal replacement and has (I believe) 255 calories, and jam packed with vitamins and good stuff. This drink was created by a doctor, and is backed by many more. If you dont want to buy the full amount (link below for easy searching), many health food stores sell them in singles. If you like them, however, I would recommend amazon, because you can get them cheaper overall.

http://www.amazon.com/Orgain-Creamy-Chocolate-11-Ounce-Container/dp/B003FDG4K4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302226108&sr=8-1

Im sorry you have to go through all of that. It sounds so difficult. If there is anything I can do for you on a support level, please let me know

kanga1980

Also, you could drink coconut water instead of regular water to sneak in more calories. Each serving provides you with electrolytes, and potassium... and I think about 60-90 calories per 11 oz.

noogie98

Thanks everyone for the suggestions; I will try them & let you know how it works out. Right now it is 8pm & I am still short 600 calories for the day!!! This is crazy; I have NEVER had to force myself to eat ever in my life! That is one reason why I am here!!
:flowerforyou: