rthunder032's Journal, 21 March 2014

I understand. Are you writing down what you eat? Maybe you can spot a trend there - something that is too filling and is skewing your plan? I've decided I have to write down what I plan to eat - keep it balanced with my plan, then just eat it! Preplanning, packing my lunch and then recording EVERYTHING I put into my mouth. It sounds like a pain, but it can be very revealing. Hang in there!!!  

I am having a hard time with the protein but not the calories. Would you like some of mine? I'll share :) 

In my case I have some days where nearly 50% of what I eat is carbs I am at a loss some days as to what I should be doing. I get mixed messages: its not really what you eat but how much or completely avoid this it you want a flat stomach..... 

I have been writing down what I eat now, but haven't been putting into this software till today. Which I am now going to do every, or every few, days. Hope this shows me where to make changes. I also have a prepared eating meal plan my dietitian helped me create. It helps a lot, however, there is just sometimes I want something different. Good news, getting more in the habit of the looking at snack list on the fridge (pick one of these carbs with one of these proteins) and using that to choose. Sometimes I am still hungry so have another snack from that list. Thanks for all of the suggestions - it helps. LISAMSV ;-)  

Low carb doesn't work for everyone, and if you have a difficult time with it, then perhaps you may want consider taking on a different approach instead. 

One thing to remember is that you want moderate protein, not high. You want high fat, and of course low carbs. Its better to have lower protein than too much. Try adding 4 ounces of protein to lunch and dinner. But breakfast there is always bacon and sausage and eggs, ham.  

Are you having 5 fruits and veggies a day? Just a suggestion to start there and the carbs will take care of themselves. Worked for me. 

Thank you for sharing and all the suggestions. I will try anything. Thanks guys 

Any ideas how to get the actual 'fat-burning' happening? Especially if you're limited to physical exertion because of breathing/lung illnesses & daily cortico-steroid use for the conditions? Would be sooo happy getting tips and suggestions that will work now! :-)  

LISAMSV, I have been where you are for years, and still am to an extent. I spent 3 years at less then 50% lung function (maxed out on maint meds) unless on prednisone, which could get me up to 70% if I was lucky. Message me and we can talk. I am still on maxed steroids and prednisone occassionally, and my lungs will probably never return to 100% function, but most days now I am 80% to 90%. I've finally started to be able to exercise again this past year (although not in the ways I use to). Depending on where your lungs are at I may be able to help with exercise ideas. 

I believe Sylvia Z and Cjsong are on the right track. Loads of vegetables (cooked or raw -- chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans), eggs, peanut butter, nuts, almond milk, soy milk, tofu (which is actually pretty good sliced thin and fried like bacon - firm tofu OR made into puddings - soft tofu, cottage cheese, quinoa, pepitas, greek yogurt, <http://www.theppk.com/2009/11/homemade-seitan/eitan> Of course, meats are a option too, 3oz servings.