Being Underweight and How to Cope
BACKGROUND
Being underweight is not as talked about, and many people don’t recognize it especially with today’s modern culture and beliefs. However, this can be a serious problem if the reason for being underweight is because of lack of poor nutrients, and sometimes, even starvation. Social media, and the constant comparison of yourself to other people is a significant driving factor of being and wanting to be underweight. This is especially prevalent amongst teenage girls in our modern day and age, who compare themselves to social media figures and public celebrities for physical representation, and what they believe they should look like. This is a big factor when it comes to dieting, because impressionable teenagers think that this standard for them is realistic. However, this isn’t always the case. Being underweight can also be a genetic disorder, which some people struggle to deal with.
TREATMENT
If you are wanting to gain weight, it is important to do this in a healthy way. For example, you may want to eat more frequently. When you're underweight, you may feel full faster. Eating five to six smaller meals during the day can prove to be beneficial, rather than two or three large meals. Choosing nutrient-rich foods. As part of an overall healthy diet, choose whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals; fruits and vegetables; dairy products; lean protein sources; and nuts and seeds. Try smoothies and shakes! Don't fill up on diet soda, coffee and other drinks with few calories and little nutritional value. Instead, drink smoothies or healthy shakes made with milk and fresh or frozen fruit, and sprinkle in some ground flaxseed.
In some cases, a liquid meal replacement may be recommended. Watch when you drink. Some people find that drinking fluids before meals blunts their appetite. In that case, it may be better to sip higher calorie beverages along with a meal or snack. For others, drinking 30 minutes after a meal, not with it, may work. Make every bite count. Add extras to your dishes for more calories — such as cheese in casseroles and scrambled eggs, and fat-free dried milk in soups and stews. Have an occasional treat.
Even when you're underweight, be mindful of excess sugar and fat. An occasional slice of pie with ice cream is okay. But most treats should be healthy and provide nutrients in addition to calories. Bran muffins, yogurt and granola bars are good choices. And lastly, Exercise. Exercise, especially strength training, can help you gain weight by building up your muscles. Exercise may also stimulate your appetite.
HOW TO COPE
It is important to learn that being underweight is not a sustainable way to live your life to the fullest. This can cause you to become tired and not have enough energy to even get through the day. Being healthy is always of utmost importance, and this is really necessary to understand. However, getting to a weight that you feel comfortable at is also a slow and difficult process. However, with the right mindset and determination, it is doable.