Week Two of the meal plan. Its harder than I thought. Not emotioanlly yet (I think that challenge will come when I actually start to physcially gain weight) but it has been physically hard. I am supposed to eat six meals a day. SIX! My body isnt used to that volume of food. OR the amount of protein and carbs I should be consuming according to this plan. Over the past week Ive experienced a sore stomach, lots of gas, bloating and now have pimples appearing :-( I have stuck to the meal plan regarless but was wondering if anyone had any advice as to how I could deal with these digestion problems? Usually I would jump on the treadmill and go for a long walk but Im not allowed to excersise until I gain a few more kg, end even then it will be mostly strength based excersise, not cardio. What has worked for everyone else when trying to deal with the physical discomfort that comes with increasing volumes of food? I would really appreciate any advice, tips and feedback. Im so determined to get physically and emotionally healthy again, but its harder than I expected. I welcome and appreciate all comments.
I know it's really hard. I have been on one just a little longer than you have. The discomfort goes away. I am a big fan of pepto myself cause not only am I not used to too much food but I also have food intolerances. Tea also works great after meals an also try to distract yourself with a movie or book (substitute of the exercise) to distract you from the discomfort from the extra food. Your body will get more used to it I promise.
You can do this! You are doing a great job so far :)
I was in outpatient treatment for 5 weeks..and starting to eat normally was difficult.I was not used to eating the normal amount of food..due to restricting for so long.I was put on a meal plan.I have been a month out of treatment now and have tried to stay true to my MP as best as I can.I really don't know how i managed to stick to it..mechanically..using self talk and distraction.Ihave had occasional slips here and there.My bodies reaction to eating again was mainly some bloating..but i guess I was pretty lucky because there wasn't alot of physical pain..some but it was minimal.For me it was more emotional VERY emotional ..I had always liked the feeling of an empty stomache.It took a bit for me to adjust to the increase..feeling full was very uncomfortable for me..but the staff told me through my tears that feeling full was a healthy feeling.
We had to keep a journal and record our feelings after every meal. just like you I want to be physically and emotionally healthy.maybe journaling after your meals can help.Jan had mentioned previously there is something you can take to help with digestion.I can't remember what it was called .maybe you could private message her and ask her.
I also would like to say I agree you are doing a great job..its hard work .Your body will adjust in time.
Simone...hello! I am not a huge fan of supplements, but in the case of refeeding issues, you might find some relief by taking some papaya enzyme, which is a digestive aid, or pancreatic enzymes, which also may help. They are usually chewable and don't taste bad, and it could help a lot. Are you working with a professional? A nutritionist? You might also try to debulk our foods, so that you aren't eating a huge quantity, but foods that are more dense in calories. That could help as well. Good luck!! Jan ♥
Thanks everyone for you support and advice. I have seen a nutritionist but it was only for an initial consultation and because I am a student I can't afford to see her again until Ive saved up some more money. I will try the papaya enzyme and also self talk and journalling to deal with the feelings of fullness and digestion problems that Im experiencing. Thanks so much for your input, I appreciate it :-)
Congrats on sticking with it this long! As everyone else has said the bloating and discomfort will go away. Stomach issues take the longest to adjust, but that doesn't mean they won't! I agree with Jan that you should try some more dense foods so there isn't so much bulk. Fluids are also a great thing to use to get in the calories you need if you're feeling extremely full.