Mumsnet Talk

Hi havent been on for a while just need some advice re my AP's eating habits which have drastically changed over the last few weeks.

She has been with us since August and used to eat quite healthily, 3 meals a day lots of yogurts, fruit and salads etc.

The last few weeks I've noticed she doesnt eat any breakfast anymore. She doesnt seem to eat any lunch as nothing seems to be eaten from the fridge and at dinner I dont actually see her putting much in her plate.

However she seems to go through chocolate like water. I get her 2 packs of choccies every week so 16 bars of snickers/twix type stuff. And I've noticed she's usually finished the lot in 3 days. I bought her 2 packs yday and today just 24 hours later she has already eaten 5 bars.

She's a tall girl with an average build not skinny but not fat.

I spoke to her the other day to say I'd noticed she isnt eating much but she told me she wasnt that hungry. I also said she couldnt just live on chocolates and she assured me she doesnt but obviously the wrappers in the bin tell me otherwise.

I just want to be sure she's eating properly and healthily. Should I approach the subject with her again or just ignore it?

Thanks.

I think as she is an adult she can choose what she wants to eat. As long as you are providing healthy food as an option, you are doing your bit. I wouldn't buy extra chocolate though - if she wants to supplement what you already buy, she can.

I tend to feel the urge to load up on junk in winter, think it's something to do with the cold and my body wanting extra padding but it has plenty already. I would just keep buying on your normal schedule and make sure she has access to healthy food. Unless you see any signs of her binging/being sick?

I can see why you're concerned but there isn't a lot you can do. I can get through huge amounts of chocolate (especially if pregnant or BFing) without it showing and it's easy food. Is it possible she's getting a bit homesick? That might reduce her motivation look after herself.

Home sickness? Depression? Loneliness?
Our AP went through a bit of a depressive down phase about 2 months in which involved a lot of staying in her room and eating much chocolate. I think the novelty and adrenalin of a new country etc had worn off and she was homesick.

She put on loads of weight and told her visiting family it was because I was such a good cook. I'm not. It wasn't. She did get out of her slump though and joined a basketball club that I ferried her to so all was well.

Yep, I second potential low mood/ depression. When I was an au-pair it wasn't a particularly pleasant stay for me and I ended up eating constantly and loads - mainly rubbish. Now I'm not saying you are making her unhappy as you clearly come across as someone who cares about her wellbeing but she might be missing home/ dumped by boyfriend/ in winter lethargy. Maybe there are some cheap gym classes in your area she could go to once or twice a week. It would perk her up plus burn off some of those chocolate calories.