[Rubylizard]

i went to my dietician last week and we went over a diet plan for me to gain weight. (i have an ED NOS in that i've lost about 20lbs due to my emetophobia (fear of vomiting)....i have not intentionally tried to lose the weight) and if i can't start gaining soon, she said that i might have to get a PEG tube.....feeding tube in the stomach.
just the thought of it makes me panic and i was wondering if anyone else here has had one or can tell me anything about it or how to AVOID getting it.
i have gastroparesis (slow moving stomach....trouble digesting fat and protein) and i think i'm whey protein intolerant.....so nutritional shakes are out. she said to eat normal meals with three 200 calorie snacks a day.....but it seems to overwhelming to my shrunken stomach.
any advice or knowledge about the PEG would be appreciated.

[veritymoon]

when i had trouble eating an amount of food that made me feel full due to anorexia i used to make myself something like a sandwich and take a bite every 15mins or so .
it would take me like 3 hours to eat but i never felt full which is what triggered me to restrict i still graze now so i always have foods i can eat on the go or that wont go off if it takes all day to eat.

the things i found ok to eat were grapes, oat/rice bars, breakfast cereal , rich tea biscuits and smoothies

not the same situation but it helped me.

[Rhapsody]

Have YOU tried eating about 5 to 7 SMALL MEALS a day.... and adding a little bit more calories to the plate?


LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Rhapsody]

Gaining Weight: A Healthy Plan for Adding Pounds....

Winning at weight gain comes down to pairing a balanced eating pattern with regular physical activity - like any healthy lifestyle. While many overweight people find it difficult to shed extra pounds, those who are underweight face their own challenges trying to keep each pound and add more. The good news for those trying to gain weight is that adding pounds can be simplified by following these healthy and practical tips.

Plan ahead for extra meals and snacks

The key to gaining weight is shifting the body weight equation so that you take in more calories than you burn. To gain weight, you may need to eat more food. Instead of the traditional "three squares a day," add two or three substantial snacks between three moderate-size meals. By spreading out your food choices during the day, you'll be more likely to enjoy your meals and snacks without feeling overstuffed.

Concentrate on calories

Tip the scales toward weight gain by choosing foods that are "calorie-dense," or high in calories. While rich desserts and fried foods quickly come to mind, the emphasis should be on foods that pack other nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, in addition to calories.

Where can you start?

Begin by choosing calorie-rich foods from each group of the Food Guide Pyramid shown below, plus fats, oils, and sweets in moderation. Aim for the higher end of the recommended number of servings from each group shown in the Pyramid. Here are some calorie-dense, nutritious foods:

Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta: granola, bagels, biscuits, cornbread

Fruits: canned fruit in syrup, dried fruits, fruit nectars

Vegetables: avocado, olives, potatoes, peas, corn, squash

Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts: beef, pork, lamb, poultry, salmon, swordfish, omelets, nuts, peanut butter, kidney beans, chickpeas

Milk, yogurt, and cheese: milk, fruited yogurts, hard cheeses, ice cream, puddings, custards, milkshakes

Use in moderation fats, oils, and sweets, such as butter, margarine, sour cream, cream cheese, gravy, salad dressings, jellies, jams, honey, and candies.

Maximize each mouthful

Incorporating extra calories into everyday meals can make eating a creative and flavorful experience. Try adding these nutritious, calorie-packed combinations to your meals:

Use milk in place of water in hot cereal, soups, and sauces. Sprinkle powdered milk into casseroles and meatloaf for added calories, protein, and calcium.

Add avocado, cheese, and salad dressings to sandwiches. Even fat-free dressings and cheeses will add calories without added fat.

Mix cooked, chopped meat, wheat germ, nuts, beans, or cheese into casseroles, side dishes, and pasta.

Choose calorie-dense beverages, appetizers, soup, salads, entrees, and desserts when dining out. Take home leftovers for a snack.

Let snacks work in your favor

Smart snacking plays an important role in gaining weight. Choose snacks that add calories, vitamins, and minerals, such as powdered milk added to a yogurt or ice cream-based shake with fruit and fruit juice. Dip crackers, chips, and fresh vegetable relishes into high-calorie dips made with cheese, sour cream (either regular or reduced-fat), mashed beans, or fat-free salad dressings. Space out snacks during the day so you don't spoil your appetite for later meals.

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Brought to you by the - American Dietetic Association.