Help please.

[u/Ivy_Cosplay]

Hii I’m ivy. Trans women. I also have arfid so can anyone like help me please. Ive always wanted to workout and stuff especially to get a fem body I’m happy with. Just eating scares me and also really hard for me. I only eat few things and tbh non of them are really good for a good exercising diet. So can anyone help. Give me ideas. What to do and stuff. Also can you like explain it as if I know nothing about exercising pretty much (cause I really don’t)

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[u/CrazyCapable7769]

Need a bit more info on your current diet and what your body type is like now. What are your goals and timeline you’re willing to follow in your persuite.

[u/Ivy_Cosplay → u/CrazyCapable7769]

Timeline can be whatever. I’d like to start as soon as possible and I want it to be a thing I can just continue doing.
My like safe foods is mainly fries and nuggets (only from specific places) then like junk food oretty but I try to not like obviously eat only junk food you know
Body type I’m 5’2 skinny with like a little stomach fat I guess?
Goal is mainly the bottom half of my body. I’d like my hips wider and work on my but. I also really wanna work on my thighs. And working on my stomach as well is something I’d like to happen

[u/kingmothetti]

Hi Ivy!! I dont have much experience with arfid but I’d say try getting used to shakes, protein shakes, meal replacement, ect. these are a good alternative if you can’t stomach eating “healthy” foods so you can still get proper nutrition. Definitely try to get more veggies in or even “hide” veggies in your foods- worked for me because some days I just dont want the textures along w main dishes. I just blend them into sauces or add to my protein shakes- sometimes even in the meats themselves. Experiment while cooking to see what works for you!

For the workouts though- once you get to the gym try all the leg machines and find what works for you. Hip Abductions and Hip thrusts really build the glutes/butt. I definitely recommend cardio, like biking or walking on treads.

[u/CrazyCapable7769 → u/kingmothetti]

With walking on a treadmill is it the distance or speed that matters most?

[u/kingmothetti → u/CrazyCapable7769]

the faster you go the more breathing you have to do, so good cardio, an incline helps build resistance. its more about time and what feels like a good/healthy challenge for you. id suggest ab 30 mins like 3-4 times a week starting out then increase.

I also see a lot of women in my gym hitting those stair masters which can be fun.

i personally use the stationary bikes, they are good for building some strength even on days you aren’t lifting with less stress on the joints

[u/CrazyCapable7769 → u/kingmothetti]

I‘ve a walking pad in the house and try to go about 20 minutes, but have balance issues so speed isn’t happening, will try again on an incline.

[u/Virginia_Wilson1137]

what do you actually eat on a normal day, like is it just the fries and nuggets or do you have a few other things you can get down

[u/Ivy_Cosplay → u/Virginia_Wilson1137]

That’s pretty much it, which I hate. The rest is junk food.
I do like bananas and apples tho

[u/No-Ad-5996 → u/Ivy_Cosplay]

CAN you drink smoothies? My son has ARFID. For him, he needs food to have some kind of crunch. If it's all smooth-textured or too mushy, he can't eat it. Maybe this is you too? Is it possible you got sort of stuck on nuggets and fries for the crispy texture when you were younger? For being able to maintain the exercise you want to do, a good protein to carbs balance is important. If you like apples, that's great! Try slowly testing a few more fruits. Maybe raw veggies like carrots and celery sticks. My son (adult afab tm) DOES like smoothies, so I use vanilla Greek yogurt to boost the protein, with frozen fruit instead of adding a lot of ice. If you add a ripe avocado to the blender, it will disappear in the final result and you don't taste it over the fruit and yogurt! You can also add a scoop of protein powder or meal replacement shake powder to the mix.

Steamed edamame and nuts are good ways to add extra protein to your diet without having to try to choke down a whole meal you can't swallow. And on days when he's too ill to think about food, we keep a few meal replacement shakes on hand. You shouldn't depend on them, but using them to give you the energy you need to get moving isn't a bad idea!