Published on 12, July, 2020
Going to mentioning eating habits and not eating; if that could upset you please do not read further! I wasn't sure what category this kind of post should be in, so I've put it here.For a while now, I've been having difficulty with my eating habits.This has been a problem of mine since around high school, where I would skip meals because I was so exhausted; but it has really ramped up this past year. I find it difficult to recognize when I'm hungry, and I skip meals frequently. It's not uncommon for me not to eat in a day. I also feel like my appetite has drastically decreased, and I don't find much joy in eating anymore. I just cannot tell when I am hungry anymore.I've lost a significant amount of weight because of this, and it's starting to concern my family when I skip meals and say I don't feel hungry.I think my depression has part of why this is happening, but I'm not sure. I think it might have to do with my emotional blindness too.Has anybody else had this problem, and what helps them with this? I'm open to any suggestions or your stories, they'd help me a lot in not feeling alone in this. Thank you.
Hi
I have had the opposite in the past, where I continually wanted to eat. I seemed to be hungry all the time and mostly wanted lots of carbs, and as my weight went up I just bought bigger clothing. It started when I was working full time and studying in the evenings and so was also exhausted - it seems people can go one way or the other with food in response to that type of stress.
After a couple of years I moved to a new town - I was no longer studying, but still working full time, tired all the time, and eating too much. When I registered at a new medical centre I was asked to attend a check up appointment and this included being weighed - as I had no scales I was rather shocked at how much I weighed. The very nice doctor kindly advised that it would be healthy for me to lose a bit of weight and asked if I would like a referral to a dietician - I thanked her but said I would like to try on my own first.
That was when nutrition and how it is linked to health became my new special interest. I worked out my own diet plan and was able to reach a healthy weight in about 6 or 7 months. The indigestion and heartburn I had been experiencing stopped too, and I had more energy.
Obviously your goal is the opposite to what mine was, but in a way the principle is the same - finding a way to eat regular, appropriately sized, nourishing meals that give you energy and keep you well. I keep to a healthy weight now by eating several smaller meals & snacks during each day, and start with natural yoghurt for breakfast, which is high protein and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
Perhaps learning more about nutrition and why your body needs good food to function properly might help? Exercise in the fresh air may also increase your appetite, but don't do too much - just try a 10-15 minute walk each day if you can. If you forget to eat, maybe you could set a timer to remind you to have a snack at set times.
If you feel that your mental health is at the root of the problem, see your GP and try to get help with that. Your health is very important, and I wish you well.