NHS very low calorie diet help
Replies
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You can see the rating of your GP surgery by other people here - the people you are seeing do not seem very competent:
http://www.nhs.uk/service-search
I also doubt that reducing your daily intake by an additional 200 cals will suddenly solve all your problems, especially as you are supposed to reduce your intake the more you lose weight - you will probably end up on (minus) -100 calories (which is physically impossible).
They have 2 stars out of 5.....0 -
If you want a good low calorie filler
spread shredded kale on a nonstick baking sheet, spray with 1 cal and sprinkle a teaspoon of chinese 5 spice over it. Place in the oven at 190 celsius and bake for 15 mins or until crisp, turning once during cooking. Its yummy.
Popcorn without anything just popped in the microwave, sprinkle with cinnamon if you fancy a different taste.
Porridge made with half skimmed milk half water and cinnamon is nice, I sometimes add chunks of apple that soften whilst it is cooking.0 -
Hi,
According to the NHS requirements you have to have a BMI of 45 to 49,9 with at least one co-morbidity (diabetes or high blood pressure) or a BMI of over 50 in order to be considered for bariatric surgery, so the doctor is correct on that, but the diet is ridiculous....
If you are depressed, eating at that level is not going to help you, it will probably make you feel worse - I know it would me and I'm not depressed....
Where in the country do you live, I went onto one of the NHS weight management schemes called Waist Wise (Tier 2) and it was pretty good, I'm currently on Tier 3 (lifestyle) but I was on Tier 4 (pre surgery, but I declined the surgery after losing over 3 stone in 3 months). Personally I'd go back to your G.P and say you're unhappy with the dietitian and asked to be referred to another one, maybe at a different hospital.
1000 calories a day is not going to help you lose weight, if 1200 wasn't doing the trick; serious sweetheart, go back to your G.P, demand more tests - I have PCOS but every test known to man has come up negative for it, only an ultrasound scan proved what my G.P had already suspected to be the case.
I really hope you get this sorted out soon and hope you get a proper dietitian, as the one you currently have seems a bit of a *kitten* in my personal opinion.
xXx0 -
Hi,
According to the NHS requirements you have to have a BMI of 45 to 49,9 with at least one co-morbidity (diabetes or high blood pressure) or a BMI of over 50 in order to be considered for bariatric surgery, so the doctor is correct on that, but the diet is ridiculous....
If you are depressed, eating at that level is not going to help you, it will probably make you feel worse - I know it would me and I'm not depressed....
Where in the country do you live, I went onto one of the NHS weight management schemes called Waist Wise (Tier 2) and it was pretty good, I'm currently on Tier 3 (lifestyle) but I was on Tier 4 (pre surgery, but I declined the surgery after losing over 3 stone in 3 months). Personally I'd go back to your G.P and say you're unhappy with the dietitian and asked to be referred to another one, maybe at a different hospital.
1000 calories a day is not going to help you lose weight, if 1200 wasn't doing the trick; serious sweetheart, go back to your G.P, demand more tests - I have PCOS but every test known to man has come up negative for it, only an ultrasound scan proved what my G.P had already suspected to be the case.
I really hope you get this sorted out soon and hope you get a proper dietitian, as the one you currently have seems a bit of a *kitten* in my personal opinion.
xXx
I live in Keighley in Yorkshire, we're considered to be one of the poorest towns in England, and thank you very much for the support, and it's not his own advice it's an nhs weight management program he handed me over.0 -
I'd go and speak to your Doctor again or go see another one in your practice.
1/ One of two things are happening either your eating more than you think or log (no I'm not saying your lying) sometimes people just don't realise what they eat unconsciously or how big there portions really are (just watch secret eaters for proof of that). Frequently people think they're logging honestly but they really aren't
2/ The other option is you have a serious medical problem which really needs to be dealt with via a specialist so your Doctor should refer you to the appropriate specialist for the most appropriate tests/treatment.
Either way go and see your doctor as IMO the dietitians advice is poor as with any other profession you'll get good and bad ones. (An NHS Dietitian once recommended my wife drink milk even though she's allergic to milk and eggs and no matter how many times we said this or pointed to the diagnosis on her medical records this dietitian was convinced milk was the answer)0 -
I'm not smart enough to comment on the theory of this, but you were also asking for some recipes.
MFP has put me on a 1200 kcal diet, I started last week, and I am working out how not too feel so hungry all the time.
I have been doing a lot with tomatoes, they are high in volume and low in kcal. Same for cucumbers and red bell peppers, and they are all in season right now, so good for the budget!
I also try to reach my net goal by prelogging the night before and adjusting at the end of each day
Feel free to look at my diary, I have been eating really tasty meals with those ingredients.0 -
This seems crazy - so low calorie and almost no protein? It seems very extreme. Go see another dietician, perhaps also an endocrinologist?
However, about the previous few months:
Have you been weighing everything you eat and drink with a digital scale, and logging it BEFORE you ate it? (so not using eyeball estimations, no measuring spoons/cups etc, and no remembering what you ate after the fact)?
I'm asking because looking at your diary in the past few months, the answer seems no, and is full of "cups", "scoops" and thing like "1 small banana" if it is filled in at all. In sum, your diary seems very very inaccurate. Maybe your written diary is different (everything written down, and all of it weighed out in grams?). If not, try actually measuring and logging what you eat.
Also: Have you tracked any exercise, and if so, how did you measure your exercise calories?0 -
I've just bought myself a simple pedometer cos my phone doesn't work with fitbit and I aim for 8000 - 10000 steps per day. Much cheaper than fitbit.
Good luck with your diet. Hope you get a good response from it0 -
Have you tried some of the recipe books for the likes of the 5:2 fasting diet. They have lots of low calorie but filling recipes in them.
Although it doesn't look like you are allowed much protein apart from that provided by the meal replacement drinks.
I hope you find a solution to the problem 1000 calories is tough to bear especially if you are trying your best to lose weight.
At least its only 12 weeks that they have you on this for, unless of course they find another reason in the mean time
I personally use the garmin vivofit to track activity as it has a HRM facility I can use with it as well. Also I have other garmin items so it all ties together for me0 -
I peeked at your diary and I have a comment. Please don't take it as harsh criticism, this was something I learned not too long ago: Western "Chinese" food is crap. It's crap and it has way more calories than you might think.
You should get to indulge every once in a while-- especially on such a restrictive diet!-- but if you could just adjust your palete so that a splurge was, say, a handful of pistachios or turkey jerky or even a homemade ham sandwhich, I think you'd feel much better overall.0 -
I peeked at your diary and I have a comment. Please don't take it as harsh criticism, this was something I learned not too long ago: Western "Chinese" food is crap. It's crap and it has way more calories than you might think.
You should get to indulge every once in a while-- especially on such a restrictive diet!-- but if you could just adjust your palete so that a splurge was, say, a handful of pistachios or turkey jerky or even a homemade ham sandwhich, I think you'd feel much better overall.
^^ Totally agree!.
Also, get off the Slim Fast. Not good for you. A lot of sugar. Add protein to your diet. It is not all about eating a certain # of calories. You need to balance out where those calories are coming from. Get on something like 40/30/30 (40% carbs/30% protein/30% fats) Balance everything out. Be choosy about where your calories are coming from.0 -
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I don't care for Slim Fast but not due to the sugar. Nothing wrong with that. Sugar is not what makes us fat.I peeked at your diary and I have a comment. Please don't take it as harsh criticism, this was something I learned not too long ago: Western "Chinese" food is crap. It's crap and it has way more calories than you might think.
You should get to indulge every once in a while-- especially on such a restrictive diet!-- but if you could just adjust your palete so that a splurge was, say, a handful of pistachios or turkey jerky or even a homemade ham sandwhich, I think you'd feel much better overall.
^^ Totally agree!.
Also, get off the Slim Fast. Not good for you. A lot of sugar. Add protein to your diet. It is not all about eating a certain # of calories. You need to balance out where those calories are coming from. Get on something like 40/30/30 (40% carbs/30% protein/30% fats) Balance everything out. Be choosy about where your calories are coming from.
Oh, I agree that it is not "sugar" specifically that makes you fat. There are a lot of other factors that play into that besides sugar consumption.0 -
Is the 1000 a day net calories, or total calories consumed?
So are you allowed to eat back the calories burned? Cause if not, then my first tought about this is that you are eating too low! And that's the reason you gain weight. I actually have had something similair in the past, eating at a 700 a day for 10 weeks and i gained 5 kg.
This was before MFP but i did weight everything i ate.
Last year i actually started to do it better by eating 1600 calories a day and eat back my exercises.
Lost about 5 kg in the first month
I'm sorry, but that is just scientifically impossible to gain over 10 lbs if you were truly only eating 700cals a day, EVERY day, for 10 weeks with no cheat meals. It takes 500 cals a day OVER maintenance to gain 1 lb a week, so that would mean your maintenance cals were only 200 cals a day?? Just would not happen.0 -
With all due respect, no way, unless you had some strange medical issue that caused 11 pounds of water retention. Nobody gains weight by eating too little, you gain by eating too much. My guess is you were eating more than you thought you were.Is the 1000 a day net calories, or total calories consumed?
So are you allowed to eat back the calories burned? Cause if not, then my first tought about this is that you are eating too low! And that's the reason you gain weight. I actually have had something similair in the past, eating at a 700 a day for 10 weeks and i gained 5 kg.
This was before MFP but i did weight everything i ate.
Last year i actually started to do it better by eating 1600 calories a day and eat back my exercises.
Lost about 5 kg in the first month0 -
Losing weight IS about eating a certain count of calories- calories in/calories out. Nutrition is about meeting your macros. I agree with 40/30/30, but not for weight loss purposes. You can have any combination of macros and still lose weight as long as you eat at a calorie deficit.I peeked at your diary and I have a comment. Please don't take it as harsh criticism, this was something I learned not too long ago: Western "Chinese" food is crap. It's crap and it has way more calories than you might think.
You should get to indulge every once in a while-- especially on such a restrictive diet!-- but if you could just adjust your palete so that a splurge was, say, a handful of pistachios or turkey jerky or even a homemade ham sandwhich, I think you'd feel much better overall.
^^ Totally agree!.
Also, get off the Slim Fast. Not good for you. A lot of sugar. Add protein to your diet. It is not all about eating a certain # of calories. You need to balance out where those calories are coming from. Get on something like 40/30/30 (40% carbs/30% protein/30% fats) Balance everything out. Be choosy about where your calories are coming from.0 -
I've been given a diet by my dietitian for twelve weeks, I was hoping people could help me find ways to makes this diet less of a strain, e.g. vegetable recipes i.e. soups/stews/roasted etc.
-Can add spices/herbs/stock
-1000 Calories max per day.
- 2 Fruit portions 50 calories max each
-Skimmed milk allowance = 1/2 pint
-2 Portions of veg [no potatoes] = 75 calories max
-No other foods allowed.
The diet:
Breakfast: 1 meal replacement + Tea/coffee with skimmed milk allowance
Mid-Morning: Tea/Coffee or low calorie drink
Lunch: Serving of salad/vegetables + 1 portion of fruit.
Mid-Afternoon: 1 meal replacement
Evening Meal: Serving of vegetables/ Salad
Bed-Time: 1 meal replacement.
Ditto that - find a new dietitian. Does this one not realize how necessary protein is for nutrition?! Low calorie is fine, but it is not sustainable or necessary long-term like 12 weeks. The diet above is just ridiculous, unless by "meal replacement" you mean some sort of nutrisystem-esque meal with protein, fat, and carbs and a decent amount of calories.0 -
Couldn't agree more. People haven't read the thread or diary - OP has an answer for everything and not many sound plausible.
This may sound harsh. But it 100% (still) sounds like you aren't logging accurately and consistently. And as above poster has said, probably jumped from diet to diet with periods of overeating in between. I hadn't heard of NHS dieticians recommending slimfast but it could be for the reasons above I suppose.
OP try giving this diet your best effort for more than a few weeks and if you are tempted to binge (I'd find it very hard to believe that you didn't occasionally especially if you have been depressed about your appearance and you are using such restrictive diets) then log every single thing - at least then you can look back and say, 'okay I had 3 days were I blew my calories by 1000, that explains that 1lb gain' - surely that would be better than logging 600-800 calories and saying you don't understand why you have 65 or 80 lb (depending on which was accurate) to lose and it's not happening.
If you did that, I think you would get a better take on how this works and could then probably deal with a more sensible deficit. I hope you get a handle on it and it works for you this time.
The log is accurate and I find it really disrespectful to assume that I'm cheating on this diet, my original question has nothing to do with my previous weight loss attempts, I am asking for nothing more than recipes that fit within my diet. You should not make assumptions that because I have depression which is exasperated by my weight that I over eat, depression is mental health issue and it doesn't always produce behaviours that link to the problem.
It seems like you just want people to tell you your doctor is wrong and that you should eat more food. You're free to do what you want, but eating more food is not going to cause you to lose fat. And you might be asking for recipes but you've also given way more information than that about your situation in this thread, and so it's no surprise people are trying to give you helpful advice.
And saying your log is almost certainly inaccurate is not some personal attack on you or people trying to disrespect you. It could be as simple as you not using a food scale. Food entries like "1 cup of chicken" and "200g of potato" are pretty solid indicators that you're estimating what you eat, and while the log may be accurate in terms of the foods you ate, the portions could very well be completely off because you're just estimating. Estimating is fine if you're still losing weight, but for someone who claims to be unable to lose weight and is potentially even gaining weight, estimating should be about as common as Halley's comet. People are trying to bring that to your attention so that you can correct it, not to try and pick on you.
All that said, I do agree with the people saying to try and get more protein. Perhaps see if you can substitute a low calorie protein shake for at least one of the meal replacement items, if you're sticking with the original plan.0 -
I peeked at your diary and I have a comment. Please don't take it as harsh criticism, this was something I learned not too long ago: Western "Chinese" food is crap. It's crap and it has way more calories than you might think.
You should get to indulge every once in a while-- especially on such a restrictive diet!-- but if you could just adjust your palete so that a splurge was, say, a handful of pistachios or turkey jerky or even a homemade ham sandwhich, I think you'd feel much better overall.
Ahh guilty on that day but it was my birthday, parents wanted to treat me... ^^'0 -
Couldn't agree more. People haven't read the thread or diary - OP has an answer for everything and not many sound plausible.
This may sound harsh. But it 100% (still) sounds like you aren't logging accurately and consistently. And as above poster has said, probably jumped from diet to diet with periods of overeating in between. I hadn't heard of NHS dieticians recommending slimfast but it could be for the reasons above I suppose.
OP try giving this diet your best effort for more than a few weeks and if you are tempted to binge (I'd find it very hard to believe that you didn't occasionally especially if you have been depressed about your appearance and you are using such restrictive diets) then log every single thing - at least then you can look back and say, 'okay I had 3 days were I blew my calories by 1000, that explains that 1lb gain' - surely that would be better than logging 600-800 calories and saying you don't understand why you have 65 or 80 lb (depending on which was accurate) to lose and it's not happening.
If you did that, I think you would get a better take on how this works and could then probably deal with a more sensible deficit. I hope you get a handle on it and it works for you this time.
The log is accurate and I find it really disrespectful to assume that I'm cheating on this diet, my original question has nothing to do with my previous weight loss attempts, I am asking for nothing more than recipes that fit within my diet. You should not make assumptions that because I have depression which is exasperated by my weight that I over eat, depression is mental health issue and it doesn't always produce behaviours that link to the problem.
It seems like you just want people to tell you your doctor is wrong and that you should eat more food. You're free to do what you want, but eating more food is not going to cause you to lose fat. And you might be asking for recipes but you've also given way more information than that about your situation in this thread, and so it's no surprise people are trying to give you helpful advice.
And saying your log is almost certainly inaccurate is not some personal attack on you or people trying to disrespect you. It could be as simple as you not using a food scale. Food entries like "1 cup of chicken" and "200g of potato" are pretty solid indicators that you're estimating what you eat, and while the log may be accurate in terms of the foods you ate, the portions could very well be completely off because you're just estimating. Estimating is fine if you're still losing weight, but for someone who claims to be unable to lose weight and is potentially even gaining weight, estimating should be about as common as Halley's comet. People are trying to bring that to your attention so that you can correct it, not to try and pick on you.
All that said, I do agree with the people saying to try and get more protein. Perhaps see if you can substitute a low calorie protein shake for at least one of the meal replacement items, if you're sticking with the original plan.
I've started weighing everything before cooking to be certain now, and the program I've been given says word for word:
"3 meal replacement milkshakes, smoothies or bars (for example Slimfast, Cambridge diet, Supermarket own brand meal replacements) (approx 220kcals each)
2 servings of salad or cooked vegetables (excluding potatoes) (approx 75kcals per serving)
2 portions of fresh fruit (50kcals each)
1/2 pint skimmed milk (100kcals)
1 litre (2 pints) of additional fluid - water, tea, coffe (using milk from allowance), diet soft drinks, sugar free squashes, (less than 7kcals per serving)
If desired:
Sugar free jelly (no more than one sachet (1 pint per day)
Sugar free mints or chewing gum"
So there is no room for negotiations on it...0 -
"3 meal replacement milkshakes, smoothies or bars (for example Slimfast, Cambridge diet, Supermarket own brand meal replacements) (approx 220kcals each)
2 scoops of Isopure is mint chocolate chip is 50g of protein, 210 calories and quite a few micronutrients. I'm not seeing any reason you can't substitute that out for a Slimfast shake.0 -
I've heard Cambridge diet is better than slimfast if that helps?0
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"3 meal replacement milkshakes, smoothies or bars (for example Slimfast, Cambridge diet, Supermarket own brand meal replacements) (approx 220kcals each)
2 scoops of Isopure is mint chocolate chip is 50g of protein, 210 calories and quite a few micronutrients. I'm not seeing any reason you can't substitute that out for a Slimfast shake.
Looks good, trying to find a UK supplier that doesn't bump up the price too high.0 -
"3 meal replacement milkshakes, smoothies or bars (for example Slimfast, Cambridge diet, Supermarket own brand meal replacements) (approx 220kcals each)
2 scoops of Isopure is mint chocolate chip is 50g of protein, 210 calories and quite a few micronutrients. I'm not seeing any reason you can't substitute that out for a Slimfast shake.
Looks good, trying to find a UK supplier that doesn't bump up the price too high.
Isopure is just what I happen to use, but there are plenty of other good protein powders out there. I wouldn't pay an arm and a leg just for that one particular brand. The advantage to a high purity whey powder is that you get fewer calories for a given amount of protein; i.e., in those 2 scoops of Isopure, only 10 calories are from non-protein sources. Other powders like Muscle Milk oftentimes will taste great, but they include a fair amount of fat and sugar as well.0 -
Find a new dietician.
With 65lbs to lose, there is no reason to eat that little.
This!^
Unless you need to lose quickly for surgery, or some other medical condition.....there's no reason to be miserable. Moderate weight loss (gasp!!) will help you develop lifestyle changes. Skills needed to keep weight off in the future.
Your dietician may be hoping for a lot of REPEAT customers with the meal replacement "diet."0 -
I was referred to them because my doctor was convinced I was stuffing my face because of my depression despite no evidence for and a lot against.
I've had multiple blood tests to check thyroxine levels over the years all coming back normal.
My new dietitian put me on this because he's found no issues with my diet at all to see if an even lower calorie rate will yield results [previous 1200 calories] and as documented evidence to my doctor that I'm not stuffing my face.
There's a huge difference between asking you to modify your behavior and take you to non-sustainable levels! I'm sorry, but I have to agree with most of the people here and say that 1000 is simply too low. Also, keep in mind that you shouldn't necessarily be "dieting", but rather changing your behaviors. Yes, it's difficult. But you can do it! Just do it wisely...0 -
I've only just hopped in on the conversation here and haven't read too many of the previous messages.
One would hope that if a qualified dietician has given you this advice then perhaps it's something you could at least try for a few weeks. To aid you in the battle of only consuming 1000 calories day - my advice would be to eat purely Low GI foods that will sustain your energy levels for longer, thus making you less prone to snacking attacks and help you wait it out until the next meal.
Low GI is a fabulous way to eat and it really does work!
Good luck and take care!0 -
"3 meal replacement milkshakes, smoothies or bars (for example Slimfast, Cambridge diet, Supermarket own brand meal replacements) (approx 220kcals each)
2 scoops of Isopure is mint chocolate chip is 50g of protein, 210 calories and quite a few micronutrients. I'm not seeing any reason you can't substitute that out for a Slimfast shake.
Looks good, trying to find a UK supplier that doesn't bump up the price too high.
Bodybuilding.com usually has good offers on all the big brand protein powders (I got a 2kg tub for the price of a 904g tub on own companies website.)
Optimum nutrition, phd and myprotein all sell sample sachets for around £1, so you can try before you buy. Tesco, Asda and sainsburys all stock maximuscle (wait till it's on offer at half price).
Steer clear of holland and barrat - they will sell you something ridiculously expensive that is the opposite of what you asked for.
Remember if you're mixing it with milk (half pint allowance seems low, I would ask about this) the calories will come up a bit. Also, see if you can substitute in some Greek yoghurt as part of your milk allowance as that can be a nice change.
:flowerforyou:
ETA: no disrespect intended in my earlier comment. I cheat all the time and ask myself why I haven't lost that week - then find myself at the cupboard with the Nutella jar and a spoon
I'm pretty sure it happens to most of us. 0 -
Isopure is just what I happen to use, but there are plenty of other good protein powders out there. I wouldn't pay an arm and a leg just for that one particular brand. The advantage to a high purity whey powder is that you get fewer calories for a given amount of protein; i.e., in those 2 scoops of Isopure, only 10 calories are from non-protein sources. Other powders like Muscle Milk oftentimes will taste great, but they include a fair amount of fat and sugar as well.
Found another diet whey protein brand called Matrix which has a lot of positive reviews.0 -
Bodybuilding.com usually has good offers on all the big brand protein powders (I got a 2kg tub for the price of a 904g tub on own companies website.)
Optimum nutrition, phd and myprotein all sell sample sachets for around £1, so you can try before you buy. Tesco, Asda and sainsburys all stock maximuscle (wait till it's on offer at half price).
Steer clear of holland and barrat - they will sell you something ridiculously expensive that is the opposite of what you asked for.
Remember if you're mixing it with milk (half pint allowance seems low, I would ask about this) the calories will come up a bit. Also, see if you can substitute in some Greek yoghurt as part of your milk allowance as that can be a nice change.
:flowerforyou:
ETA: no disrespect intended in my earlier comment. I cheat all the time and ask myself why I haven't lost that week - then find myself at the cupboard with the Nutella jar and a spoon I'm pretty sure it happens to most of us.
Sorry I jumped at you earlier, been suffering with dizziness and stomach pains and i've gotten very irritable because of it.0
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