Will my appetite EVER return to normal?

I've been reading the posts here and can relate to lots of them - I did the 'separation diet' and went from a size 12 to size 8 in a few short weeks losing about 3 stone.

I am finding still that when I feel particularly anxious - usually with issues with stbx - then my appetite is completely zilch and I can go days without eating. I do try as I know I need to take better care of myself, but it's hard. This is exacerbated by not making the effort to cook dishes etc. I obviously cook for my boy, but he's a fussy/changeable eater!!

I might get a slow cooker and see if I'm more inspired if there is a yummy smell when I come in from work.

I used to love cooking too!

I too lost my appetite and no mine has not returned to normal, although I have not been separated that long.

I find that soup is the easiest thing to eat when stressed. I have lost nearly 2 stone but I could afford to lose it. It does not sound like you can afford to lose much more than you have.

I am on ready meals as I can not face cooking for one. I have just got my head around shopping for one. By having a variety of flavours/meals in the freezer I can usually find one meal I can stomach.

Not eating for days is not good, although in my case I used to forget to eat sometimes. Not so much now though. Try soup or yoghurts if you cant eat much. They are easily swallowed and at least you would have eaten something in a day. Exercise also makes me hungry too, so that might work.

Make your boy some home made fish fingers and stuff. Make them with him.

You won't starve!

What I would say though is, do not drink alcohol and do not smoke.

They are both taste killers when we need all the taste we can get.

PTAO

It took around 3 months or so for my apetite to return, properly longer, by which time I was down to a size 6. What did it for me was my then 18 year old daughter cooking me meals and watching my every move. I remember thinking I have to do something about this.

Of course at the beginning its not that you dont want to eat its just physically impossible, its like your whole torso and throat is constantly in spasm and nothing will go down.

I found that the sloppier the better so warm weetabix, redibrek and scrambled eggs. Make a batch of homemade vegetable soup and keep it in the fridge. Its easy to warm up so takes no time at all. I also made sure I drank milk to start the day. Also give yourself plenty of time to eat.

I will never understand how you can keep going and for so long on such little food (and sleep) but you do. Your apetite will come back for now just eat what you can.

Take care both of you

Asram
xx

I'm 3 months in and still cant eat properly but needed to loose a bit of weight so happy about that! I make sure I still sit down with my kids for their evening meal and even if I just "pick" at the food- it's at least something (and they dont seem to notice either!)
My stbx was really fussy and critical of my cooking so it's nice to cook what I enjoy cooking and get the appreciation from my boys!

Thanks both. I do like yoghurt, and although not bought soup for years I agree it's a good quick fix to have in - I haven't had Heinz chicken soup for years...

Funny you mentioned fish fingers - my boy has only just started to eat them - I've recently bought second box for him. We do bake together so I will look for a recipe and we can give it a whirl. I could make salmon ones for me.

I know about the 'forgetting to eat' thing - I used to do that when the lo was a baby and kept me busy.

I think I've got Ainsley's 'Meals in Minutes' somewhere - maybe I should dust it off.

Xx

The urge to eat definitely does improve Saffa, and I've been insisting we sit at dining table together too. Only exception is if we go to the chip shop then we have trays on laps!!

I am actually a good cook so might not freezer shop for while and get busy...!

I just hate the way my appetite completely disappears at times...