I have the flu and no appetite

cruzmom123
cruzmom123 Posts: 72 Member
edited November 11 in Food and Nutrition
I am finding it very difficult to eat. I have the flu plus a painful sore throat. I have to take my pills on a full stomach but it is so hard to do. On top of that, I am eating at a 600 to 700 calorie deficit.

Replies

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    Worry about getting better. Drink plenty of fluids, even gatorade. If you can add in broth to help or whatever you can.
  • cacklingcat
    cacklingcat Posts: 150 Member
    chicken broth or broth in general. Salten crackers. Just keep the soup going like you drinking water and nibble on crackers. I wouldn't worry to much on a high defasit you should be basically sedentary. just remember lots of liquids. And sry you sick hop you feal better :D
  • clyn27
    clyn27 Posts: 102 Member
    Right there with you. I finally felt like eating later in the day. Hot liquids feel good on the throat and soup. Your sick Don't worry too much about your diet and just focus on what makes you feel better. If you think ice cream will help your throat eat it.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Just rest. It's fine. Your appetite will pick up when you feel better. Just stay hydrated!
  • Laurend224
    Laurend224 Posts: 1,748 Member
    Gatorade, ginger ale, toast and tea with jam. Feel better!
  • martyqueen52
    martyqueen52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    Fluids. Esepcially ones with some calories since you're not eating.

    Or switch to "junk food". Whenever I'm sick I crave sweets badly. It's weird.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    edited January 2015
    Eat what sounds good even if it's something you normally wouldn't so you can take your medication. Don't eat otherwise. Sometimes it's easier to drink calories than eat them when you're sick. A milkshake, protein shake or smoothie might be easier for you than trying to eat so you can take your medication.

    Trust me, don't take medication you're supposed to take with food on an empty stomach. Most times, it's going to make you nauseous which just makes the situation worse.

    Don't worry about a calorie deficit while you're sick. You aren't moving around much so you don't need to eat much, either.
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    I'm so sorry. I had the flu over Christmas and it was terrible!! My Son had it last week..
    Just worry about getting well. Eat anything that you think you might like. Would pudding be appealing maybe?? I was able to eat pudding and veggie and bean soup while I was sick. Hope that you feel better soon!
  • cruzmom123
    cruzmom123 Posts: 72 Member
    Thanks everyone. Even today, I am forcing myself to eat. Last night, I ate half of a microwave dinner then took my medicine. It wasn't enough. Went running to the bathroom 30 minutes later . I didn't think about the fact I should drink my calories, as one poster put it. I think I will try a milkshake for dinner! lol
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    why are you worried about it...just rest up. why are you forcing yourself to eat when you have the flu...being ill and loss of appetite is pretty normal and nothing to worry about.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    why are you worried about it...just rest up. why are you forcing yourself to eat when you have the flu...being ill and loss of appetite is pretty normal and nothing to worry about.
    She has medication to take that'll make her vomit if she takes it on an empty stomach. Nothing like already being sick and adding that on top of it.
  • Halcyon3608
    Halcyon3608 Posts: 28 Member
    Here are my go-to "I feel awful" foods: frappucinos from Starbucks (great way to get in calories, especially if you have a sore throat - the cold is really soothing), yogurt with honey, toast or English muffins with jam, oatmeal (can add maple syrup, brown sugar, cream, peanut butter), Panera mac & cheese, Gatorade (especially with vomitting and diarrhea, but make sure you still drink plenty of water). It's all pretty mild!
  • DeWoSa
    DeWoSa Posts: 496 Member
    When I'm sick and need to eat, I follow the BRAT diet -- banana, rice, applesauce, toast.
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