The Healthy Eating Thread

[digger]

I should say I don't follow a gluten free diet myself, I'm just pointing out that it is not essential in your diet. As with any exclusion diet though, if you do choose to follow one you need to think very carefully about how you are going to replace the essential elements of the thing you are excluding. For example, meat is not essential, but if you are choosing to exclude it you need to think about how you are going to replace the protein...

 

[billie]

I eat for therapy. I want to find peace in my life so I don't eat anything that was harmed. I find it empowering and probably one of the only aspects of my life where I could eliminate death on my terms. (Wow, was that the strangest way to describe not eating meat!!)
:)

 

[Definitely..maybe]

I'm joining this! I hate being a 'comfort eater'!

 

[Dissociation]

Gluten is a protein.
Proteins are essential for our bodies, we need them.
I am not saying that gluten is essential itself, but the best way to eat healthy is a varied diet.
So, you do need gluten to be healthy.

Hence, if you spend your money buying gluten free products you are just making happy the gluten free food producers, unless you are celiac, of course ;).

 

[Britt.f7]

I'm going to find more veggie type meals. Very little meat. Not that all meat is bad for you. I just am a little strange about meat and I am more likely to eat a meal if it doesn't have meat. Told my husband, who does more of the cooking that I am looking for more vegetable type meals and less carbs. Going to be hard, I like bread and pasta. Everything in moderation. He's happy that I gave him some guidance. I'm happy that he is going to go along with this.

 

[Abstract]

Hi Britt,
I know you have wanted to start caring for your health and wellbeing so it's great you are looking at how to do that.

I just am a little strange about meat and I am more likely to eat a meal if it doesn't have meat.

I think that is fine as long as you get enough non meat based protein in your diet. One of the surest ways of continuing a cycle of turning to low nutritional high carb foods is not eating regular meals with protein in them. And vegetables. It is especially important for those of us with inflammatory conditions such as immune disorders and allergies as the alternative always means high carbs and high inflammation. Carbs are wonderful and important as a part of healthy diet and only a percentage of our whole intake. Fats are also important. Three portions of protein a day is very important. If meat is a problem and fish then legumes and eggs can be a good alternative. Two medium eggs make up one protein, or one large egg.

Did your nutritionist ever suggest an exchange based mealplan for you? I know it can be very scary if you have had an eating disorder but I also think we often need a clear reality check of what is required to look after our nutritional needs. What really stops one having eating patterns that make us feel less good with blood sugar spikes is eating more of what we need. I can see you are looking in that direction. I just wonder if it would be worthwhile having a clear idea of how that would look for you.

Exchange mealplans give general ideas of what a portion of something looks like (like a fillet of fish for example or a pack of cards) and then gives numbers of each food group that need to be eaten in the day. That can include something such as chocolate or wine.

All food types are important and it is just about taking care of our selves emotionally and physically in a way that we deserve. Our bodies need all these important nutrients as do our brains.

 

[Britt.f7]

@Abstract Thank you for reminding me of the above. I have to not go overboard in whatever I choose to do. I just want to eat well. I did grab a two week diabetic diet from my doctor's office. It has foods on it I won't eat, but gives me ideas of what is good to eat. No, I am not diabetic. So we are taking some cues from that and my husband is helping. I will, once in awhile have chicken, possibly beef, but I am fairly lean when it comes to meat intake. I do eat low fat peanut butter from time to time, which the nutritionist said was good all things considered.

Thank you for your helpful tips. I know you have been there with the eating disorder. I find your words and support very helpful.

 

[Abstract]

You are welcome Britt. There is no problem at all with having low intake of red meats and chicken as long as you are having enough other protein sources. Fish, toe fu, soya, lentils and beans as well as nuts are fine and good. We need 3 portions a day for a normal balanced diet.

A portion of beans etc is about two thirds of a cup; fish is a fillet etc. Red meat is the size of a pack of cards and a chicken breast is a portion size. Don't forget eggs. A good start might be to have these at each meal no matter what and to also have regular times for the three meals no matter what. Set it as a requirement for yourself and work through any difficulties that come up with your dietician. If you keep this as a definite then the rest should start normalising around it. It can also be really helpful to stop and think of what emotions you are feeling before you eat anything and afterwards. Good luck! :)

 

[amethist]

I hope you don't mind me joining in here, but after a bit of a health scare, it's time to take stock and change a few things.

Today I have been out and bought a selections of fruit veg and salad.

I am not over weight, but have high blood pressure and higher than should be cholesterol.

 

[Britt.f7]

I ate a greek yogurt for breakfast and took the time to make myself a sandwich for lunch, instead of just grabbing what is quick. I'm glad I did.

 

[Britt.f7]

I rarely drink sodas but lately I've had a craving. So I bought these cute little bottles and decided, today, to drink half. According to the calorie site I use this is still a mega load of calories. Disheartening. I'm going to finish drinking it, but it really has taken the joy out of it. According to the calorie site, I have almost all my allotted calories in. Not nutrients though. Frustrating. No wine for me tonight.

 

[Britt.f7]

The calorie site was wrong according to the bottle. Someone entered a mega load of calories and sugars in. I edited it. Still, empty calories. That and the wine I did have. Tasted good while it lasted. Once I corrected the calories I was able to eat a dinner of steamed veggies. Very satisfying. I'll use it, the calorie counter, as a guide but not the bible of calorie counters. I'll verify my calories when I can.

I'm still eating what I like, when I am hungry. Like having the soda. I don't believe in depriving yourself.