I have never eaten fruits or vegetables

jaxburt
jaxburt Posts: 16 Member
edited November 19 in Food and Nutrition
Hello, I'm struggling with the nutrition part of this. I've never eaten fruits or vegetables. It's a texture thing. I love the smell of oranges or onions, they make me squirm if I put them in my mouth. They pop and have strings and stuff in them. Like I said, it's a texture thing. HELP!
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Replies

  • angelxsss
    angelxsss Posts: 2,402 Member
    You can lose weight without eating them. But it's true, some of the nutrients you can only get from the actual food. Maybe try a vegetable powder blended in a smoothie or something?
  • Moxie42
    Moxie42 Posts: 1,400 Member
    Smoothies are a good way to sneak in fruits and veggies if you like the taste but not the texture. Also, shredding zucchini (or putting it through a food processor) and adding it to eggs in an omelet or scramble. What if the veggies are diced super-tiny (you can get a cheap mandolin slicer for that) and adding them into a stir-fry? That way they're too tiny to give you any popping/stringy issues but you still get the flavor and nutrients.
  • debtay123
    debtay123 Posts: 1,327 Member
    Have you ever tried the green powders or the veggie powders- go to walmart and check them out. Many stores like gnc have products like this also- but walmart is way cheaper. I buy the country farms plant based protein powders in vanilla or chocolate- VERY good- and you have your nutrients right in the smoothie or smoothie bowl etc.
  • slaite1
    slaite1 Posts: 1,307 Member
    Moxie42 wrote: »
    Smoothies are a good way to sneak in fruits and veggies if you like the taste but not the texture. Also, shredding zucchini (or putting it through a food processor) and adding it to eggs in an omelet or scramble. What if the veggies are diced super-tiny (you can get a cheap mandolin slicer for that) and adding them into a stir-fry? That way they're too tiny to give you any popping/stringy issues but you still get the flavor and nutrients.

    I second this. Do you like pasta sauce? I have blended up tons of veggies and my picky BF doesn't even notice. You can blend cauliflower, squash carrots (my fave-they add sweetness). And there is no texture to speak of.

    Also, some fruit isn't necessarily stringy. Have you tried berries? Cherries? Nectarines? Cucumber for veggies?

    There are tons of flavors and textures when it comes to fruit and vegetables. I think it's worth it to keep trying (and hide it in the mean time!)
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    I love blending fruits and veggies. Do you like mashed potatoes? Sauteed and blended cauliflower and squash can stir into mashed potatoes. I make a protein fluff for lunch with spinach, frozen banana, frozen avocado and salted caramel protein powder for lunch. The texture is smooth and the flavor is mildly sweet.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Great ideas here. I wouldn't bother trying to fix your aversion. Get yourself a really good blender like a Ninja. Bananas help all blender creations taste great.
  • nowine4me
    nowine4me Posts: 3,985 Member
    debtay123 wrote: »
    Have you ever tried the green powders or the veggie powders- go to walmart and check them out. Many stores like gnc have products like this also- but walmart is way cheaper. I buy the country farms plant based protein powders in vanilla or chocolate- VERY good- and you have your nutrients right in the smoothie or smoothie bowl etc.

    I tried them all and my favorite is PlantFusion Lean Vanilla. It filing and delicious (but expensive).
  • Sara2652
    Sara2652 Posts: 158 Member

    Your description makes me believe this is more then simple dislike and is an actual phobia. Many people choose not to face their phobias, they don't need to and I don't think you need to but I think it could be very beneficial and therapeutic. Empowering even.
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    Apple sauce. Thick pureed soups.
  • NoLimitFemme
    NoLimitFemme Posts: 118 Member
    What type of texture do you like and can tolerate?
  • GoldenEye_
    GoldenEye_ Posts: 330 Member
    I have the same with chicken drumsticks. I don't eat meat anymore, but the veins and stuff in them was horrific to me, haha.

    There are so many different vegetables and fruits and with that textures though. Maybe if you like one you can eventually warm up to others. I personally love the pop of a berry in my mouth after which the sweetness takes over. I bet there's some that work for you!
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    cqbkaju wrote: »
    This may sound insensitive, but maybe just get used to it ("suck it up") or see a therapist.

    "Some" textures is one thing. You seem to be adverse to many (all?) of them.

    I'm sure there are therapists to deal with these sort of issues around food. OP, I think you are missing out on so many food experiences by avoiding vegetables, I would suggest working on your issues. You'll open up your options massively, as well as improve your health and nutrition (I can't believe youve never eaten any - not even a chip?)
  • Derf_Smeggle
    Derf_Smeggle Posts: 610 Member
    OP,

    Is it cooked or raw textures that are the problem with vegetables?

    With fruit what about bananas, apples, strawberries, or watermelon? They all have vastly different textures.
  • broseidonkingofbrocean
    broseidonkingofbrocean Posts: 180 Member
    edited June 2017
    I have a problem getting in fruits and veg's in my diet. I take MTS machine greens which is a whole foods greens/multi vitamin powder. Made from whole foods and has multiple servings of both fruits and vegs. I take this daily mainly as a multi vitamin BUT it does make the lack of vegetation in my diet feel better.
  • Hamsibian
    Hamsibian Posts: 1,388 Member
    edited June 2017
    I agree with seeing a Therapist. There are plenty who have experience with sensory issues, so they may help even if you don't have an official diagnosis.
  • cross2bear
    cross2bear Posts: 1,106 Member
    Blend them up and put them in pasta sauces, or meat loaf, or soups. You must have eaten them as a kid?
  • jaxburt
    jaxburt Posts: 16 Member
    I'm so glad I posted this. One doesn't believe me and most others suggest therapy. I've been in therapy for 30 years. I feel so supported.
  • slaite1
    slaite1 Posts: 1,307 Member
    Juniper210 wrote: »
    jaxburt wrote: »
    I'm so glad I posted this. One doesn't believe me and most others suggest therapy. I've been in therapy for 30 years. I feel so supported.

    And 12 different posts of people offering actual suggestions, advice and support. Don't focus on the negative @jaxburt

    Yup
  • jseams1234
    jseams1234 Posts: 1,219 Member
    What do you eat? Even avoiding veggies and fruits - food has textures.
  • Sara2652
    Sara2652 Posts: 158 Member
    edited June 2017
    jaxburt wrote: »
    I'm so glad I posted this. One doesn't believe me and most others suggest therapy. I've been in therapy for 30 years. I feel so supported.

    I think people are trying to clarify and understand what you mean. For example you say you don't like the stringy texture but lots of meats can be 'stringy'. Are you eating sauces with veggies in them or smoothies? Are you at risk of developing scurvy? We need more of the story to be supportive or helpful.

    Certain therapist are better than others with phobias. CBT would be helpful.

    Research nutritional benefits of various fruits and veggies. Learn about the plants they come from. Learn about the cell structures of plants. Maybe the exposure could reduce your aversion.

    If not take your vitamins, eat what you can and discuss it with your doctor.




  • cangler
    cangler Posts: 104 Member
    I don't know your goals but I was on a slow deficit for nearly a year to get shredded, and it made me appreciate and enjoy all foods, especially the healthy foods. I don't even crave junk any more, look forward to ANY vegetables and fruit (didn't really like most of them before). You may not need to shred any fat, but it sure "fixed" my taste buds and that was just a added bonus. Food for thought :)
  • WickedPineapple
    WickedPineapple Posts: 698 Member
    I also have problems with texture of food. There are ways to work around it. I also love the smell of oranges/onions but don't actually like eating them. I do like orange juice (pulp free) and will use onion powder in my cooking. Juice might be a good start. Experimenting with smoothies is a good idea. It really surprised me how much I like smoothies once I started making them. I like mine thick, so use frozen fruit.

    Your tastes and sensitivity to texture may change over time, so something you didn't like 10 years ago might taste good to you now. Being willing to try new fruits/veggies or those you haven't had in quite some time is very helpful.

    I've found certain foods that are okay texture-wise, so if you're anything like me these may work for you: apples (raw), pears (raw), strawberries (raw), carrots (raw), blueberries (frozen), spinach (raw), and broccoli (steamed). I also eat a lot of marinara sauce.
  • cqbkaju
    cqbkaju Posts: 1,011 Member
    edited June 2017
    jseams1234 wrote: »
    "Readman's doctors said she is malnourished and has the health of an 80-year old. She weighs about 98 pounds at 5'3"."

    There you go.
This discussion has been closed.