Yet another rant about physicians!
HeidiCooksSupper
Posts: 3,839 Member
My doctor and I just had another one of those rushed discussions where he pooh-poohs that I have lost 13.5 pounds in 40 days by watching calorie consumption and he insists that if I exercise 30 minutes a day and eat fewer processed foods I will lose weight. I am 130+ pounds overweight (recently 150ish) and we've had this discussion before.
"I don't eat processed food. I make it all from scratch."
He responds, "Well all meat is processed."
Rather than try to work on that statement, I decide he's talking about red meat and say, "We only eat pork or beef two to four times a month."
His retort, "What did you have for supper last night?"
I respond, "Well, pizza but it was totally homemade." I didn't tell him it was a veggie pizza with 50% whole grain crust.
He says, "Well, that's high calorie."
I said, "No, it isn't if you control the portions."
We both gave up. My problems are not due to the quality of what I eat but the quantity. Yes, to be ideal, whatever that is, I should probably up my protein intake and lessen my saturated fat intake but that's just tinkering.
CICO!!
"I don't eat processed food. I make it all from scratch."
He responds, "Well all meat is processed."
Rather than try to work on that statement, I decide he's talking about red meat and say, "We only eat pork or beef two to four times a month."
His retort, "What did you have for supper last night?"
I respond, "Well, pizza but it was totally homemade." I didn't tell him it was a veggie pizza with 50% whole grain crust.
He says, "Well, that's high calorie."
I said, "No, it isn't if you control the portions."
We both gave up. My problems are not due to the quality of what I eat but the quantity. Yes, to be ideal, whatever that is, I should probably up my protein intake and lessen my saturated fat intake but that's just tinkering.
CICO!!
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Replies
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You'd love my primary provider.
When she decided to talk weight with me, I remember saying "but I'm a whole foods vegetarian!!!!"
The whole time she just had this look on her face and was shaking her head no.
She told me that it didn't matter. The amount of calories I ate mattered. She told me that with exercise, I should consume about 1500 calories to lose weight. She was right.
So, they're not all bad.32 -
This is one of the key problems with doctors and why they are losing the public trust.
Weight management is not their area of expertise. There is very little in the curriculum that deals with weight management and why most physicians just spout the same diet industry nonsense - eat clean, restrict carbs, 1200 calories/day nonsense.
This stresses the ability for you to fire your doctor. If the relationship isn't working you should not be forced to continue to get service from them.11 -
Primary care physicians have no real training in nutrition.
If you need help with your diet, it's better to consult with a registered dietician.6 -
I asked my endocrinologist for suggestions on losing weight after a thyroid problem, and she recommended My Fitness Pal! It took me a long time to follow her advice, though.
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I should mention that my primary provider isn't an MD. She's an APRN/ACNP or whatever they're calling it these days.3
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I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
I follow a whole food kind of diet and I do indulge frequently (at least once a week) and w little exercise it's relatively impossible to gain back your weight.
Whole foods tend to be richer in vitamins and minerals, contains more fiber than processed foods and they're more difficult to digest (a.k.a you get fewer calories, but this really depends on person to person) I get that eating "whole foods" can sound really boring for some people but it's way better for our health.
I also lost 153-155lbs in the past 2 years, and the last 22lbs were lost pretty much in a 6-week span (20th may to 10 July), it's relatively easy if you count calories exercise and eat whole foods, it's hard to sustain but it pays off.
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I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
(1) Without knowing how much processed food OP eats, how could you possibly think you know that? I understood OP to be saying that she pretty much does just eat homemade foods, so how exactly would "eating less processed food" help her?
(2) Processed food is an enormously broad category. For example, some processed foods I eat are: smoked salmon, plain greek yogurt, goat kefir, cheese, canned black soy beans, walnut butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kimchi. I eat those foods in moderation. Please explain how you know enough about me to know that cutting down on those foods would help me with my goals.I follow a whole food kind of diet and I do indulge frequently (at least once a week) and w little exercise it's relatively impossible to gain back your weight.
I used to think that. But then I did gain back my weight (the weight I lost originally in 2003) eating a whole foods diet. It took a period of time and there was more to it, but it's definitely possible. (I have since lost the weight again, and being aware that calories matter is important to me.)28 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
(1) Without knowing how much processed food OP eats, how could you possibly think you know that? I understood OP to be saying that she pretty much does just eat homemade foods, so how exactly would "eating less processed food" help her?
(2) Processed food is an enormously broad category. For example, some processed foods I eat are: smoked salmon, plain greek yogurt, goat kefir, cheese, canned black soy beans, walnut butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kimchi. I eat those foods in moderation. Please explain how you know enough about me to know that cutting down on those foods would help me with my goals.I follow a whole food kind of diet and I do indulge frequently (at least once a week) and w little exercise it's relatively impossible to gain back your weight.
I used to think that. But then I did gain back my weight (the weight I lost originally in 2003) eating a whole foods diet. It took a period of time and there was more to it, but it's definitely possible. (I have since lost the weight again, and being aware that calories matter is important to me.)
Walnut butter? I'm going to have to find some of that, it sounds delicious.5 -
I think a lot of people generalize losing weight to 'eating less processed food' and more 'whole food' because it works, BECAUSE it creates a calorie deficit more easily for people who don't track. They may just not be aware that in the end it's the calories the make it succeed.
My doctor has always just encouraged basic exercise + eating more fruits and veggies.7 -
Weight management is not their area of expertise. There is very little in the curriculum that deals with weight management and why most physicians just spout the same diet industry nonsense - eat clean, restrict carbs, 1200 calories/day nonsense.
This stresses the ability for you to fire your doctor. If the relationship isn't working you should not be forced to continue to get service from them.
The above essentially.
Although, I don't think there's any reason to fire your doctor because of this. I just wouldn't continue to engage him. I would say something along the lines of, "I appreciate your concern over my weight. I am concerned as well which is why I am currently dieting to lose weight. If/when I feel the need for outside input or help, I will be sure to get a referral from you to a nutritionist/RD".8 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
(1) Without knowing how much processed food OP eats, how could you possibly think you know that? I understood OP to be saying that she pretty much does just eat homemade foods, so how exactly would "eating less processed food" help her?
Any amount it's too much in my opinion if you're only trying to lose weight.Whole foods tend to be richer in vitamins and minerals, contains more fiber than processed foods and they're more difficult to digest (a.k.a you get fewer calories, but this really depends on person to person).lemurcat12 wrote: »I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
(2) Processed food is an enormously broad category. For example, some processed foods I eat are: smoked salmon, plain greek yogurt, goat kefir, cheese, canned black soy beans, walnut butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kimchi. I eat those foods in moderation. Please explain how you know enough about me to know that cutting down on those foods would help me with my goals.
In my book "canned black soy beans" it's not a processed food, it's just canned beans.
Also, I don't get where you came from I was just giving an advice to OP because it seems that they needed help and I was just procrastinating and why not sharing few things I learned by myself.
Cutting down on all the foods you listed (excluding the beans and the kimchi), it's very easy, you basically listed a lot of condiments most of them are refined fats/sugar and they're greatly known to be high in calories.
You could replace them with healthier fats(nuts & seeds only), but, again, health and weight loss for some seems to be two different things.
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janejellyroll wrote: »
Walnut butter? I'm going to have to find some of that, it sounds delicious.
It's in the natural food aisle of most stores (at least here in Canada). SUPER delicious - almost as good as pistachio butter!
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Hmm, I haven't tried pistachio butter, and obviously must.2
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lemurcat12 wrote: »Hmm, I haven't tried pistachio butter, and obviously must.
It will change your life
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lemurcat12 wrote: »I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
(1) Without knowing how much processed food OP eats, how could you possibly think you know that? I understood OP to be saying that she pretty much does just eat homemade foods, so how exactly would "eating less processed food" help her?
Any amount it's too much in my opinion if you're only trying to lose weight.
Why?Whole foods tend to be richer in vitamins and minerals, contains more fiber than processed foods and they're more difficult to digest (a.k.a you get fewer calories, but this really depends on person to person).
"Tend to be" -- it varies.
Also, why does everything have to be all or nothing? If OP is losing quite well as is and mostly eating homemade food anyway, how on earth could you think you know that she would do better becoming obsessive about avoiding any processed foods.
Personally, I have a history of obsessing about no processed foods (didn't manage it even then, since among other things I love coffee and live in a northern climate), and I found that loosening up some actually made weight loss EASIER. That's because I have some fast healthy options based around processed foods (greek yogurt, dried pasta which is a great base for a super healthy meal involving lots of veg, some processed (oops) olive oil, pinenuts, shrimp or other lean meat, for example, stuff like that; even adding protein powder to an occasional smoothie was helpful for me and made weight loss a bit easier).lemurcat12 wrote: »I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
(2) Processed food is an enormously broad category. For example, some processed foods I eat are: smoked salmon, plain greek yogurt, goat kefir, cheese, canned black soy beans, walnut butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kimchi. I eat those foods in moderation. Please explain how you know enough about me to know that cutting down on those foods would help me with my goals.
In my book "canned black soy beans" it's not a processed food, it's just canned beans. [/quote]
Obviously it's processed, it's canned.
But if you want ignore that one and explain how the smoked salmon is a problem. Or the greek yogurt.
For the record, my favorite breakfast which I ate over and over when losing is 2 eggs, whatever vegetables I have on hand, a little (processed, oops) feta cheese -- because it adds a TON of taste for few calories -- made into an omelet. On the side, because I enjoy a bit more protein with breakfast, I often have some other source of protein, most often smoked salmon (have done tinned herring) or either cottage cheese or plain greek yogurt. The processed options made my breakfast more satisfying and filling, which means I am more satisfied with the rest of the day -- they helped me.Also, I don't get where you came from I was just giving an advice to OP because it seems that they needed help and I was just procrastinating and why not sharing few things I learned by myself.
Why did you think OP needed help? Did you read her post?Cutting down on all the foods you listed (excluding the beans and the kimchi), it's very easy, you basically listed a lot of condiments most of them are refined fats/sugar and they're greatly known to be high in calories.
The question is WHY would it help me? Again, they are foods I don't overeat and which make my meals easier to prepare and more satisfying.
Not sure how smoked salmon is a condiment or refined fat (is that a thing now) or sugar? It's healthy fats and protein.
Dairy adds protein, and cottage cheese and cheese don't have much sugar (not that I'm concerned about sugar from plain greek yogurt -- why on earth should I be?).
How is walnut butter refined fat and sugar? It is ground up walnuts.
EVOO is bad because "refined fats"? I mean, yes, it's high cal, that's why you don't overdo it. I find it can add a lot of taste, so again makes things easier, not harder.
Balsamic vinegar is high cal?You could replace them with healthier fats(nuts & seeds only), but, again, health and weight loss for some seems to be two different things.
Why is eating nuts and seeds only and NO olive oil, no walnut (or almond or pistachio) butter, no dairy, no smoked salmon, so on "healthier" than a good, balanced, nutrient dense diet that includes those things?21 -
Life is all about moderation! I tend to eat a fairly unprocessed diet, but I don't stress when I eat something processed (like the reese puffs cereal I had for breakfast this morning...). It's about finding a balance that's sustainable for you instead of a flash diet you're going to have trouble maintaining.6
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I'm the OP. We eat very few "processed foods" unless you are including things like mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, etc. The pizza we had started as a pile of flour. No, I didn't make the cheese THIS time but I have in the past. Yes, whole fruits and vegetables are better for us than juices so we eat the whole thing. Recent research indicates that whole grains have a better glycemic index number than whole grain flours so we try to eat whole grains like brown rice, wild rice, bulgur, etc. fairly often. No, I'm not pure or fanatical about it; we had Sticky Fingers barbecue sauce on some pulled pork the other night but we won't be having it again for a couple weeks at least.
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HeidiCooksSupper wrote: »I'm the OP. We eat very few "processed foods" unless you are including things like mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, etc. The pizza we had started as a pile of flour. No, I didn't make the cheese THIS time but I have in the past. Yes, whole fruits and vegetables are better for us than juices so we eat the whole thing. Recent research indicates that whole grains have a better glycemic index number than whole grain flours so we try to eat whole grains like brown rice, wild rice, bulgur, etc. fairly often. No, I'm not pure or fanatical about it; we had Sticky Fingers barbecue sauce on some pulled pork the other night but we won't be having it again for a couple weeks at least.
Well, it sounds like you're doing all the right things. GPs aren't experts in nutrition. As long as what you are doing is working, focus on that!3 -
HeidiCooksSupper wrote: »I'm the OP. We eat very few "processed foods" unless you are including things like mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, etc.
He seems to be.2 -
Open up your app and show your physician your diary. Show him you are putting in the effort and logging your food - that might give him pause to criticize your eating habits (or he'll find something to harp on like your sodium intake).
Also, keep in mind that exercise has other health/wellness benefits besides contributing to weight loss, so he'll probably keep bringing it up for those reasons.5 -
janejellyroll wrote: »
Walnut butter? I'm going to have to find some of that, it sounds delicious.
Or PECAN butter! Oh my god, a little pecan butter on a sliced banana is an amazing dessert. Thrive Market sells it online, and you can get it a few other places. NOM!1 -
It's such a shame that Primary care doctors don't get that training in nutrition and weight loss/gain. They are the first line of defense, and weight management is such a key ingredient in general health. I think the average person believes that their PCP is well trained in all basic areas. How many people get discouraged about their weight and end up developing weight-related chronic conditions because they trust their doctors?3
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lemurcat12 wrote: »I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
(1) Without knowing how much processed food OP eats, how could you possibly think you know that? I understood OP to be saying that she pretty much does just eat homemade foods, so how exactly would "eating less processed food" help her?
Any amount it's too much in my opinion if you're only trying to lose weight.Whole foods tend to be richer in vitamins and minerals, contains more fiber than processed foods and they're more difficult to digest (a.k.a you get fewer calories, but this really depends on person to person).lemurcat12 wrote: »I can tell you that eating less processed food would help greatly your weight loss.
(2) Processed food is an enormously broad category. For example, some processed foods I eat are: smoked salmon, plain greek yogurt, goat kefir, cheese, canned black soy beans, walnut butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kimchi. I eat those foods in moderation. Please explain how you know enough about me to know that cutting down on those foods would help me with my goals.
In my book "canned black soy beans" it's not a processed food, it's just canned beans.
Also, I don't get where you came from I was just giving an advice to OP because it seems that they needed help and I was just procrastinating and why not sharing few things I learned by myself.
Cutting down on all the foods you listed (excluding the beans and the kimchi), it's very easy, you basically listed a lot of condiments most of them are refined fats/sugar and they're greatly known to be high in calories.
You could replace them with healthier fats(nuts & seeds only), but, again, health and weight loss for some seems to be two different things.
OP specifically titled this "Another rant about physicians" and also stated in their OP that they have lost 13.5 lbs in 40 days AND make most of their food from scratch. So not looking for advice - they are already doing an awesome job! :drinker:21 -
This is why I changed my PCP from a doctor to an APNP. They have the patient care experience of years of nursing but with advanced knowledge. Much more willing to listen, encourages me to take an active part in my health care decisions, and is open to different ways of achieving the same goal.4
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If your doc is like that, do what you know is right and tell them whatever they want to hear.3
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poweredbychai wrote: »Open up your app and show your physician your diary. Show him you are putting in the effort and logging your food - that might give him pause to criticize your eating habits (or he'll find something to harp on like your sodium intake).
This is a great idea.1 -
I had a doctor tell me that I shouldn't do seated shoulder presses. Not cause of shoulder issues, but because it can injure the spine. I switched doctors as soon as I could.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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My doctors ask me for weight loss tips!16
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I love my Doc/nurse Practioner - my insurance offers choice providers who focus on holistic health - we chatted about my goals (lose fat, maintain lean mass) and she was totally supportive and has asked me lots of questions in follow up appointments2
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I never had a weight problem in my life until I moved out to the country, became a housewife, and started cooking everything from scratch. Unfortunately, I turned out to be a really good cook!
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