This may be kinda gross and I do apologize for grossing anyone out. But I have developed this new eating habit and i'm not sure if it's healthy or not and I would appreciate some feedback. Ok so I have been craving citrusy type fruits intensely, but I am afraid my body won't take too kindly to digesting the hard pulpy stuff in the fruit. So I have been chewing up oranges and pineapples and then spitting then spitting them out. Its satisfying and I think I am still getting the vitamins from the juice I just don't want to put my digestive system through any unnecessary grief. Is this bad?

Well for what its worth I have done this too post-op. Oranges just seem like they'd be so hard to digest so with oranges only, I will chew a piece up & then spit out the "casing" of an individual segment. I've never eaten more than 3 segments of a cutie, and the weird thing is I never ever wanted oranges before surgery. Must be some vitamin deficiency ? Anyway, I personally woyldnt worry about it unless you start doing it w/ other food or continue doing it w/ oranges well past the typical healing period.....but that's just me

Have you tried a juicer? It gives you all of the taste and most of the benefits without any of the texture.

BTW, I'm not a psychologist but I have a master's degree in psychology. I chew my grapes, then spit out the skins. Same with apples. And I strain out orange juice pulp. Doesn't mean I have an eating disorder, it just means I don't like the feel of that crap in my mouth.

Oops, double post

Have you tried a juicer? It gives you all of the taste and most of the benefits without any of the texture.

BTW, I'm not a psychologist but I have a master's degree in psychology. I chew my grapes, then spit out the skins. Same with apples. And I strain out orange juice pulp. Doesn't mean I have an eating disorder, it just means I don't like the feel of that crap in my mouth.

It's so weird that you mentioned the way you don't like the feel of the pulp in your mouth. Before this surgery I was NOT a picky eater. I would eat anything and try everything. But now post op textures are really starting to bother me. It's so strange.

Juice and juicers are both good ideas, although I was told to stay away from juices because of the possible added sugar. But it's the actual fruit I am craving. The freshness and natural sweetness is part of the cravings. And it's not that I don't want to eat it or I am afraid of gaining weight, which is why most people develop this habit into a full fledged eating disorder. I am going it for no other reason than I am only 6 weeks out of surgery and I am afraid my body won't digest it properly. I will talk to my nutritionist about this and possibly talk about it in my next vlog I appreciate everyone's input and suggestions

Before I could have soft meat post op, I used to chew the heck outta ALL the seasoned meat I could get my hands on, and spit it out! And I have read many posts on this forum of people who do the same. I don't have to do it anymore because I'm 6 weeks out...but it sure served it's purpose right after surgery. I do agree that it should not become a habit though. I don't get into psycho babble because there is a psych disorder for EVERYTHING and you sound just fine to me. Good luck on your journey!

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juice and juicers are both good ideas, although I was told to stay away from juices because of the possible added sugar. But it's the actual fruit I am craving. The freshness and natural sweetness is part of the cravings. And it's not that I don't want to eat it or I am afraid of gaining weight, which is why most people develop this habit into a full fledged eating disorder. I am going it for no other reason than I am only 6 weeks out of surgery and I am afraid my body won't digest it properly. I will talk to my nutritionist about this and possibly talk about it in my next vlog I appreciate everyone's input and suggestions

That makes good sense. I can see that. I handle it fine so I eat it all. The nutritionist also said that skins of fruit are not good. but that's where all the nutrients are. An apple for instance without the skin is not very nutritious, but if if tastes good and gives you pleasure then it's a good thing. I guess that's where juicing whole fruits gives maximum benefits because the skin is used.

"The secret behind the super antioxidant capacity of the apple is its skin. The apple skin alone provides two to six times the antioxidant activity of the apple flesh alone. So it is important to eat the skin to obtain the full health benefits of apples."

It's the same with many other fruits so I think they may be doing us a disservice telling us not to eat the skins and membranes.

I dont think this is a bad habbit- sports athletes do this all the time because thier bodies dont process the pulp durring the game. We do it on my sunday soccer teams too.

I also think that since this isnt about a food issue (rather a discomfort issue) if you keep it in perspective and eventually try to eat the whole thing you coud continue.

I also recomend citrus or orange metamucil- may take away those cravings.

I don't think it's weird at all. I actually think its a great way to satiate your need for citrus without the digestive part. I agree to check with your nutritionist, but I am sure she hears this all the time.

Hey iHeartNettie,

I'm struggling with getting my Protein drinks in as I am on a clear liquid diet still. I went to the store yesterday and something that they suggested, as I tasted it, it made me think of you and possible satietiating the desire you have for oranges/pineapples. It's a drink.... Cytomax Protein Pure Performance in tropical flavor (it's green). It tastes like coconut and pineapple. The sales lady also told me the 'orange flavor' was good. But I just wondered if that would fulfil your citrusy/fruity craving AND could increase your protein intake (if you need it). If not, pls disregard, but I'm wishing you well!

thanks

Hey iHeartNettie,

I'm struggling with getting my Protein drinks in as I am on a clear liquid diet still. I went to the store yesterday and something that they suggested, as I tasted it, it made me think of you and possible satietiating the desire you have for oranges/pineapples. It's a drink.... Cytomax Protein Pure Performance in tropical flavor (it's green). It tastes like coconut and pineapple. The sales lady also told me the 'orange flavor' was good. But I just wondered if that would fulfil your citrusy/fruity craving AND could increase your protein intake (if you need it). If not, pls disregard, but I'm wishing you well!

thanks

Thank you for the tip, I'll have to try it