Picky Eater needs a lot of help!
Melawen posted:
Hi everyone! This is I believe my first post in the community. I need some help. I am 33 and probably one of the world's pickiest eaters. I have over 150 pounds that I need to shed. I watch my portions, if I snack in between meals I try to reach for air popped popcorn and I drink water most of the time rather the soft drinks.
People are always telling me that I need to eat more vegetables and fruit, but to be honest I don't like them. Sure I eat bell peppers and fresh spinach and lettuce and even carrots but that's about where it ends with the vegetables. I am even worse with fruit because I will eat apples but I usually prefer them in the form of unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon added. I hate the seeds in strawberries and while I like watermelon the flavor is hit or miss with me. I guess I just do not really like food all that much which is strange for a severely obese person to say.
I suffer from hypertension and recently discovered that my body produces too much uric acid so I am trying to watch my salt intake and also restrict the amount of purine rich foods that I consume. I really do not know where to begin. I have joint problems and arthritis and the heat where we recently moved sucks the life right out of me. I have no energy and one doctor just constantly mentioned surgery. While I have had friends that have went through the surgery and it was successful for those that did what they were supposed to, I just do not think it is for me.
I want to be healthy and happy, I want to enjoy life again. Preferably with minimal pain. I know if I can lose weight that some of my joint pain will go away. I want to stop being self-conscious. My husband loves me regardless and he's at a loss of how to help me because he is not hindered himself by a limited menu of food that he will eat. For me, textures are a huge problem, so is smell, and taste. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
People are always telling me that I need to eat more vegetables and fruit, but to be honest I don't like them. Sure I eat bell peppers and fresh spinach and lettuce and even carrots but that's about where it ends with the vegetables. I am even worse with fruit because I will eat apples but I usually prefer them in the form of unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon added. I hate the seeds in strawberries and while I like watermelon the flavor is hit or miss with me. I guess I just do not really like food all that much which is strange for a severely obese person to say.
I suffer from hypertension and recently discovered that my body produces too much uric acid so I am trying to watch my salt intake and also restrict the amount of purine rich foods that I consume. I really do not know where to begin. I have joint problems and arthritis and the heat where we recently moved sucks the life right out of me. I have no energy and one doctor just constantly mentioned surgery. While I have had friends that have went through the surgery and it was successful for those that did what they were supposed to, I just do not think it is for me.
I want to be healthy and happy, I want to enjoy life again. Preferably with minimal pain. I know if I can lose weight that some of my joint pain will go away. I want to stop being self-conscious. My husband loves me regardless and he's at a loss of how to help me because he is not hindered himself by a limited menu of food that he will eat. For me, textures are a huge problem, so is smell, and taste. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
7 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Picky Eater needs a lot of help!Hi everyone! This is I believe my first post in the community. I need some help. I am 33 and probably one of the world's pickiest eaters. I have over 150 pounds that I need to shed. I watch my portions, if I snack in between meals I try to reach for air popped popcorn and I drink water most of the time rather the soft drinks. <br /><br />People are always telling me that I need to eat more vegetables and fruit, but to be honest I don't like them. Sure I eat bell peppers and fresh spinach and lettuce and even carrots but that's about where it ends with the vegetables. I am even worse with fruit because I will eat apples but I usually prefer them in the form of unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon added. I hate the seeds in strawberries and while I like watermelon the flavor is hit or miss with me. I guess I just do not really like food all that much which is strange for a severely obese person to say. <br /><br />I suffer from hypertension and recently discovered that my body produces too much uric acid so I am trying to watch my salt intake and also restrict the amount of purine rich foods that I consume. I really do not know where to begin. I have joint problems and arthritis and the heat where we recently moved sucks the life right out of me. I have no energy and one doctor just constantly mentioned surgery. While I have had friends that have went through the surgery and it was successful for those that did what they were supposed to, I just do not think it is for me. <br /><br />I want to be healthy and happy, I want to enjoy life again. Preferably with minimal pain. I know if I can lose weight that some of my joint pain will go away. I want to stop being self-conscious. My husband loves me regardless and he's at a loss of how to help me because he is not hindered himself by a limited menu of food that he will eat. For me, textures are a huge problem, so is smell, and taste. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Haylen_WebMD_Staff responded:
Hi Melawin!
Welcome! I agree that weight loss will make you feel better mentally and physically. I know you can do this!
Could you get a referral to a nutritionist who specialized in working with picky eaters or those with food aversions or restrictions? You might be surprised at some of the foods you'll actually like if you try them in a different way. Or at least you can get a healthy, workable food plan based on the foods that you do like.
Additionally, it's important for you to see a physical therapist who can work with you to avoid more pain or injury to your joints.
Today, you can sign up for the free WebMD food and fitness tracker to keep a log of everything you eat and get an idea of what you need to add - and cut out: WebMD Food & Fitness Planner .
Also, visit the WebMD Dieting Club: 50 - 100 lbs . It's a great group of "losers"
Best to you and please keep coming here for support and info!
Haylen
Welcome! I agree that weight loss will make you feel better mentally and physically. I know you can do this!
Could you get a referral to a nutritionist who specialized in working with picky eaters or those with food aversions or restrictions? You might be surprised at some of the foods you'll actually like if you try them in a different way. Or at least you can get a healthy, workable food plan based on the foods that you do like.
Additionally, it's important for you to see a physical therapist who can work with you to avoid more pain or injury to your joints.
Today, you can sign up for the free WebMD food and fitness tracker to keep a log of everything you eat and get an idea of what you need to add - and cut out: WebMD Food & Fitness Planner .
Also, visit the WebMD Dieting Club: 50 - 100 lbs . It's a great group of "losers"
Best to you and please keep coming here for support and info!
Haylen
Report This| Share this:Picky Eater needs a lot of help!Hi Melawin! <br /> <br /> Welcome! I agree that weight loss will make you feel better mentally and physically. I know you can do this!<br /> <br /> Could you get a referral to a nutritionist who specialized in working with picky eaters or those with food aversions or restrictions? You might be surprised at some of the foods you'll actually like if you try them in a different way. Or at least you can get a healthy, workable food plan based on the foods that you do like. <br /> <br /> Additionally, it's important for you to see a physical therapist who can work with you to avoid more pain or injury to your joints. <br /> <br /> Today, you can sign up for the free WebMD food and fitness tracker to keep a log of everything you eat and get an idea of what you need to add - and cut out: <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/food-fitness-planner/">WebMD Food & Fitness Planner</a> . <br /> <br /> Also, visit the <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/dieting-club-50-100-lbs-exchange">WebMD Dieting Club: 50 - 100 lbs</a> . It's a great group of "losers" <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> <br /> <br /> Best to you and please keep coming here for support and info!<br /> <br /> Haylen
spinn2win responded:
Hi Melawen,
Welcome I too am new here but learning very fast. So far, I see that you are eating some veggies you like which is great. Many people dislike veggies and fruit and do not eat any of them you are at least eating some. It may get alittle boring but if you like them its better than nothing. To me it also sounds like you have a good plan started, which is another bonus is your favor.
Have you ever tired making fresh juice?? Or smoothies? If the texture of the juice does not bother you this might be a way to infuse food you like with somethings you do not like. You can take say a banana and blend it with carrots, spinach, and anyother veggie you want. Usually, I have food the fruit changes the flavor and makes it more tastey. My daughter hates veggies & I have made smoothies with all kinds of things and she likes it very much.
As far as joint pain, I too suffer severe joint & back pain and have found so far since I started exercising my pain level has slowly improved and its only been a week and 1/2. Not alot but enough to make me realize this is important. I have started with 10 mintues of brisk walking & yoga. So far, I feel great!
I am sure you can get healthy & you have made a great start. If you want please read my story; maybe it will give you so encouragement too. If you ever need someone I will be here to talk, you can even email me personally. (elizabethspinnato@att.net ) Good luck to you & wtg by joining this community. Take care Elizabeth
Welcome
I too am new here but learning very fast. So far, I see that you are eating some veggies you like which is great. Many people dislike veggies and fruit and do not eat any of them you are at least eating some. It may get alittle boring but if you like them its better than nothing. To me it also sounds like you have a good plan started, which is another bonus is your favor. Have you ever tired making fresh juice?? Or smoothies? If the texture of the juice does not bother you this might be a way to infuse food you like with somethings you do not like. You can take say a banana and blend it with carrots, spinach, and anyother veggie you want. Usually, I have food the fruit changes the flavor and makes it more tastey. My daughter hates veggies & I have made smoothies with all kinds of things and she likes it very much.
As far as joint pain, I too suffer severe joint & back pain and have found so far since I started exercising my pain level has slowly improved and its only been a week and 1/2. Not alot but enough to make me realize this is important. I have started with 10 mintues of brisk walking & yoga. So far, I feel great!
I am sure you can get healthy & you have made a great start. If you want please read my story; maybe it will give you so encouragement too. If you ever need someone I will be here to talk, you can even email me personally. (elizabethspinnato@att.net ) Good luck to you & wtg by joining this community. Take care Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Report This| Share this:Picky Eater needs a lot of help!Hi Melawen,<br />Welcome <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> I too am new here but learning very fast. So far, I see that you are eating some veggies you like which is great. Many people dislike veggies and fruit and do not eat any of them you are at least eating some. It may get alittle boring but if you like them its better than nothing. To me it also sounds like you have a good plan started, which is another bonus is your favor. <br />Have you ever tired making fresh juice?? Or smoothies? If the texture of the juice does not bother you this might be a way to infuse food you like with somethings you do not like. You can take say a banana and blend it with carrots, spinach, and anyother veggie you want. Usually, I have food the fruit changes the flavor and makes it more tastey. My daughter hates veggies & I have made smoothies with all kinds of things and she likes it very much.<br />As far as joint pain, I too suffer severe joint & back pain and have found so far since I started exercising my pain level has slowly improved and its only been a week and 1/2. Not alot but enough to make me realize this is important. I have started with 10 mintues of brisk walking & yoga. So far, I feel great!<br />I am sure you can get healthy & you have made a great start. If you want please read my story; maybe it will give you so encouragement too. If you ever need someone I will be here to talk, you can even email me personally. (<a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:elizabethspinnato@att.net">elizabethspinnato@att.net</a> ) Good luck to you & wtg by joining this community. Take care Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
Thank you for your suggestions and support. I have not tried making fresh juice, but it certainly is a suggestion that I am willing to consider since I know that there are a lot of fruits that I really like in juice form it is just that I have always been warned against drinking my calories. I suppose if I do it in smoothie form if I can get past the yogurt smell since I cannot eat bananas it is more like a meal rather than just a beverage. I just want to make sure that I get adequate amounts of protein because I have noticed that if I have enough protein during my meal I am less likely to snack later.
I believe you are right about pain levels. I recall reading that for every pound a person loses it takes about 5 pounds of pressure off of the knees. I am not sure if those amounts are accurate, but I would imagine that the pressure relief would carry right on through to the ankle and foot as well.
Thank you! You have given me some very constructive ideas to think about.
Melawen
Thank you for your suggestions and support. I have not tried making fresh juice, but it certainly is a suggestion that I am willing to consider since I know that there are a lot of fruits that I really like in juice form it is just that I have always been warned against drinking my calories. I suppose if I do it in smoothie form if I can get past the yogurt smell since I cannot eat bananas it is more like a meal rather than just a beverage. I just want to make sure that I get adequate amounts of protein because I have noticed that if I have enough protein during my meal I am less likely to snack later.
I believe you are right about pain levels. I recall reading that for every pound a person loses it takes about 5 pounds of pressure off of the knees. I am not sure if those amounts are accurate, but I would imagine that the pressure relief would carry right on through to the ankle and foot as well.
Thank you! You have given me some very constructive ideas to think about.
Melawen
Report This| Share this:Picky Eater needs a lot of help!Elizabeth, <br /><br />Thank you for your suggestions and support. I have not tried making fresh juice, but it certainly is a suggestion that I am willing to consider since I know that there are a lot of fruits that I really like in juice form it is just that I have always been warned against drinking my calories. I suppose if I do it in smoothie form if I can get past the yogurt smell since I cannot eat bananas it is more like a meal rather than just a beverage. I just want to make sure that I get adequate amounts of protein because I have noticed that if I have enough protein during my meal I am less likely to snack later. <br /><br />I believe you are right about pain levels. I recall reading that for every pound a person loses it takes about 5 pounds of pressure off of the knees. I am not sure if those amounts are accurate, but I would imagine that the pressure relief would carry right on through to the ankle and foot as well. <br /><br />Thank you! You have given me some very constructive ideas to think about. <br /><br />Melawen
Melawen replied to Haylen_WebMD_Staff's response:
Haylen,
Thank you for your suggestions. I actually have signed up for the Food planner, although I admit I usually just write it down rather than log in. I need to make a more concentrated effort on that.
I believe that a physical therapist could definitely be a good idea as well as nutritionist. I just dislike how some look at people when they go in. They assume because people are overweight that they are lazy and eat too much. Sure I could do more, everyone one of us could, but the labels are more damaging than anything.
Thank you for your suggestions, I have them written down on my suggestion/solution/goal list that I keep with me.
Melawen
Thank you for your suggestions. I actually have signed up for the Food planner, although I admit I usually just write it down rather than log in. I need to make a more concentrated effort on that.
I believe that a physical therapist could definitely be a good idea as well as nutritionist. I just dislike how some look at people when they go in. They assume because people are overweight that they are lazy and eat too much. Sure I could do more, everyone one of us could, but the labels are more damaging than anything.
Thank you for your suggestions, I have them written down on my suggestion/solution/goal list that I keep with me.
Melawen
Report This| Share this:Picky Eater needs a lot of help!Haylen,<br /><br />Thank you for your suggestions. I actually have signed up for the Food planner, although I admit I usually just write it down rather than log in. I need to make a more concentrated effort on that. <br /><br />I believe that a physical therapist could definitely be a good idea as well as nutritionist. I just dislike how some look at people when they go in. They assume because people are overweight that they are lazy and eat too much. Sure I could do more, everyone one of us could, but the labels are more damaging than anything. <br /><br />Thank you for your suggestions, I have them written down on my suggestion/solution/goal list that I keep with me. <br /><br />Melawen
I am glad I could help. As far as protein you might want to try added a protein powder to the smoothie or juice. Also you do not have to use yogurt for smoothie, skim milk is a option or even water with a small amount vanilla yogurt. Good luck & if I can help anymore please let me know. Elizabeth
As far as protein you might want to try added a protein powder to the smoothie or juice. Also you do not have to use yogurt for smoothie, skim milk is a option or even water with a small amount vanilla yogurt. Good luck & if I can help anymore please let me know. ElizabethElizabeth
Report This| Share this:Picky Eater needs a lot of help!I am glad I could help. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> As far as protein you might want to try added a protein powder to the smoothie or juice. Also you do not have to use yogurt for smoothie, skim milk is a option or even water with a small amount vanilla yogurt. Good luck & if I can help anymore please let me know. Elizabeth
Haylen_WebMD_Staff replied to spinn2win's response:
My go-to for protein is a hard boiled egg. Simple to make and transport in a lunch box!
Report This| Share this:Picky Eater needs a lot of help!My go-to for protein is a hard boiled egg. Simple to make and transport in a lunch box!
spinn2win replied to Haylen_WebMD_Staff's response:
wow great idea. I try to stay away from eggs cuz of cholesterol, but one egg boiled may not be too bad. Thanks will add to my building eat list.
Elizabeth
Report This| Share this:Picky Eater needs a lot of help!wow great idea. I try to stay away from eggs cuz of cholesterol, but one egg boiled may not be too bad. Thanks will add to my building eat list.
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