Loss of Appetite

[SunsetRunner]

For the last couple of weeks I've noticed that I do not have much of an appetite anymore. My goal is about 1200-1400 calories a day yet some days I can't even reach that anymore and hit around 800. I'm afraid of hurting my body. Has anyone else struggled with this? Any tips about what to do?

[Magnusson]

You dont have appetite but how are you feeling mentally and physically ? I have read that women should be getting at least 1200 cal. per day for general maintance of the body so long term this is not good.

[Raviv]

Maybe add in or swap out for some foods with a little higher calorie content from fats?  Cheese and avocados are great for that.  You'll be getting more calories but good nutrition at the same time.

[SunsetRunner]

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@Magnusson wrote:

You dont have appetite but how are you feeling mentally and physically ? I have read that women should be getting at least 1200 cal. per day for general maintance of the body so long term this is not good.

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Physically I feel okay. I have energy and I get good rest. Mentally, well things around me have been stressful lately so I've been struggling a bit there. Not to mention I'm on my period so I get extremely emotional during this time.

[SunsetRunner]

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@Raviv wrote:

Maybe add in or swap out for some foods with a little higher calorie content from fats?  Cheese and avocados are great for that.  You'll be getting more calories but good nutrition at the same time.

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I was doing Paleo for awhile but this last two weeks I ate poorly. I didn't gain any weight probably because I have missed a few meals due to not being hungry. It might have to do with my emotional state. 

I'll try eating more healthy fats and see if that works. 

[OdoCat · Accepted solution]

I'd say probably emotional too given what you've stated. I went through something pretty traumatic about 10 years ago and I was a healthy, gym going, fit girl, and I stopped eating regulary for 6 months or so. I didn't even realize that I would go 3 days on coffee. I lost all my muscle and became a twig and it did hurt my body. For some of us, depression and stress takes away our appetite, while for others it turns it on. It helps to know which you are and be aware. I'd say force yourself to eat more and eat fattier foods as others said, but also take care of your mental state too. Do what you need to do for yourself to get back on track mentally: counseling, more exercise, medication, new hobby, community work, etc. Then the rest will follow. 

[SunsetRunner]

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@OdoCat wrote:

I'd say probably emotional too given what you've stated. I went through something pretty traumatic about 10 years ago and I was a healthy, gym going, fit girl, and I stopped eating regulary for 6 months or so. I didn't even realize that I would go 3 days on coffee. I lost all my muscle and became a twig and it did hurt my body. For some of us, depression and stress takes away our appetite, while for others it turns it on. It helps to know which you are and be aware. I'd say force yourself to eat more and eat fattier foods as others said, but also take care of your mental state too. Do what you need to do for yourself to get back on track mentally: counseling, more exercise, medication, new hobby, community work, etc. Then the rest will follow. 

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Thank you for the advice. This actually helps me a lot. 

[Trooper]

Try a tablespoon of Peanut Butter on a mini bagel. Tastes real good, is filling, and will not blow your calorie count.