[CarolNEmily]

Ok....well not sure where it's coming from, if it's medication related, or lack of fiber, but I KNOW it's not from lack of water....

BUT, I find myself to be constipated more often than not. I read all the list of foods to add to your diet to add fiber to help so you aren't constipated...and the fact of the matter is, we have NONE Of them, no fresh fruit, none of the vegetables, none of the whole grains....etc.. My family just doesn't EAT like that..even though they should...and even though I've TRIED to suggest it...They are more of a ..let's get pizza, or Lets stop at Mcdonalds , or if we do cook, it's like tacos, or burrito bake, or pasta, (not whole wheat, my dad says it's disgusting)...so basically what I eat, is the healthiest of the choices I have...I'm still losing weight because I keep my caloric intake lower than my burn....but as far as fiber....I take a fiber supplement, but it only provides 4g..and I KNOW i need more than that.

I don't have the money to go BUY the things I need...So what do you do?... I can't stay constipated and live off Miralax forever...

[Misti in Seattle]

Hi. It is sad that you cannot get the proper nutrition but sounds as if you are "stuck" with what you have. But there are two things which I find to be very helpful with both weight loss and avoiding constipation (and I DO eat a LOT of fresh fruits and veggies). First, the juice of a fresh lemon in hot water first thing every morning. Second is sipping one of the "Plum Organics" baby food pouches of prunes or peaches. Yes, they say baby food but they are just fruit sauce similar to applesauce... and delicious. Not all that expensive; hopefully you will be able to get your family to provide some of these. (I get the impression you are young and still live with your parents?)

[Palestrina]

How old are you? Even if you are very young your food preferences should be considered. I have a 5yr old son and part of my shopping list includes things that he enjoys eating. Can you suggest putting a shopping list on the fridge and everyone adds items to it that they will eat?

You can't change the way your family eats. I too think that whole wheat pasta is disgusting so I'm not open to other people imposing their dietary needs on to me and prefer to eat autonomously. We can't all eat the same way. Since I don't understand why there are no groceries that are allocated to you in the family shopping list then I don't know what to suggest. I do know however that anywhere you order from has vegetable-heavy dishes you can order. Even McDonald's and pizza places offer salad. Chinese restaurants have stir fries full of veggies. Other people's eating habits do not have to be yours. Digestion is the most important aspect of good health and it is important to eat fruit, dark leafy veggies, whole grains and yogurt. Find a way.

[CarolNEmily]

I do choose the proper choices when we go out..and I have been watching my fiber intake here at home....Not a lot of choices, because groceries are purchased for the majority, not just for what one person will eat, and no one else will.....at Mcdonalds though, TBH, our only salad offered here is the southwest salad, and i think it's disgusting, so i always end up getting the chicken wrap things...