Reasons for eating under 1200 cals

andrejjorje

I really like this answer.

Generally, all things being equal, I would say yes, if you're eating under 1200 calories you're setting yourself up for failure.

However, right now, things are not equal for you. You've started a new medication that is making you nauseous. Give yourself two weeks to get used to the medication and if you're still having the same issues talk to your doctor. Eat as much as you can stomach but focus more on getting used to the medication then worrying over something that right now, you can't control.

Mershon88

The real kicker is.. you cannot force your body to eat food that your stomach does not agree with. You force it.. your body will purge it. Pretty much.... you have to eat what your stomach will allow you to eat right now. It's all part of being ill. If solids are giving you too much trouble..... try some liquid forms of foods (soups, protein shakes, etc.). If after a week you still feel awful, you should go back to your doctor let him/her know that your medication is making you feel that bad and you are having issues keeping food down. hope you feel better soon!

Athijade

You just started your medication and your body is going to have to adjust to it. This could take a few days. During that time, eat and drink what you can. The biggest thing to think about is getting enough liquids in you to keep yourself hydrated. After that, stick with foods that are low in acid and that are pretty bland. Rice, bananas, toast... those sorts of things.

If the nausea continues after this week, please talk to your doctor. You may need to adjust your amounts or even change the medication you are on. Whatever you do, DO NOT stop your medication without consulting with your doctor.

In general, it is not recommended to net less then 1200 calories per for a woman. However, a few days of it, especially when it is due to illness, is not going to ruin everything. Worry about getting healthy again first... then worry about this.

CoryIda

If you are physically unable to consume adequate nutrition, you need to talk to a doctor.

Otherwise, nuts and peanut butter are easy on the stomach, which is another reason they are frequently suggested as being good for adding some nutrient-rich calories on a sparse day.

That being said, you can get good nutrition on fairly bland/easy to digest foods. Many cancer patients, for example, have problems with nausea but because of their treatment, it is essential for them to get enough nutrition. Maybe Google ideas for that on how to get quality nutrition when your stomach isn't being nice to you.


Also, if you treat your body well, a lot of times you will feel better emotionally/mentally as well. I am bi-polar and under a lot of stress, but if I eat well and exercise, I feel better, even if the stress is still there. So try to do what is good for your body regardless of how you feel emotionally.

kittenmitton

I wouldn't eat if you don't feel like eating, especially if you feel nauseous. You don't want to make yourself sick. Just eat when you're hungry, and eat whatever you can handle. Just speak with your doctor if you're concerned. Remember that no one on here is licensed to give medical advice (and even if they say they are, don't believe them - you can't know for sure).

sssygirl

I agree to give it some time for your body to adjust to your medication. IF You feel like you can..I would suggest making a smoothie or protein shake each day to get some calories in you.

1 Banana
1/2 Yogurt (Vanilla)
1 cup Berries of choice (I like Blue berries and strawberries)
1/2 cup of OJ
Ice
(add 1 scoop of protein powder if you have it)


1/2 Cup Vanila Yogurt
1-2 TBLS Peanut Butter
1 Banana
Ice
(protein Powder if you have it)
Cocoa Powder is a yummy addition as well.


If you cannot have dairy...google dairy free smoothies.

Best of luck to you..that stinks when you are not feeling right.

Nopedotjpeg

If you're sick and nauseous then forcing yourself to eat is kind of stupid. Feeling better is the main goal.

MB_Positif

Seriously, why are people arguing on this person's thread? You're both rude for making this about the two of you having petty differences. The OP has a legitimate concern here and has already been greatly successful on MFP. Clearly she is not trying to starve herself.

That said, OP, I would give it more time, but there are ways to up the calories on things that aren't making you nauseous that aren't terribly unhealthy. For example, if you can stomach a turkey sandwich, put two pieces of cheese on it. Or if grilled chicken is ok, eat a larger piece than normal. You should be able to regulate the way you are feeling soon and get back to normal. If the nausea is unbearable, talk to your doctor right away. If it's just uncomfortable give it another week or so. If you don't adjust definitely talk to your doctor after that!

Helenatrandom

Give yourself a break. Do the BEST you can, know you did the best you can, forgive yourself for falling short of your goal, and if you still don't have an appetite in whatever amount of time your medication info suggests would be expected for your body to adjust, consult with your prescribing doctor.

I hope you feel better soon.

Lib_B

Please ignore everything else posted. Especially the post above me.

Generally, all things being equal, I would say yes, if you're eating under 1200 calories you're setting yourself up for failure.

However, right now, things are not equal for you. You've started a new medication that is making you nauseous. Give yourself two weeks to get used to the medication and if you're still having the same issues talk to your doctor. Eat as much as you can stomach but focus more on getting used to the medication then worrying over something that right now, you can't control.

I agree. If you had the flu, you wouldn't force yourself to eat. Give the med time to level off and as some of the other posters have commented, call the doc if you don't feel better in a week or so. In the meantime, just try to eat the most nutrient dense foods you can tolerate. Chicken baked in a little broth and a veg? An apple slice here or there with some almond or peanut butter? And see if you can find some ginger gum, ginger hard candy or ginger tea. Or bake your chicken with a little ginger. It helps nausea. You aren't intentionally starving yourself, so ignore what some have said about long-term help problems. Feel better!

elsinora

I'm so sorry that you're not feeling well and that eating makes you feel sick.

I would say eat as much as you can - perhaps if you make up high calorie shakes and sip them slowly, that might help getting towards 1,200 calories?

Have you spoken to your doctor about this? It might be best to get a medical opinion. If you're in the UK, try ringing NHS Direct and asking them.

This is the most sensible suggestion - especially when you are on medication (and some do have side effects of nausea loss of appetite) i completely understand where you are coming from, as only this year went to A&E as i had an accident with my back and they gave me morphine, diazepam and codeine and then when i eent home, i was on duazepam and codeine for a while. I have never had anything stronger than a paracetemol before so i had the exact same as you.... No appetite, nausea and stomach ache.... Thing is dont force yourself to have the calories atm.....but please consult a doctor or nhs direct asap to voice concerns. And get a diagnosis for proper professional advice

Lib_B

I agree to give it some time for your body to adjust to your medication. IF You feel like you can..I would suggest making a smoothie or protein shake each day to get some calories in you.

1 Banana
1/2 Yogurt (Vanilla)
1 cup Berries of choice (I like Blue berries and strawberries)
1/2 cup of OJ
Ice
(add 1 scoop of protein powder if you have it)


1/2 Cup Vanila Yogurt
1-2 TBLS Peanut Butter
1 Banana
Ice
(protein Powder if you have it)
Cocoa Powder is a yummy addition as well.


If you cannot have dairy...google dairy free smoothies.

Best of luck to you..that stinks when you are not feeling right.

I make one with chocolate whey protein::
1 c. plain almond milk
1/2 banana
5 frozen strawberries (about 1 c.)
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
ice
Whip up in the blender. Tastes like a chocolate shake!! Also good (and adds cals) to skip the strawberries and put in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter or PB2.
whip up in the blender. only about 255 cals.

sweet_lotus

To the OP - nothing bad will happen to you if you don't eat exactly 1200 cal/day every day. I have, in the past and currently, suffer from poor appetite related to illness. I've spent weeks at a time struggling to eat even 1000 calories and I never had serious consequences outside of weight loss. So, don't worry!

The only thing I would recommend is to focus on getting minimal adequate protein - at least 50g a day.

There are different anti-depressents you can try if the low appetite problems continue, so don't despair if this one doesn't work out for you. People react differently to different medications and such.

Good luck!