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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Karen_kay on February 4, 2004, at 14:30:34
Please tell me, how unhealthy is this? I refuse to eat until about 8 pm. Reguarly, I cannot eat before noon. My stomach disagrees with any type of food entering my mouth before this time, other than coffee, which is not food of course. Since about September, I have begun the habit of not eating until late in the evening. The mere thought of any type of food turns my stomach. Coffee keeps me going, and I don't really lack energy (I'm sure due to the coffee). I'm going to begin a work out routine (3 times a week) and am certain that the lack of food will take a toll on my body. (Not that I would care, except I don't want to pass out at the gym and act a fool, you see :)) What to do, what to do???? Again, even the thought of food turns my stomach....
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 4, 2004, at 18:14:02
In reply to So, give it to me straight., posted by Karen_kay on February 4, 2004, at 14:30:34
Hi Karen,
I am semi new here but not to emotional problems. I would say it is something to talk to your T and health care profesiional about because the body uses food as a car does gasoline you really must be reaping SOME undesirable benefits from this habit and it MAY be in the form of anxiety and or depression. Now you want to add exercise and the body MUST have a fuel to do this. I work out a lot and considered somewhat of an athlete and I eat some protein a bit before my workouts to fuel my muscles. So I would say you need to work on this maybe even see your GP or a sports medicine doctor to get a feel for why you cannot eat sooner..you may run high blood sugars of an A.M
Posted by Wildflower on February 5, 2004, at 9:17:45
In reply to So, give it to me straight., posted by Karen_kay on February 4, 2004, at 14:30:34
I think you already know that it's unhealthy. ;-)
It may help to figure out what coused this in the first place. Was it a med switch? I agree with the previous post that suggests talking to your T and/or pdoc.
Also, have you been losing weight with this eating habit? There are some that have a mental block to food if they see *positive* results from doing so.
I would highly encourage to eat something even if it is one of the new smoothies or crackers. Your body needs energy to workout. I workout regularly and know for a fact that without nourishing my body with food and plenty of water, my workout is 10x less effective. There's no way to give your workout your all if there's nothing in it to fuel you.
Please take care of yourself.
Posted by Racer on February 5, 2004, at 17:31:25
In reply to So, give it to me straight., posted by Karen_kay on February 4, 2004, at 14:30:34
OK, you asked for it. I am shaking with upset while I'm typing this, so listen up and listen good:
What you are describing is called an eating disorder, and you know it as well as I do. Having been through a quarter century of hell over this very thing, let me give it to you straight -- deal with this NOW. Don't start working out while you're starving, it'll slow your metobolism even more.
Whew. OK, took a deep breath.
Karen, I've been through this. Hell, I still go through this. Nothing I say is going to make any difference, because you already know it yourself. The only thing I'll give you straight that may make a difference is this: it can get better, but only when you decide to face up to it and fix it. Straight advice? Talk to your T, your pdoc, your internist. Tell them the plain fact that you're living on coffee until 8PM or later. A lot of meds are affected by things like that, you know. Get yourself checked out -- BEFORE it does permanent harm to your health.
There, that's my say in the matter, and you'll never know how much I wish I could be right there, force feeding you if necessary to get you over this. (Guess I wish someone had done something like that for me.)
C'mere, kiddo, here's a {{cyberhug}}
Posted by Karen_kay on February 5, 2004, at 22:27:50
In reply to Are you sure you want this? » Karen_kay, posted by Racer on February 5, 2004, at 17:31:25
But, that can't be right. I don't really have a distorted body image. (And I'm not defensive in the least. Don't get me wrong please.) I just don't understand how you could get that impression. The simple thought of food makes me sick. Is it really possible? I mean like the beginning steps of an eating disorder? Is this how it simply starts and then turns into the "monster" that I hear about on tv? If so, I will certainly force feed myself something and watch myself to be healthier. But, are you certain? But those girls do look so skinny :(
Posted by Penny on February 6, 2004, at 9:56:40
In reply to Huh? » Racer, posted by Karen_kay on February 5, 2004, at 22:27:50
I don't think an eating disorder requires a distorted body image - what you describe about not eating until after 8 p.m. at night and living off of coffee is not healthy, period - and what point is working out if your body isn't getting the healthy fuel it needs to be able to send nutrients to your muscles to strengthen your body? It doesn't work that way...
and I didn't even think about the medication thing, but I'm glad Racer mentioned it. Even if you are on meds (and I don't know what you take) that say you can take them 'with or without food', it doesn't mean it's okay to only eat once a day, in the evening.
I think, KK, that food nauseates you earlier in the day because you aren't used to eating. People who fast (without eating at all, for whatever reason) usually have problems with nausea when they start eating again. When I was in high school and college, I didn't eat breakfast, with the excuse that food that early in the morning made me sick to my stomach. And it did. But when I started forcing myself to eat breakfast, just a *little* something at first, eventually I was hungry when I woke up in the morning. When you set regular meal times, your body becomes trained to expect the food, and will signal to you that it's time to eat with hunger.
I'm not saying you should really eat when you're not hungry - that, too, when done in excess, can be an eating disorder (which is mine, personally - compulsive overeating). But you DO need to eat a balanced healthy diet, getting as many calories as it takes to maintain a healthy weight for a person your age and height. And remember, if you don't want to lose weight when exercising, you'll probably have to increase your caloric intake somewhat. And I'm not talking about empty calories, like the sugar you might put in your coffee (though, why do I suspect you use artificial sweetener?).
Perhaps you might talk to a nutritionist? Or get some books on nutrition?
I probably should do the same thing.
Take care of yourself, Karen, dear.
P
Posted by Racer on February 6, 2004, at 11:14:15
In reply to Re: Huh? » Karen_kay, posted by Penny on February 6, 2004, at 9:56:40
Posted by noa on February 6, 2004, at 19:16:02
In reply to Huh? » Racer, posted by Karen_kay on February 5, 2004, at 22:27:50
Maybe it would help to look at it this way---whether or not you have a full blown eating disorder, the eating pattern you are describing is definitely disordered eating. What you don't want to have happen is for it to become habit, or for your body to get so used to it as to have increasing difficulty eating normally and healthfully. I think getting help to break the pattern now is a good idea. Maybe consult a nutritionist?
Posted by dragonfly25 on February 6, 2004, at 22:55:27
In reply to So, give it to me straight., posted by Karen_kay on February 4, 2004, at 14:30:34
I think this may be topamax related, (you do take topamx?) i used to eat like that until i got off of topamax and now i have a more normal appetite. I would go all day on water and coffee and then eat once i got home. It is really unhealthy and my advice is not to workout like this. You will probably end up fainting.
The topamax completly killed my appetite and my desire for food, it made me ill thinking of food especially in the AM. I have noticed a big difference coming off it.
just a thought
Posted by Sooshi on February 7, 2004, at 10:02:51
In reply to Re: So, give it to me straight., posted by dragonfly25 on February 6, 2004, at 22:55:27
I was also going to suggest it might be the Topamax...it has also killed me appetite in the morning and afternoon, but not everyday.
How long have you eaten this way? What are your stats...height and weight? I mean, if you're 5'8 and 98lbs, I'd say you definately have a major eating disorder. Or if you've just been eating this way since starting Topa, then maybe it's just the meds.....how about some more info?
Posted by Karen_kay on February 9, 2004, at 8:43:26
In reply to Re: So, give it to me straight., posted by Sooshi on February 7, 2004, at 10:02:51
I'm usually a rather picky eater and the topamax has taken away my appetite. And I have to say, if it's not there, don't use it. But, I've also noticed after this weekend, my mother and sister eat the exact same way. I only overeat usually if I'm depressed. (Sorry, I'd rather not give out my stats, but I'm not unhealthy at all. I'm in a normal weight range.) I try to only eat if I'm hungry. And if I'm not Very hungry until later in the evening, then I wait until my boyfriend comes home from work so we can eat dinner together. I'll force myself to eat before working out, so that I won't pass out. But will something small like triscuits work? And please don't suggest I go off topamax. It's my wonderdrug :) And please don't be concerned that I have an eating disorder, as I'm fairly certain that isn't the case. I'm not forcing myself not to eat, just making sure I don't overeat. (Somehow that sounded better in my head :)) Anyway, my therapist knows so don't be alarmed. I let it slip when I was talking about my fear of cancer....
Posted by Penny on February 9, 2004, at 9:15:57
In reply to Re: So, give it to me straight., posted by Karen_kay on February 9, 2004, at 8:43:26
Just make sure you do eat something before working out - perhaps a piece of fruit, or a protein snack? Something with calories and some nutrients!
P
Posted by shortelise on February 15, 2004, at 2:39:19
In reply to Re: So, give it to me straight. » Karen_kay, posted by Penny on February 9, 2004, at 9:15:57
As soon as I read your post, I wondered if you were on a new med.
I took topomax for migraines - it can really make a difference, and my migraines did get better for the short time - 6 weeks - I was on it. One of the side effects is loss of appetite, and I had begun to lose weight (yippee!!!) because foods that I had been eating were no longer appealing. I ate things like whole grains with vegetables, and fruit.
For the brain to work properly, we must eat properly. And for the body, well, that's obvious. But in order to feel well mentally, we've got to feed the brain. There's a ton out there on the subject, so I won't bore you with my rehashed (pardon the pun) theories, though I do have to mention the Omega 3's.
Best not to eat empty calories. Triscuits are empty, but if that's all you can stomach at first, go for it. I was always mildly nauseated on Topomax. I would have stayed on it but it aggravated my anxiety - another side effect! My body felt really good while I was on it.
You could make yourself really sick if you don't watch out. Take care.
ShortE
Posted by Katt on February 20, 2004, at 18:01:36
In reply to So, give it to me straight., posted by Karen_kay on February 4, 2004, at 14:30:34
YOU GO GIRL!!!
I used to do that. Except, often by the time 8 pm came around, I made sure I didnt eat so that i didnt ruin a perfectly good day (maybe even perfectly perfect day!!!),
> Please tell me, how unhealthy is this? I refuse to eat until about 8 pm. Reguarly, I cannot eat before noon. My stomach disagrees with any type of food entering my mouth before this time, other than coffee, which is not food of course. Since about September, I have begun the habit of not eating until late in the evening. The mere thought of any type of food turns my stomach. Coffee keeps me going, and I don't really lack energy (I'm sure due to the coffee). I'm going to begin a work out routine (3 times a week) and am certain that the lack of food will take a toll on my body. (Not that I would care, except I don't want to pass out at the gym and act a fool, you see :)) What to do, what to do???? Again, even the thought of food turns my stomach....
Posted by antigua on February 20, 2004, at 22:03:00
In reply to Re: So, give it to me straight., posted by shortelise on February 15, 2004, at 2:39:19
You probably already know this, but it's also another symptom of the underlying situation you are facing. Quite common. Me too.
antigua
Posted by Karen_kay on February 22, 2004, at 15:04:08
In reply to Re: So, give it to me straight..., posted by antigua on February 20, 2004, at 22:03:00
Hmmmm. I never thought of that, but it is common. I just never realized that I may have an odd relatinship with food. I HATE IT!!! Stupid calories and fat. I love chocolate, but I don't eat it anymore. I know it's because chocolate is fattening, but I talk myself into believing it's because it causes cavities. And if it's late at night, like Katt said, sometimes I don't eat because it does ruin the perfet day. I understand where you are coming from Katt...
I just can't stand food. I don't eat as a form of control, I have ocntrol in this situation. I'll talk to my therapist, as I see it now.. I'd take laxatives, have lioposuction, anything to get this awful fat off my body! And I'd have my mouth wired shut, if no one could see it.... And I always sit up straight and hold my belly in, even during classes when no ones looking. You never know when someone's looking and I'd rather be prepared.... I jsut thought, "Well, since I'm a healthy weight, and I see my boyfriend's mother not eat until the evening and she's thin. And my mother and ister do it and they look great, then I'm "normal" It's healthy, ect..."
Oh dear god, not another problem to deal with... :(
Posted by Katt on February 22, 2004, at 18:59:08
In reply to Re: So, give it to me straight... » antigua, posted by Karen_kay on February 22, 2004, at 15:04:08
yep, it's like, why ruin such a clean day?
but i am irritated with myself for eating the last 3 mos. piggy piggy. need to go back on my diet.
clean perfect days....
This is the end of the thread.
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