Stress & Consequences

So....I haven't written or posted in awhile.  I have had some issues that prevented me from being able to maintain this blog.  I recently went through a very stressful time that I thought I could just breeze through, but reality gave me a wake-up call.  The pressures made it difficult to work on my change plan.

I found it easier to just eat what I'm used to when I'm stressed out.  That means...there was a lot of bread, lunch meat, pork chops, chicken, etc.  These are my go-to foods, but bread especially.  It actually makes me feel good when I'm not feeling so well.  My love affair with it has now gotten me in trouble.

I recently went to see a doctor because my stomach, heart burn and acid reflux all went haywire one morning on my way to class.  All I had was 2 ham sandwiches.  I've had them plenty of times before, but this time, my body was upset with me.  My stomach was screaming, I hate you! Why did you do this?!  I did not intentionally try to hurt my tummy.  I was just trying to put something in it before I sat through a class for 3 hours.  It was definitely the wrong choice.

I figured I could make it through the class and be ok.  BOY, was I wrong!  By the end of class, my chest was tight, and I was extremely gassy in my stomach.  I had taken an extra Nexium during class, and I thought I would be ok.  As I was leaving class, I started to become short of breath and I got dizzy.  What is going on?  This can't just be regular heartburn.  One of my friends walked me to the infirmary, and by the time I got there, I could hardly breathe.  Where's my inhaler? I can't believe I left my inhaler!  That's right, I have asthma!  I was so scared!

I began to cry!  Somehow, the release in pressure allowed my breathing to start adjusting back to normal.  The doctor told me what I was experiencing was an anxiety attack.  Looks like you were having a psychosomatic reaction to what's going on inside of your stomach.  Are you trying to tell me I'm crazy?  The doctor laughed and told me NO.  Great! Because I don't think I could handle that too! 

At first, they thought I had a bacterial infection.  Turns out, I was having an allergic reaction to the bread I had eaten.  I had a high concentration of yeast in my body, and my stomach was like Ummmm. NO! Not going to work in here! 

Now I have to adjust my diet!  I have to start the break-up process with the one that keeps me smiling.  Bye bye, best friend!  We can still be acquaintances......I think.

That wasn't all the doctor told me.  I also have a low iron count, which means I have to start eating more red meat and those green, leafy things I can't stand.  Spinach is gross!  But now I have no choice.  As a confirmed adult, YOU have to start acting like one and take responsibility for YOUR eating choices.

Easy for you to say!  You don't have an eating disorder!  I would love to be able to eat everything that everyone else can.  It's not fair that many things that are good for me also tastes horrible!  I love the food I can eat, and I hate that my taste buds don't agree with me when I try new things.

Now I have to literally force myself to try to eat things that I normally wouldn't eat.  Just trying to eat a salad the other day caused me stress.  I was so sad.  I don't want to be depressed about the food in my life.

SO....If anyone out there has some ideas about how I can hide veggies in my meals, I'm open to the ideas.  Please keep in mind, I don't eat cheese and most citrus fruits.

Malnutrition (Part 1)

Malnutrition is a disparity between the amount of food and other nutrients that the body needs and the amount that it is receiving. This imbalance is most frequently associated with undernutrition, the primary focus of this article, but it may also be due to over-nutrition.

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/malnutrition/

Signs and Symptoms
General malnutrition often develops slowly, over months or years. As the body’s store of nutrients is depleted, changes begin to happen at the cellular level, affecting biochemical processes and decreasing the body’s ability to fight infections.

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/malnutrition/

Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms of malnutrition include significant weight loss, fatigue and dizziness. These can become apparent at any point after the lack of nutrients is realized by the body. 
Oral Symptoms
Swollen and/or bleeding gums are the first oral symptoms of malnutrition. As the malnutrition continues, the teeth may begin to decay. 
Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Fragile bones, osteoporosis and muscle loss and/or weakness are symptoms of malnutrition. When calcium or vitamin D are the nutrients lacking, these symptoms may manifest shortly after the body becomes malnourished. 
Mental Symptoms
Malnutrition can cause a slowed reaction time. However, in the elderly population, malnutrition may cause dementia and/or memory loss. 
Decreased Organ Function
As malnutrition ravages the body, the organs may begin to function less efficiently. This can lead to heart problems, decreased liver function, kidney failure, decreased lung capacity, intestinal problems, stomach irregularities and abnormal menstrual cycles in females. 
Abdominal Symptoms
Ascites, which manifests as a swollen or bloated abdomen, is a sign of malnutrition. This condition is exacerbated when the liver, kidneys or intestinal tract is affected. 
Dry Skin
People with malnutrition may develop abnormally dry skin, despite the use of lotions and creams. In severe cases, the skin may begin to crack. 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/18046-signs-symptoms-malnutrition/#ixzz26NPxXDff

Other Symptoms:

• Anemia

• Weight loss, decreased muscle mass, and weakness

• Edema

• Hair that has lost its pigment

• Brittle and malformed (spooned) nails

• Chronic diarrhea

• Slow wound healing

• Bone and joint pain

• Growth retardation (in children)

• Mental changes such as confusion and irritability

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/malnutrition/

** These symptoms and signs are, by no means, the be all, end all list.  These are just ones that I have found during my research.**

Major Problems of SED

According to "Eating Disorder Treatment" online, They list 4 major problems caused by Selective Eating Disorder.  They are:

           (1) Malnutrition

           (2) Social Isolation

           (3) Anxiety & Depression

           (4) Obesity & High Blood Pressure

During the following weeks, I will discuss each of these, and how I am affected by them.

Fudge Pretzels

White Cheddar Cheez-Its

Today, in one of my classes, I found myself hungry.  Being a 3-hour class, the professor was considerate enough to bring snacks for the whole class!  How nice was that?!?  She brought pretzels, cookies and a boz of White Cheddar Cheez Its (reduced fat). 

Now, I have eaten Cheez-Its before, but never white cheddar or reduced fat.  I'm faced with both in one box.  What am I to do?  I decide to get the pretzels and a couple of chocolate chip cookies.  "Stick with the safe items," I tell myself.  My classmate, Matt, looks at me with his bowl of Cheez-Its and asks me if I want some.  I tell him no, and that I'm ok, but he has this look on his face telling me I should try it.  Then he reminds me of this blog and how I'm suppose to be trying new things.  Darn it!  He has me in the crosshairs!  I can't say I want to try new things, and not actually try new things. 

"Umm...OK!"  I take one, stare at it, and then finally bite the chip.  "Hmmm!"  It's not bad at all!  As a matter of fact, it's pretty good.  It kind of tastes like the original Cheeze-Its.  I take another one, and before you know it, I'm at the front of the class pouring my own bowl of crackers.  I have found a new snack!  Success!

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