[June08]

Does anyone have any tips or tricks to make sure you're getting the nutrients you need when mood symptoms are impacting your appetite? I've never had this happen so intensely so am not sure how to navigate it.

Yesterday, my appetite completely disappeared. I will feel hungry, but my brain says I can't eat and, when I try, I can't even get through a full meal. This morning, I only managed to eat a few bites of my breakfast and I haven't been able to eat much throughout the day. I'm about to attempt to eat something for dinner.

It's tough because even thinking about eating anything makes me feel sick and/or causes a mental wall to go up...

[MuddyBoots]

Nutritional supplements are a savior like ensure, carnation instant breakfasts, glucerna (if you're looking for basically a low sugar version of ensure), various protein shakes/protein bars, etc.

When I was struggling hardcore with my eating disorder I practically lived off of Quest bars

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I've usually been able to find one food that I could tolerate. Often it's a soup. Sometimes it is yogurt or a pudding cup. Once it was mini candy bars. Obviously that's not the ideal but getting some calories in is important too.


I like Muddy Boot's suggestions.

[Mountaindewed]

I eat Sargento Balanced Breaks when I'm not hungry for an actual meal but I'm trying to be healthy. They are small but have protein in them and they come in a lot of different kinds.

Also string cheese, or just plain toast.

[Tart Cherry Jam]

When I am deeply depressed or anxious, I cannot swallow food. I would get hungry but still be unable to make food get inside my GI tract. And then it would make me even more anxious because I would think that the hunger pangs would be overwhelming (they are).

What helped me a little bit was drinking nutritional liquids, milk and plain kefir.

During the last big depression, I also found that at some point I was able to stomach sliced Granny Smith apples with Skippy crunchy peanut butter. That actually even felt tasty for me. Since then, it has become a favorite food of mine but I only allow myself an occasional indulgence since I believe Skippy has hydrogenated oils (and I simply detest natural peanut butter; I need my Skippy brand).

I suggest you try apples with PB because you will get a good liquid content from it, some protein, a good amount of fat and some fiber. Not so bad considering you are trying your best to get nutrition inside your body.

A q: do you like cheese? Would mozzarella part skim cheese sticks be an option for you?

[Soupe du jour]

I have the total opposite issue when depressed. My appetite is far lighter when in manic states, but then it's more forgetting than being at all incapable of eating.

I totally second pretty much every response here already. Definitely add the multi-vitamin if not a usual. The toast is not a nutritional powerhouse (though whole grains are the best), but for me was all I could eat during migraines. Far better than nothing! The natural peanut butter first entered my mind, too, as did the protein bars. For the latter, really examine the labels. Some are more protein and nutrient rich than others, and caloric.

Not mentioned yet is yogurt. It's nutritious and good for the stomach. Plain, with optional something added, is better than the flavored, but flavored work, too. Greek style has the most protein. In my view, full fat Greek is far more appealing than the low fat or fat free options.

Oatmeal or other grain cereals (porridge) are very good and easy on the tummy. I particularly like cold overnight oats, but also hot on occasion. If you happen to have chia or flax seeds, add a teaspoon of them, too. And maybe nut butter or nuts and fruit...and a dollop of yogurt.

Smoothies are also good.

[June08]

Thanks everyone! Your answers gave me some ideas for what food to buy for the week when I grocery shop this weekend. :-)