Doctor says 1600 Cal/day max! How?

RevnPadre

I was recently diagnosed with Diastolic Heart Failure (Stiff heart muscles causing fluid to build up in chest cavity). I need to get down under 200 from 311 (I was at 337). I'm hungry all the time and was wondering how long before I adjust to the "new normal". Its been two weeks today. I'm keeping my hospital selfie as my picture until I'm sure I don't need that reminder.

concordancia

Do you have any diet restrictions, such as sodium?

Protein, fat and fiber will be the most filling foods. Starches, such as breads, potatoes and cereals, generally provide a ton of calories without making you feel much fuller. Veggies have a ton of fiber to fill you up. Drinking water may also help.

Some people also find it helpful to have a dessert that fits their goals. The South Beach diet has a number of recipes that basically mix flavoring and Splenda in with ricotta cheese for creamy desserts that are packed with filling protein, but low calorie.

Jruzer

I would ask your doctor for a reference to a registered dietitian. ASAP.

Muha_aq

Water usually helps me. It makes you feel more full. Just be sure to not eat any fatty foods such as chocolate. Fish is pretty good too.

hbaer88

I was placed on 1500 calories and it is doable. You just have to find the right foods that are healthy and filling. At first I too was always starving, but now know what I am allowed. I am sending you a friend request!

sheermomentum

Its hard to say when exactly, but it will get easier. Partly as you learn what keeps you full longer, which can be different for different people. Many do find that protein and fat help with that more than carbs (but not everybody). A lot of soups are very filling for the calories. You can snack on them or eat them to make a main meal sort of bigger. You can eat a ton of vegetables for very few calories, and that fills you up for a good while.

meganjcallaghan

is this net calories he's telling you? or total calories? If you're allowed to do some exercising, that might give you a little extra room, but first check what you're allowed to do without putting yourself at risk and also see if the doctor means "1600....final answer." even if you do some exercising. The heart is tricky....run everything by the doc first.

meganjcallaghan

also, I was 310 and am now hanging out in the 140 range, give or take....I had to drop a wackload of weight to be eligible to give away a kidney and I had to do it fast for the sake of the recipient. I managed to do 1200 for about 6 months and drop most of that in that time, so it's definitely do-able. You just have to have a stick-to-it-iveness that won't necessarily be fun or comfortable all the time. It comes down to priorities I suppose. Definitely don't go for 1200, though. The rapid loss actually messed around my BP quite a bit for a while and that's probably not a good idea in your situation! lol