RE: help with under weight issue

August 11, 2004

Hi All

I was here a few months ago before my computer crashed. The first thing I did when I got up & running again was send for Doc's tape!! Great stuff. Not surprised at the info, just reinforced my understanding-- thanx Doc. I've been getting everything together for the TT & gearing up for my first cleanse since dumping all processed foods from my diet. The last cleanse I did , about a year ago, just about did me in! I was wiped out for days, weak, shaking... it wasn't fun I can tell ya. I didn't even feel all that different after I was done! Talk about a let down...

Here's my dilemma, I'm battling anorexia, (not nervosa as in 'fat' issues. Mine is about control-stupid, but there it is. oh, & no vomiting- I just don't eat) and I'm seriously underweight. I dropped 35 pounds the first two months I cut out the processed foods. I know I'm not getting the calories I used to- so that's not helping. I'm 36, 5'6" and I weigh in at 109lbs. I'm thinking cleanse to help re-establish nourishment uptake, but-- I'm wondering if the 3 day juice cleanse is a smart thing to do at this point. I'm starting to struggle with weakness now. I need something to get my weight & energy levels back up before Hubby hospitalizes me. He said if I drop 5 more- -in I go. We have 5 children & I need to be around to raise them--- I'm working hard at retraining my self to eat when I'm supposed to. I'm up to two solid meals a day plus breakfast every other day or so. Is there such a thing as a natural appetite stimulant? Please, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

hugs

buffy marie~

WV

August 11, 2004

I would try to nourish, nourish, nourish rather than cleanse right now, that is my opinion. Small amounts at a time, but every few hours. Try some whole milk yogurt with slippery elm and cinnamon to start to replace the good flora. I like using a plantain tea. I don't know where you are located, but plantain will start to heal your gut and stimulate your appetite. You can purchase it dry, but I just go into my lawn and pick it, its everywhere. Don't add processed foods, however, try some good oatmeal in the morning, even just a small amount with some fruit, maybe some sunflower seeds in it or some raisins. Try finding things that you can add for a snack inbetween like raw almonds that will add some protein and fat to your diet.

Just a few suggestions to start you on your way to recovery.

When you say solid meals, what do you mean, give us an idea so we can help you with ideas.

Bonnie Rogers

August 18, 2004

Hey Bonnie~

~I'm sorry to take so long in replying-- the farm has been quite demanding these last few weeks. Thanx so much for the ideas.

I would try to nourish, nourish, nourish rather than cleanse right now, that is my opinion.

~I wasn't sure which to stress more- cleansing or nourishing. It seemed like a catch 22. Would psyllium work kinda like a little mini cleanse? I know it's supposed to help move things along, but if it's been so long since my last cleanse. . . ?

Small amounts at a time, but every few hours. Try some whole milk yogurt with slippery elm and cinnamon to start to replace the good flora.

~ Yogurt is one of my favorites. I never thought of using slippery elm for my stomach... always used it for external wounds & such. I though it was more of a diuretic when it's used internally. I'm also using more fresh goats milk lately, seems to soothe the queasiness before eating.

I like using a plantain tea. I don't know where you are located, but plantain will start to heal your gut and stimulate your appetite. You can purchase it dry, but I just go into my lawn and pick it, its everywhere.

~ We're in the middle of nowhere in West Virginia. We have tons out in the yard. That's another one I didn't think of, I've been drying bunches of it for my daughter. We're combining it with corn silk to help her with bladder issues. I guess I need to pick a ton more. Any idea of how often I should have the tea? a few hours before meals?

Don't add processed foods, however, try some good oatmeal in the morning, even just a small amount with some fruit, maybe some sunflower seeds in it or some raisins.

~ Check--I'm working up to breakfast every morning instead of when I happen to think of it. I'm up to every other morning, sometimes I'll crave pudding (homemade with fresh milk, honey (raw), cornstarch & vanilla).

I tend to lean toward a purist mentality- if I can't do it "right", I don't want to do it at all-- some things you can do that with, food obviously is not one of those things for me right now! I need to be really hungry before I do anything about it-- even then it's an effort. Not too smart, but I'm trying to break a 20 year habit. Any one else trying to overcome control issues with food?

Try finding things that you can add for a snack in between like raw almonds that will add some protein and fat to your diet.

~I think that's my main stumbling block- good for you, snacks that will add the pounds. Normally I would be up for the challenge, I'm struggling with having enough energy to do what needs to be done on a daily basis. Any ideas here? I have absolutely no problem experimenting in the kitchen-- this re-learning process can be a bit discouraging in that area- it seems every time I 'discover' something I think is good for ya-- it's not! Very frustrating.

Just a few suggestions to start you on your way to recovery .

~Thank you so much Bonnie. I really appreciate the help. At least I can start doing something to get out of this cycle I'm in.

When you say solid meals, what do you mean, give us an idea so we can help you with ideas.

~ I just meant sitting down with the kids instead of picking my way through a meal like I usually do. I'm definitely a grazer. My biggest problem is cooking-- by the time I have the meal done, I've picked so much I'm not hungry... & I wasn't making myself sit & eat anyway.

Let's see-- We're not vegetarians, we eat chevon & poultry, not very often but I make sure anything we get is raised here on the farm, no chemicals in their feed (homemade). We also eat salmon and other kosher fish on occasion- not from fish farms though. We do whole grain breads & cereals, brown & basmati rice, tons of veggies (from the garden right now) & fruits- organic when we can. We eat plenty of sprouted grains & legumes. Dairy is minimal as far as cheeses & such. I don't get enough milk consistently from our goats to make my own yet, although once in a while we'll do a soft cheese with garlic & chives. We still do pasta on a rare occasion, when I have time to make it from scratch. We juice with the vita mix, can our own sauces & no sugar jellies. We're modern day homesteaders. I love the change in diet & lifestyle, but my lack of knowledge is a hindrance to my comfort zone in the kitchen right now. Laurels Kitchen is one of my favorite cookbooks now, still requires some substitutions- but not quite as much as say Betty Crocker.

I'm looking for sprouted flours that won't break the bank trying to get it shipped to WV or a couple of really good grinders. I buy in bulk since my family constitutes a small army & getting 300lbs of different grains (like buckwheat & spelt) out here isn't as easy as I thought it would be.

~Sorry this is so long... I tend to get carried away when I finally get a chance to get online. Thanx again for your assistance Bonnie!

hugs

buffy~

August 19, 2004

~ Yogurt is one of my favorites. I never thought of using slippery elm for my stomach... always used it for external wounds & such.

I use it to heal all mucous membranes in the gut. It will repair the lining and is terrific used internally. Wonderful when added to some oatmeal also.

plantain tea.

Any idea of how often I should have the tea? a few hours before meals? You can have the tea whenever you want. I'd be drinking 2-4 cups per day.

Don't add processed foods, however, try some good oatmeal in the morning, even just a small amount with some fruit, maybe some sunflower seeds in it or some raisins.

~ Check--I'm working up to breakfast every morning instead of when I happen to think of it.

Try to have some every morning, even if its just a small breakfast to help you break the habit.

snacks that will add the pounds.

i would just use nutritious foods, but try when you are having a snack for it to have a little protein, carb and fat, like a piece of whole grain bread with a nut butter on it, some nuts with a piece of fruit.

When you say solid meals, what do you mean, give us an idea so we can help you with ideas.

~ I just meant sitting down with the kids instead of picking my way through a meal like I usually do. I'm definitely a grazer. My biggest problem is cooking-- by the time I have the meal done, I've picked so much I'm not hungry... & I wasn't making myself sit & eat anyway.

maybe that's something you need to do. Make time for you !!!!. Try this...... try to not pick anything for the next few days when cooking for the kids. Then sit down, either with them or when they are done and take your food on a plate, sit quietly and think about the what you are eating and what you want it to do for you. Then take every bite with good intentions. See how your body feels. Take one day at a time, don't worry about tomorrow and see if this helps. I think that with good intentions, using good quality food, eating 3 maybe 4 meals a day you can start to put the weight back on.

Buffy, sounds like the quality of food that you are feeding is terrific and that you are on the right road, now make some time for yourself, instead of only your children. Don't forget about you.

Bonnie