How do I help my sister regain her appetite?!
Question: One of my close family members got really sick, she lives in a different country. So my mom travelled and stayed with her for 4 weeks. For some reason, my younger sister, whose 16 years old went with her. They lived with her in the same house for all the 4 weeks. My sister got very depressed after seeing someone she loved getting that sick, especially that we saw her just a while ago and she was perfectly fine. She almost stopped eating, and eventually lost her appetite. She lost 7 kg! My sister was skinny before she travelled, she weighed 50 kg and she's 172 cm tall!! But her health was just fine because she has high metabolism.
Now she's been back for 2 weeks, she still doesn't eat. Of course her period stopped. She says she never feels hungry any more, she just forces herself to eat. Now she doesn't eat more than about 200 to 300 calories everyday!! She usually eats one meal a day, breakfast!
I'm so worried about my sister's health, how can I help her regain her appetite?
Answers: One of my close family members got really sick, she lives in a different country. So my mom travelled and stayed with her for 4 weeks. For some reason, my younger sister, whose 16 years old went with her. They lived with her in the same house for all the 4 weeks. My sister got very depressed after seeing someone she loved getting that sick, especially that we saw her just a while ago and she was perfectly fine. She almost stopped eating, and eventually lost her appetite. She lost 7 kg! My sister was skinny before she travelled, she weighed 50 kg and she's 172 cm tall!! But her health was just fine because she has high metabolism.
Now she's been back for 2 weeks, she still doesn't eat. Of course her period stopped. She says she never feels hungry any more, she just forces herself to eat. Now she doesn't eat more than about 200 to 300 calories everyday!! She usually eats one meal a day, breakfast!
I'm so worried about my sister's health, how can I help her regain her appetite?
If she is eating at least breakfast, get her to eat protein and fatty foods.
* Milk
* Soy Milk
* Eggs
* Cheese
* Yogurt
* Peanut Butter
* Lean Meats, Fish, and Poultry
* Beans, Tofu, Lentils, and other Legumes
* Grains, including bread and pasta
* Nuts and Seeds
These are some basic foods that are high in protein.Choose dried fruit, starchy vegetables, dense whole grain breads and
cereals, hearty bean soups, nuts... All of these higher calorie foods will help support her weight a bit more. If she is having eggs and toast, add a tbs. of peanut butter to it!!
She is in danger of getting sick so make sure she is drinking fluids, keeping her well hydrated. bring her herbal tea that will help calm her as well as keep liquid in her. Keep food near by, easy snacking...
Just making a cup and sitting with her, (drinking something as well is helpful) may be very useful. Making time to just relax and listen to anything that arises from the silence from her depression might makes things smooth out. Don't be in a rush for the entire day, leaving some time for oneself is very important to every individual. Add in butter, oily products will benefit those of us who are 'lucky' to be skinny. Especially enjoy the starches.
Treat her to her favorite foods, and maybe a night out on the town to lighten spirits. give her a few bucks and maybe treating her to a little "fattening up" meal would be fun for both of you! Spending girl time together is always fun! Keep a bag of food handy, chips or a milkshake in hand will be a great idea. once it is in your hand, it's easy to snack.
Or maybe a girls night in? Pizza, popcorn with butter. Try home made milk shales or grilled cheese with ham or turkey inside! yum! I am a big fan of milk shakes.... Eating late is bad idea for those aiming to lose weight, but for those who need those extra pounds, eat at night!
Try getting in those Vitamins!!!
Examples to avoid:
* coffee, lattes, and tea
* caffeinated soda
* energy drinks like Red Bull? which contain excessive amounts of caffeine
Other foods to avoid:
* Sugar-free foods
* Calorie-free foods & fluids
* Fat-free foods
* Low-fat foods
* Low-carb foods
If I could be of any use, thanks. And I really do hope everything will be okay!
-Jessica
Get her to a doctor--stop wasting time. She may have a reaction to an emotional shock--but YOU cannot fix that--you need professional care for those issues.
You need to talk to her. Tell her everything is going to be ok. Tell her that you do not want to be grieving when she gets to sick because she wont eat. BUt since she hasnt been eating i would try giving her like broth from chicken noodle soup. It wont be good for her to go out and eat a big mac after not eating. and if that dosent help get her to a Dr. They may have to get her on a feeding tube.
And more important than eating is drinking make sure she is drinking plenty of water.
You cannot help her to regain her appetite. Obviously I cannot diagnose over the internet-- nor would I attempt it--- but from everything you've explained it appears your sister has developed an eating disorder. She won't regain her health on her own, and no amount of coaxing her to eat will suffice. You will only be endlessly frustrated while she will likely continue to deteriorate. She needs professional help, and the sooner the better.
This is very serious, do not delay in getting her the medical/psychological attention she needs.
Best of Luck.