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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To just not really eat?

94 replies

NoCapes · 14/10/2016 20:51

Ive never been a massive eater and have always had issues with keeping weight on, I have to really think about eating, it isn't just a normal part of life to me, I have to really remind myself to do it, if that makes sense?
But I've been a single parent for a month now and I've noticed now more than ever I'm just not really eating

I don't have time for breakfast with getting me and all the kids up and ready for school, just tea and occasionally a cereal bar or banana
I've never been a lunch person, I just don't like lunch foods, and running around after a very boisterous baby all day I don't particularly have time
I'll have a brew and a biscuit with the kids after school
Then if I've meal planned something 'proper' I'll eat with the kids, but on those crazy days when they end up with beans on toast or something then I don't eat with them
Might snack on something at night when kids are in bed - cereal/crisps/toast etc, but not always

Thing is though I'm just not hungry
Even when I am eating it's more because I feel I should, not because I actually want it

AIBU & odd? Or does anyone else just not really 'do' food?

OP posts:

Unicornsandrainbows3 · 15/10/2016 12:05

I don't think it's that unusual, especially in such stressful situations as a break up. I'm the same and rarely feel hungry though I do make sure I eat...mostly. Definitely always breakfast, sometimes lunch and always dinner with the kids, even if just some vegies. Try and have things that are easy to grab and quick to rat. Milkshakes and smoothies, soups, vegie sticks and dips, nuts... Nothing wrong with healthy cereal topped with fruit/yoghurt either!

Original poster

NoCapes · 15/10/2016 16:55

I always think I should get some ready meals in but then they never look very nice
We do have bolognese, beef stew and chilli in the freezer from a few batch cooking sessions but I always feel like I shouldn't waste it on me when we could all have it one night or the baby could have it for lunch

I don't take any vitamins either, can't justify the price

I ate some cheese puff pastry twist things and some apple while the baby had his lunch earlier and now my stomach is growling at me again, I don't feel like I want food, but apparently my stomach does

OP posts:

ragz134 · 15/10/2016 17:02

YABU obviously, becuase this is unhealthy. My mum is like this. It's a vicious cycle because if you don't eat regularly then your hunger and satiety hormones won't work properly. Think of what your body NEEDS. Like protein, fat, carbs for energy, vitamins... Get an app like myfitnesspal and track what you are eating, it will show you a nutritional breakdown over a day/week and you can see how deficient you are in these essentials. A healthy body needs building blocks or you won't make new cells and hormones won't function properly.
See your GP and get a blood test, you may well be low in iron, b12 and other things and hopefully they can advise you.
Try small but calorie dense foods like nuts and dried fruit, this works for my mum and helps increase her appetite. Maybe high calorie smoothies with fat and protein in. Make an effort to eat with your children.

WingsofNylon · 16/10/2016 09:49

Would it help if we regularly remind you? What have you had so far today?
I've had tea and am about to have a boiled egg.

MrsJayy · 16/10/2016 09:51

You are saying things like seems a shame to waste food on me why are you so down on yourself? self deprivation of food seems to be a punishment. Not that i know much about it but it always seems people who dont eat have some sort of self punishment going on.

myownprivateidaho · 16/10/2016 09:55

I think that for the sake of your kids you need to make an effort to eat enough and a nutritionally balanced diet. You can't look after them properly if you're fainting with hunger. And if you don't eat enough over a longer period of time you don't feel constantly hungry - doesn't mean you're getting enough to eat.

Lynnm63 · 16/10/2016 16:58

The supermarkets do one a day multivitamins for £1 Asda has 90 tabs so three month supply for £1. It's not as good as eating but at least you'd have that covered.
Feeding yourself isn't waste. Maybe you and the baby could share one of the freezer portions if that makes you feel less wasteful.

MrsJayy · 16/10/2016 21:12

My multivit is a £ from my local chemist its own brand

maggiethemagpie · 16/10/2016 21:21

Occasionally I lose my appetite and can be like the OP describes for a few days or maximum a week or two.

I bloody love it as the weight just drops off me without me thinking about it!

It never lasts though and I usually go back to my usual mode of trying not to pig out at every turn (not so bad in the day, but come the evening all bets are off)

So long as the OP doesn't have a medical problem I think she's lucky, I wish I could be like that!

GreenPetal94 · 16/10/2016 21:23

What do you like eating e.g. chocolate, crisps etc? I would just go for what you like in addition to what you are eating as it sounds like your calorie intake is way too low.

flopsypopsymopsy · 16/10/2016 21:32

OP, undereating can be just as bad as overeating. You are putting yourself at risk from osteoporosis in later life.

Original poster

NoCapes · 16/10/2016 21:42

Oh I never even realised you could get vitamins that cheap I will pick some up then

I don't know why I see food for myself as a waste tbh, I just think it'd be better used for the kids - do others not think like that?

OP posts:

sortthetacheoutbernard · 16/10/2016 21:46

No. I don't over eat but I always add stuff to my food trolley that I love. Something that gives me pleasure.

Fresh soup is a good one to make you feel like you're nurturing yourself. Especially the chicken ones.

MrsJayy · 16/10/2016 22:04

No lovey most people do eat if they have enough food in the house

Original poster

NoCapes · 16/10/2016 22:12

Oh! I honestly thought it was normal to just save things for the kids ...

Hmm this thread is giving me lots of food for though (see what I did there )

OP posts:

Bluepowder · 16/10/2016 22:16

Nocapes - what food do you actually like? Anything? I find it very hard to eat sometimes and have to remind myself that I am worth feeding. I have a list to further remind myself what foods I like and make sure that I include some when I shop.

MrsJayy · 16/10/2016 22:50

HA food for thought i saw what you did

DeadGood · 16/10/2016 23:00

Good luck OP, I remember one of your posts from before, you're doing great and yes do try to get some nutrients into your lovely self
I used to be a bit like you, and never really ate breakfast; and could go til lunchtime or later not getting hungry. Breakfast seems to kickstart my appetite and I'll be hungry again by 11 now that I do eat it.

Not bad or good, just something I've noticed!

sortthetacheoutbernard · 17/10/2016 14:53

Feeding yourself tasty things is a good reminder you are as important as everyone else.

Give it a go. Next time you're shopping think what do I fancy? Nor what's everyone else going to like, what's cheap?start by putting one thing in that's for you.

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