Having problems breathing?

I don't have this issue. BUT my son does. He is a 16yo XC runner with an ***ectomorph*** body type who has to eat 3600 a day to maintain (and he recently went from a 32 to a 30 so we are going to have to bump again). And if everyone who denied having an eating disorder had an eating disorder then everyone would have one (denying population + accepting population = entire population). Look up ectomorph and see if it fits you.

So, here's some thoughts. Don't wait to eat. If you are hungry, eat. Take snack with you everywhere. Take meal replacement bars or nuts or whatever. Keep snack crackers in the car. He carries a small water bottle (6 oz) and refills at water fountains if necessary. You can also freeze bottles of water if it's warm out. It helps get snack down. You can also set an alarm on your phone to remind you to eat so you don't have to remember.

That being said, our saving grace came in the form of two words the pediatrician muttered in passing.

ENSURE PLUS (Boost Total also). Comes in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Drink alone or add fruit and/or ice cream and/or peanut butter and/or doc approved weight gainer and/or whatever. Also can drink with ice. 350 cals in 8 oz. DY NO MITE right! (showing my age here).

Cost: Ensure coupons online and Wal-mart has store brand (although the kid says it tastes like crap).

Other high cal snacks:
-- Peanut butter & jelly (mentioned above). Freeze portions for easy eating. Add PB to anything you want.
-- Meal replacement bars. Do not replace meal, eat with a meal. He eats one after eating at friend's house (esp if he didn't like the food and was eating to be polite). He always has a couple around. Often on sale. Lost of coupons, too. Check clearance sections.
-- Greek yogurt. High cal varieties. 260 cals in 6 oz. If on a budget buy in the larger tubs and portion it out. Add whatever you want to spice it up. Use in place of sour cream.
-- Almonds (mentioned above) - In a variety of flavors and you can make your own flavors. Son puts hot sauce on them and bakes in the oven *line pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up*.
-- Pasta - However you like it (his is alfredo with extra cheese and chicken). Freeze individual bags or containers.

Type II Diabetes.
I have it. I currently have no sugar issues. There is tons of info on pre-diabetes. Over 45, high cholesterol, sedentary, etc. can affect it.

What I still have are circulation issues, internal organ degradation, and vision issues, but they are minimal. The biggest thing my doc encourages is 30 min exercise a day. Consistency is key. It doesn't have to be running or lifting weights or any of that. (note: I run because I love running). Per my doc, *walking is fine*. Not power walking, not speed walking, just walking.

All of this should be reviewed with your doc, for certain! There are a host of reasons why folks can't gain weight (including over active thyroid and metabolism). If he says you are fine, and you feel you aren't fine, get a second opinion. Why not?

If you have specific diabetes questions, you can message me.

Best of luck.
leslisa

jgnatca wrote: »

Breathing problems might be from an anxiety attack or asthma. I really doubt you are experiencing clogged arteries. But a visit to the doctor can start ruling these things out.

Since calories in is the goal, worry less about what you are eating. Really. But it's good for you to learn that a calorie dense food like avocado, even though dieters eat it, is good for you, too.

This absolutely. You sound like you're experiencing some anxiety. It's a sneaky thing that can cause a lot of symptoms you would not expect. But breathing problems is definitely a red flag, especially since you mentioned worrying that you are clogging hour arteries. I would suggest you go to a NEW doctor and/or therapist. They can, in turn, recommend a good dietitian to help with the weight gain

Do you just have breathing problems after a big meal? I have never been thin, but after a huge meal and feeling over stuffed it can kind of be harder to breathe. Not like I am going to die, but it almost feels like you have to make a conscious effort to breathe in deeply. Could it be that? Have you tried eating more smaller meals? maybe you are just not used to eating so much quantity at a time.