Stress

[kimpossible67 608]

My family is having some problems and I'm highly stressed. When I get stressed I won't eat or it's misery when I try. I've lost 4 lbs in 3 days. TRYING to at least get down A Protein Shake during the day and some almonds but I have no interest in drinking. I can't do any more or I get really nauseous. Advice?

[jessiquoi 623]

I understand that stress can definitely affect our eating, whether we eat more or, in your case, less. It doesn't make any sense to suggest you try to eat more; I'm sure you're doing the best you physically can.

My suggestion is to try to practice some stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, walking or other exercise, or writing about it. I've found that writing about a problem reduces the stress it causes, for some reason... I guess it's because you're getting it out of your head and onto paper, so you don't have to think about it as much.

[AvaFern 3,516]

If you think this is horrible advice, totally disregard it! That being said, I have days or even occassionally almost a week at a time where either due to stress or other obligations I just don't feel like eating. I have learned to appreciate those times because there are also plenty of days where I more than meet my calories and nutrition goals. So I lose a few pounds one week because I didn't eat much, in a few days my appetite will be back and I'll be right back on track and likely gain back a pound or two until I lose it a little more naturally later. As long as it isn't a persistent situation, you're not dehydrated, and you are eating a bit of food, a few days of minimal calories won't hurt you. Hope your life gets less stressful soon!

[kimpossible67 608]

If you think this is horrible advice, totally disregard it! That being said, I have days or even occassionally almost a week at a time where either due to stress or other obligations I just don't feel like eating. I have learned to appreciate those times because there are also plenty of days where I more than meet my calories and nutrition goals. So I lose a few pounds one week because I didn't eat much, in a few days my appetite will be back and I'll be right back on track and likely gain back a pound or two until I lose it a little more naturally later. As long as it isn't a persistent situation, you're not dehydrated, and you are eating a bit of food, a few days of minimal calories won't hurt you. Hope your life gets less stressful soon!

That is EXACTLY what happens! Thank you both for your kind advice!