Help please?

Kerantli
Kerantli Posts: 10
in Food and Nutrition
Please note, I know that this is a very unhealthy lifestyle I currently have, and I am trying my hardest to at least hit the recommend amount of calories per day.

Anyway. I often only eat anywhere between 500 - 900 calories per day, of which I exercise off pretty quickly (I don't log running around after my two boys, just my actual work outs/school runs, as I'd look as if I never sit down).
However, As stated above, I'm looking to increase my calories, so that I'm then not so tired in a morning and so my body does actually lose the weight instead of going into starvation mode, which isn't helping me one bit.

Unfortunately, I have a low tolerance for fruit and veg - to the point where I will throw them back up if I have them, so that isn't a good way to up my calorie intake. There actually isn't that much I can stomach (potatoes, meat, cheese, pasta, tuna), so I end up "snacking" on things like cheese, ham and chicken slices, with the odd chocolate item every other day.

I guess what I'm asking, is there any way I can add on the extra calories and still get fit/healthy even with the vast lack of fruit/veg?

Again, I know that I'm not eating the best, and I am trying to change, so please I don't need lectures. I DO NOT feel guilty if I've "over eaten", nor do I feel the need to binge/purge. I just want to get healthy and lose the weight I've gained from having my kids.

Replies

  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    Have you talked to a doctor for the extreme reaction to fruits and veggies? Are you logging and weighing accurately to know that you are actually eating between 500-900 calories per day? A person can "snack" and still gain weight because that means they are eating at a surplus and not a deficit.
  • Kerantli
    Kerantli Posts: 10
    I do weigh out everything I snack on, it was second nature to do that.
    As for speaking to a doctor or other medical professional, not one has figured out why I react so strongly to some foods (and believe me, spoken to doctors, counsellors, CPNs... none understood it unfortunately, leaving me very frustrated with them and myself)
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    Let me just see if I'm understanding you correctly. Is it the "unhealthy" foods you're worried about or are you just finding it hard to eat enough in general?

    It's okay to eat the foods you can tolerate up to your calorie goal. You should still lose weight that way. I agree that you might want to see a doctor about your reaction to fruits & veggies, but for now it's okay to just eat the foods you can stomach to get in enough calories. These foods aren't even particularly unhealthy. Cheese, pasta, tuna, etc. can all be a part of a healthy diet.

    I might recommend trying to make sure you're getting as much variety as you're able to in your diet. The variety helps to make sure you're getting enough of your vitamins and micronutrients in.

    If you just can't eat enough, then I'd normally recommend eating more calorie dense foods like nuts, cheese, full fat dairy, chocolate, etc. But it seems like you're already eating some of these.

    ETA: I type too slowly. I see that you've consulted a doc from your previous response.
  • fruttibiscotti
    fruttibiscotti Posts: 986 Member
    About your issue with vegetables...have you tried to cook them before eating them? I know some people who cannot eat, say raw broccoli and raw leafy greens, unless they have been boiled until tender with a fork or sautéed until tender.
  • Kerantli
    Kerantli Posts: 10
    The worry I have is that I'm not getting enough vitamins with what I'm eating (to the point I'm having vitamin tablets once a day just to help/keep my mind at rest). Also, to try and actually eat enough calories, even if its the lowest amount of 1200. I think my diary is only seen if you're "friends" with me on here, but I can put it public if looking at that is going to help.
    Today is the first day in a while I've just managed to get to 1200, and I do feel better having that much, its just trying to do it every day.

    As for the veg thing, I've tried cooking, raw, blitzing (I can manage that, just...), boiled and just about anything, even hiding it in other foods, but nothing has worked thus far. I'm getting to the end of my tether with it, as is my partner.
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    How long have you been eating this amount? Did the doctors test you for other things and not just the veggie concern? A calorie deficit is all that is needed to lose weight and if you are not losing there is a miscalculation somewhere. (or underlying medical condition that will make it more difficult)
  • Kerantli
    Kerantli Posts: 10
    Sadly, I've been the same for the last... 2 years - minus the fruit/veg thing, that's been since I was very young.
    I had managed to lose weight, but then gained it all back for some unknown reason. I am losing, slowly but surely, which I'm not bothered about.
    As for the fruit/veg thing, they put it down to psychological problems, then never followed up on it.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    if you are taking a multi vitamin, then it shouldnt matter too much... just eat more of the things you do like to eat so you hit your calorie goal.

    reduce the amount of exercise you're doing until you can eat enough to fuel your workouts.
  • smand2000
    smand2000 Posts: 88
    Nut butters (natural peanut butter without additives, almond, cashew) are your friends when trying to add calories. You will hit 1200 before you know it.

    Also full fat Greek yogurt. Add crushed nuts and some dark chocolate nibs, and you're on your way!

    Good luck!

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