I don’t know where to post this, so I’m posting it here.
I need to gain some weight because I’m borderline anorexic. But I can’t afford much more than bread, potatoes, eggs and cheese, That is my diet. And I hate eating it. It’s the only thing I can stomach that is cheap, but I hate it. I don’t want to eat eggs and potatoes for the rest of my life. I would rather die of malnutrition, like I am currently doing.
I have no appetite, but that is a symptom of something else. Ideally, there is a way to gain weight while eating less mass. Something calorie dense.
I might be slightly exaggerating. But for the last couple of years I’ve been eating potatoes and eggs for almost every single meal of the day. And yes, I eat one warm meal a day. Sometimes I suppliment with some bread to stop the hunger pains. Sometimes I also eat a piece of vegetable.
Wait why are we suggesting more fiber to someone trying to gain weight? Fiber makes you feel full easier without giving you any real calories. Like… some of those are really good suggestions for losing weight for someone with a big appetite. However, OP said they have a small appetite and want to gain weight.
Because fiber is still important regardless of one’s weight goals. It also aids in digestion meaning OP will absorb nutrients more efficiently, instead of pooping most of it out. They said they’re on a budget, so why would they want the food they eat to go right through them without nourishing?
Besides, more full = eat less = groceries stretch further. So fiber is important for someone on a budget, even without counting the nutritional benefits.
Look, for just about every other case, I’d recommend eating a bunch of fiber, however:
I assure you, people can easily get most of the nutrients from food without fibers. In fact, overweight people don’t usually eat much fiber at all.
Again, talking about a person who already has zero appetite and is at an unhealthy low weight, at least according to themselves. Eat less = die of malnutrition at this rate.
Overweight doesn’t necessarily equate to over-nourished. Someone can be overweight and still have malnutrition. Fiber is important for everyone, regardless of body type.
Also, eating a fiber-rich diet isn’t going to kill anyone, even if they are recovering from anorexia and need to put on weight. Feeling satisfied sooner because of the fiber content in a meal isn’t the same thing as eating nothing. And it’s more nourishing than low-fiber options.
Plus, in terms of gastrointestinal health, fiber can significantly improve appetite over time. So using no appetite as a reason to avoid fiber is a bit counter-intuitive.
Regardless, ideally OP will consult with their doctor and follow their advice. Lemmy isn’t the place to get critical medical guidance. But when it comes to tips on simple, easy-to-digest foods to eat on a budget, which is what was asked for, I’ve offered my input. Beyond that, I’m not here to defend a thesis.
Beans also complete protein with potatoes. Humans should always easy beans with some carb. Rice, bread, potatoes, yams, corn.
You still need fiber though. It woud be remiss to give this person a recommendation without considering nutrients. You can’t live entirely on bread and potatoes without supplementing other things.
Person said they’re borderline anorexic and have no appetite. Person might literally not get enough calories if they up their fiber intake.