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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/I cant eat a whole meal
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Question
I am 17 years old, male, and am underweight. My problem is that i can't eat much. I start lunch and can't eat it whole because i feel full after half the meal. My parents are worried and i want to gain weight because i am very skinny. How can i do so if i feel full all the time? And is this i am experiencing a sickness?
If this hasn't been a usual behavior for you, you certainly need to be evaluated by a physician.
Sometimes it's just a matter of getting in several smaller meals throughout the day; other times it's a matter of interest. Maybe you're not interested in the meals you're having. It's quite normal to think you want something and then when you get it - not be all that interested.
Try supplementing your day with protein shakes that you make yourself (I'm not fond of recommending commercial products). Using 1-2 cups soy milk (vanilla or chocolate), add a banana or fresh fruit with about 5 ice cubes, a dash of vanilla or sprinkle of spice like cinnamon - blend and enjoy like a milkshake. I don't recommend dairy because it's the wrong kind of fats.
Add dried fruits to your day as a snack, plus nuts like walnuts, almonds, etc. - just a palmful every other day though (for the nuts).
Fruits like bananas, apples, pears (try dipping in peanut butter for a special treat!) are good additions too. An avocado every other day is good (these are high in fat though, so you need to limit them).
If you see other members of your family as slender as you or notice that their photos from when they were your age are about the same body build, it's a hereditary predisposition that you can learn to live with and make the best it can be, but chances of changing it much are pretty low.
Again, if this is something relatively new to you (the inability to eat much), you MUST see a doctor before anything else.
See my (free) nutritional and health page here
www.GetTheReal.info
Good luck and many blessings,
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Answers by Expert:
Reverend Abbott
Expertise
I have lived it and survived it. I know every excuse, reason, thought, feeling and rationalization - and I'm going to be very honest in my advice.
Experience
I've lost (& gained)HUNDREDS of lbs over a lifetime, more than 30 years of "professional dieting". Presently a counselor for sufferers of eating disorders, a nutritional advisor and spiritual counselor (Reverend,doctor); I've been on every diet there is and used the most bizarre weight loss products you can imagine. I am FORMERLY obese, anorexic (several times), bulimic MOST of the time - and maintaining size 4, with no gimmicks, devices, programs, pills or supplements.
I currently investigate the diet industry on behalf of consumers who do not need to be ripped off while struggling to be healthy. I WILL expose them all and I WON'T be intimidated, bullied or bought. My advice is for cost-free options. I have nothing whatsoever to gain from my recommendation(s). I make no money from my website and I sell, promote, endorse NO diet/health products, programs or devices. You'll also never see me on the receiving end of a hidden camera report...but you can be assured, I won't quit until I've exposed those who are out to take advantage of you.
It's a matter of choices. We need to stop complicating things.
Degrees & Certifications:
I'm an ordained minister (Reverend, doctor) spiritual/living/behavior counselor.
I have a medical education and management background (with college). Through early 90's (until retirement) Who's Who Of American Women; Who's Who On the East Coast; Who's Who Among Emerging American Leaders; Who's Who Of Intellectuals - all for "outstanding performance in (my) field".
Organizations
While active (through the 1980's), included in Who's Who Of American Women; Who's Who On the East Coast; Who's Who Among Emerging American Leaders; Who's Who Of Intellectuals - all for "outstanding performance in (my) field".
Education/Credentials
Ordained Minister; phlebotomist; medical information researcher for court cases
Awards and Honors
Doctorate of Divinity
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