Health & Support
Moderators: positivelinny, devilish_patsy, lalabanana, peaches0405, ksylvan, nycgirl, iae, smwhipple



I was wondering, is it really bad to under-eat when you're sick?

I haven't been feeling well for the last few days (Fever, headaches etc.) And when I (tried) to eat lunch yesterday, I felt like throwing up, so I stopped, and ended up eating about 750 cals for the day. Today I've managed 960 before again feeling sick.

Let me emphasize: I am NOT bulemic, or trying to under-eat on purpose.

So is it really bad for me? Should I load up (But not excessively) on calories when I get better?

7 Replies (last)

I don't think you should force yourself to eat if you are sick.  Just try to eat soups, maybe some bread or crackers if you can stomach it. Get lots of fluids! Whatever you are comfortable with.  I also would not try to make up the calories when you are feeling better.  Just go back to your normal ways.  I am not doctor but this is what I would do if I were you.  Hope this helps and I hope you feel better!

I agree with emilyjo15, I don't think you should make yourself eat, just be kind to your body, have plenty of fluids and some bland foods.  Follow your cravings, if you have them.  You might find that, once you are feeling better, you will not need to "intentionally" increase your calories, because your appetite will increase naturally and make up for what you missed while ill.  So you may find yourself eating more, simply because you ate less the days before.

Just focus on taking care of yourself and hope you feel better soon!

^^^
|  | | 

What she said.

When you're sick, as long as you don't have a history of disordered eating, just eat what you feel like and try to get decent nutrition and enough fluids.  If in doubt call your doctor.  Essentially you're putting your weight loss or gain goals on hold for a couple of days while you deal with the immediate issue of your health.

When you're ill it's best to listen to your body.

A good chicken soup is awesome though it is proven to have everything ill people need and is light on the stomach. The most important thing is keep fluids up.

Drink some gatorade or powerade to keep your electrolytes up. That'll help with fluids and also calories.

Thanks everyone Smile

7 Replies (last)
Join Calorie Count - it's easy and free!
CREATE FREE ACCOUNT
Advertisement
Advertisement
Recent Activity
New journal post Bookit New Orleans
by jimmyd786 08:22
New journal post Looong day..
by houseofpaws 07:59
New journal post Weekends are so hard to stay on track.
by anglsmom722 07:50
New journal post week ending 05/12... 2800/2500... 300cals over
by sebastian999 07:34