I have almost no interest in food, but want to eat healthy

Question
I'm a 21 year old guy in college, 5'9" and between 130-140lbs (usually hovering in the middle). For many years, eating has just been a necessary hassle in my life. I'd really rather not eat if I didn't have to; I just get bored and would rather be doing other things. As a result, I often finish whatever I'm eating as fast as I can and move on, usually without feeling full. (not that I don't eat much, I eat as much or more than a lot of my friends, per meal that is, I just don't feel full. For example, I just made myself a triple-patty cheeseburger on a whole-grain bagel, and I don't feel full.)

I had found that one of the best ways to deal with this was with specific foods. My typical diet for most of this year was a half-dozen hard-boiled eggs and a pint of whole milk in the morning, a ham turkey and cheese sandwich on a whole grain bagel around 2-4 (depending on classes) and usually with more milk, and then beef or chicken or something with a giant spinach salad for dinner.
  This was working for me because I felt relatively full and it seemed pretty healthy and high in protein, which is especially important given that I take Vyvanse (lysdexamphetamine) every day for ADD.
  Unfortunately I noticed, and then confirmed with some research, that the meals had an impact on the effectiveness of my meds. Apparently, both eggs and milk become acidic when digested, and this will cause the meds to be expelled more rapidly, before they have the full effect.
  Now I'm back to where I began; eating is a hassle. I can't afford to buy a sandwich from the deli everyday (which is easier for me to make myself do, since it's faster) and I have a hard time getting motivated to eat throughout the day.
  Now I have whey protein and a bagel most mornings and don't eat again until I have a can of beans and 6 eggs, or a pound of beef, or some other ridiculous protein load. I know this isn't healthy, but I have far too many other things to think about than putting together varied and healthy meals.

Basically, I'd like to know if there is a diet that contains few elements, is simple to prepare and eat, and is relatively cheap, while still being healthy? I want to eliminate as much decision making from meal-to-meal as possible so that I'll be less inclined to skip them.

I know this was a long question and that I'm asking for something rather ridiculous, but I really want to eat healthier and I don't really know what to do.
Thanks,
--Alex

Answer
Yeah, I know you wouldn't like that ADD notion. The low carb/high protein fad did a lot of damage, starting with kidneys. The good part was Atkins got people to eat less junky carbs. The bad part was thinking that excess protein just left quietly. Not. Not particularly healthy for the planet, either.

It takes a lot to digest meat, and a lot more when mixed with junky carbs, like ham and (processed) cheese on white bread.

Expand your definition on what is food, not limit it. Find the "scatch and dent" section of a food store. Can you cook brown rice? Maybe a bunch every 3 days? Raw, not roasted nuts are a great, compact snack.

Less food and more drugs is not a working plan.

Cabbage, esp. red is a great thing.

keep up with the beans, red, black or garbanzo. Get your full range of amino acids when you mix beans with brown or inverted rice.


HI Alex,

You have nothing MORE important to do on this planet than take good care of your body. Eating is a need AND a pleasure. 6 eggs is boring to screaming death. Milk????? see www.notmilk.com

You eat way too much protein. Perhaps it caused you ADD.

Whole grains, FRESH PRODUCE is interesting and delicious. Few elements? Eew. No fun. Not healthy either.

Try not mixing carbs and protein. Have a whole grain bagel, maybe with soy cream cheese on it (Tofutti is a good one). Protein is digested by acids, carbs by alkalis. When you throw them both inside you at the same time, it drains a lot of energy as a lot of blood flow is drawn to your digestive system. Eat your protein stuff with non-starchy vegetables.

more on real food at www.premiumfuel.com

1. Prev:again
2. Next:unsuccessful efforts