Trying to figure out what I can eat

macw1_2000 · November 2010

So I went to the doc yesterday and knew something wasn't right. I had had blood tests done back in July and the nurse returned my call and told me my total cholesterol was fine. PERFECT....I GET TO EAT ONE MORE THING OF CHEESE FRIES FROM IN AND OUT BURGER. she told me to keep in it moderation.

No biggie.

So I haven't been feeling so hot. I am not dreadfully overweight. I am 125 pouds and 5 2 and getting winded walking up a flight of stairs. So I go in - spur of the moment thing since I am taking classes on this and figure I should get checked out.

My first ***** is that since I've been going to the clinic, I have never seen the same doc twice. And most of the time I can't understand what the doc is actually saying.

I go in yesterday and yes, I realize I have always been dealing with high blood pressue - it's really high but after I've been at the gym and checking it at home, it's been about 120/80 at HOME. yesterday when I knew I was going to get spanked at the doc, it was 170/100. (which is better thanit used to be when I would go there at 190/120 or 130.)

So I had blood tests done in July and I actually called for the results - b/c they won't cal you unless something is worng. Nurse assures me everything is fine. When i went to the doc yesterday, she actually pulled up the results of the tests and tells me my good cholesterol is fine but my bad is terrible and with my blood pressure issues, it shold be under 80. (I am at 120.) My overall is 189, I split from the clinic before I had all the tests done - supposed to have a chest xray and more blood tests done. I left. I was afraid. The doc called my house no less then 6 times after I split. I am seriously embarressed to go back/

So Now I am trying to figure out what I am supposed to eat. It seems like everything I am going to put in my mouth is either too high in fat or too high in sodium. Trainer tells me to eat lots of protein, apparently I can'tdo that b/c it will put too much fat in my arteries. Low fat stuff has lots of sodium.

So can someone tell me what the hell I'm supposed to pay attention to? I basically stayed in bed all day afraid I was going to have a heart attack. Bought aspirin. How do you plan a diet around a family and what you're allowed to have because bascially I am seeing I can eat anything besides vegeys and vegeys.

Fruit4dessert · November 2010

Here are a few websites to start you out, check out their recipes and don't worry, there's plenty you can eat, especially if you are an omnivore!

Clean Eating Magazine: http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/
Cooking Light Magazine: http://www.cookinglight.com/
American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

4lafz · November 2010

I just lowered my cholesterol through diet AND exercise. Exercise is a very important component to success here - not just way you eat. I exercise for at least one hour every day. Walking, bike riding, swimming, Zumba, DVD's, lots of different types of exercise to keep me interested.

I eat more chicken, turkey and seafood than anything. Always over my protein. I switched from real butter to Brummel & Brown and real eggs to Egg Beaters. I used to hate them but now I love them scrambled with a wedge of Laughing Cow Light cheese. I rarely eat red meat anymore - maybe once or twice a month. I switched from bacon to canadian bacon. Quinoa is also real tasty - just rinse before cooking and look up some recipes (here and on other sites).

I never caught the fast food craze - actually I do not like the taste of their food - so that part is easy for me. Frozen and prepared meals taste like the carton they come in. Cooking yourself takes very little time and tastes better - you also have control over the ingredients and salt. I use a lot of chopped garlic - chop yourself or buy the jar of garlic. I steam veggies with it and use no salt - all my friends and family LOVE my veggies. Baked sweet potatos are my best friend - don't need anything on them

Good luck to you - if I can be of any help to you - let me know.

gentlebreeze2 · November 2010

whole grains, lots of fresh fruits and veggies... all good for you. Stay away from processed canned foods that are usually loaded with sodium. Watch out for lunchmeats and other processed meats as well. There are some canned foods that are now being offered that are NO ADDED SALT... then you add your own seasoning. Also, if a package said low sugar or low fat... you can bet they've added sodium to enhance the flavor. Since I've been watching my sodium intake... I feel so much better. They say the average person should consume no more that 2500... I shoot for around 1500, but each person has to find whats right for them. There is no reason for you to cook separate meals for you and your family. They can benefit from whole grains and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Kids are more likely to eat foods they help prepare. Let them be creative. Remember you are NOT cutting out sodium ( your body needs some of it), just reducing it. Good luck

NoAdditives · November 2010

You can eat chicken and turkey. As long as you get a brand that doesn't inject the meat with salt water it won't have too much sodium and will give you tons of lean protein. You will need to eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. There are lots of websites that can offer low fat recipes for vegetables, I don't know of any because I generally just steam my veggies, but I'm sure others can offer suggestions. As far as whole grains go, whole wheat bread and pastas are great. Oatmeal is supposed to help lower cholesterol. I like to make mine with dried cranberries, slivered almonds and some cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. It's so delicious! If you don't already, you'll have to start cooking the majority of your food. Processed foods are loaded with sodium, preservatives and chemicals.

Most of all, don't worry. This isn't the end of the world. Obviously, you'll have to make some serious adjustments to your diet, but it's not as bad as it seems. I cook all the food for my family from scratch and it's actually a lot of fun. Feel free to add me as a friend if you want. I can offer a lot more suggestions for healthy eating and can offer a lot of support. My husband is having to adjust his eating habits a lot because he too is dealing with high cholesterol. It's taken some time but now he really loves vegetables and even likes eating salads!

PLUMSGRL · November 2010

OK take a deep breath and relax. Now make sure you go back to the clinic- they don't care as long as you show up, tell them anything for an excuse if it makes it easier (I forgot I left the iron , oven, hotiron,ect on and had to leave). If you don't understand what the doctor is telling you, say "I'm not sure what you're telling me" Request they set you up with a registered dietian at the local hospital (as a consult).
Protein: chicken or turkey breast -skinless, Lean beef (ground beef 90-95 % lean, top sirloin, london broil) pork tenderloin (excess fat removed), fish cooked anyway you like, but skip the salt and find a salt substitute (Mrs Dash is a good one). Cheese and yogurt are ok too, but look for the low fat or fat free varieties. Beans are great (not canned-to high in salt) and adds fiber to your diet (slow cooker is great for this) use plenty of herbs in place of the salt. Also whey protein make smoothies-yum!
If you're trying to get your cholestrol, HDL,and triglcerides in check then go to your local book store and check out "The Mediterainian Diet" or online check out Dr. Oz's site google "You on a Diet" (also at the book store) another good one to get you started is "Eat This, Not That".
If you get ANYTHING in a box, package, or can you should read the label for the sodium and fat contents. Look for labels that say low fat, fat free, low sodium, ect try to keep your sodium intake under 2000 mg per day (or as your doctor recommends).
You won't always have "perfect" days, just strive to do your best...good luck!:flowerforyou:

macw1_2000 · November 2010

Thank you - I am always looking for ways to figure out how to lighten up the meal.

Totallly appreciate the help.

janemartin02 · November 2010

HI!!st try to relax and don`t get too overwhelmed.You need to go back to the clinic and make sure everything else is ok.
My husband who is maybe 10-20 overwt just found out his blood pressure is high.The advice he was giving maybe can help you. was to exercise each day,that helps bring down the blood pressure and avoid food with added satl and don`t add salt to food.Stay away from canned foods and proceessed food.
We eat a lot of fresh or frozen veg,chicken,turkey,brown rice,grains.They also have a lot of low salt versions of food at the store.
Try to keep your stress level down.
Hope this has helped some.There are many website you can go on to find other foods to avoid.
Take care of yourself.
jane

Trying to figure out what I can eat

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