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Why do some choose not to work on their diet?

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Posted 10/11/2012 10:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I have something to discuss here that's been on my mind again. I'd like to know why some choose not to work on what they eat or drink to see if it helps their fibro? I know we can't be near perfect in this, I'm certainly not, but are there some who don't even try?

Here is a link to a reputable website that talks about what we fibromites should and shouldn't eat:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/81882-diets-fibromyalgia/

Trying to eat and drink the right thing works for me. If I eat sugar during the day, unhealthy carbs like foods that are white, fatty foods especially deep fried, caffiene, chocolate, spicy foods, and acidic foods like orange juice and vinegar, my fibro pain increases. Plus I have more trouble trying to sleep at night.

I'll look forward to hearing what you think.

Thanks!

 

Posted 10/11/2012 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
It is hard to say why some don't work on their diet to feel better. I guess we all do things differently. I work on mine and try to drink a lot of water to keep my muscles hydrated. I find eating properly helps the way I feel not only with fibro, but with my depression. I have a snack now and then, but in moderation.

People seem to get wrapped up in things, often at a standstill trying to figure them out. Just keep posting how it works for you. I guess some are at different levels in their journey and will eventually try proper eating. I am sorry I am not really answering your question, but don't ever give up in sharing information. As there are some that do listen...

Have a wonderful day Medfree!!!

Hugs, Karen...

I wanted to add that not all members are probably in tuned with their mind and body as you are.  And don't notice the change when they eat right.  But I am sure that many share your feelings on this.  I do...  Eating good is so important.  Lifestyle changes make a difference...

Posted 10/11/2012 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
I think it is a matter of willpower or lack of. I totally agree that sugar, caffeine, white flour fatty foods, milk, wine, soda all affect my fibro. My husband yells at me and reminds me everytime I eat something sugary. I know you are right and I know he is right and I start a new week with juicing, eating salads, lots of fruits and vegetables but if I CHEAT one time, the addiction takes over and I want more cake or whatever I can get my hands on. Sunday was my birthday and my sister baked me a cake. People came over and ate the cake but there was about 5 slices left and I finished them off in a couple of days. The pain was so intense including stiffness in my joints and a major migraine which lasted for days, constipation and can't sleep. I hate myself when I give into sugar. So yesterday I went to the store and bought an entire order of healthy stuff. The only snack I got for myself was fiber one bars because they help with the constipation. If I beat myself up too much then I get depressed so I have to just pray I do better. I got over the soda addiction and believe me I was a big coke drinker and now the only time I drink coke is just alittle if I have a migraine because the caffeine helps with the medicine. So my thoughts are Addiction to bad foods and breaking that addiction one day at a time. Perhaps other people are addicted too and are having trouble breaking the sugar or soda addiction.
Posted 10/11/2012 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
Because people hold different things important. Because all people are different. We often assume that everyone has a similarity of experience, and that when faced with the issues, will engage with the same issue and reach a similar conclusion and then work to a shared outcome. But, this is not so. We all are not alike, we all are not in the same 'place', either emotionally, fiscally, physically, or medically, and therefore we make radically different choices.
Posted 10/11/2012 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Karen. You make some very good points. Concerning the depression, which I could easily give in to and experience if I wasn't attempting to take good care of myself, do you find exercise like walking (especially outdoors) helps your depression issues?

Sawa, congratulations on getting off of soda. That's a very big step!

I've been altering my diet for years a little at a time. You'll find if you don't have sugar you don't crave it. What I would have done in the instance of being presented with a birthday cake is I would have had one small slice then asked your sister to take it home. You could share with her why.

I do find if I eat something like a white food I crave more! I've heard there's something in unhealthy white foods that causes us to crave more. I haven't eaten from the bread basket at restaurants for years and I don't miss it. I crave my brown rice pasta mixed with a lot of sauteed vegetables. I crave my Ezekial bread but not the other stuff.

A person feels very proud of themself when they have the willpower to say no, to not purchase the bad foods, and to throw things out.

I hope I'm not coming across as boasting. I'm only trying to help.

Thanks again!

Posted 10/11/2012 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
We don't think you are boasting. You are sharing what works for you. I find when I do breakdown and eat sugar, it often makes me tired. My husband has that book "sugar blues". People would be shocked to see what is really going on with sugar. It is actually addicting.

Keep posting and sharing. You are only trying to share good info and it is appreciated...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/11/2012 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
I'm saying this in love, but these kind of posts make me feel judged. While I think it is wonderful to share what you (not directed at any one person) do in regards to food, medication, exercise, etc. to help yourself feel better, questioning why everyone else isn't trying what you are trying implies judgement and can be hurtful.

As Myself09 said, we are all different and we all have different experiences and conclusions, not to mention different health issues in addition to fibro that warrant different behaviors and tactics.

I apologize if I sound snarky, as that is certainly not my intent, but I have been at Healing Well for several years, and there seems to be an recent uptick in the number posts that don't just share what works for someone but suggest that others are somehow lacking if they don't choose the same path. Again, I'm not trying to be unkind, and unfortunately, I'm sure I have inadvertently caused my share of hurt feelings on this site, but this trend has really been bothering me lately.

As far as food goes, the reason I'm not working on my diet right now is because any food I can get down and keep down at present is a blessing. Yesterday it was cookies.

So in answer to the question, "But are there some who don't even try?" (in regards to food) Yes. But it doesn't mean I'm lazy, lacking willpower, or any less concerned about my health or well being.
Posted 10/11/2012 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Austenfan.

This is something that I needed. I've been told I can be too judgemental. But it's difficult to know where to draw the line. I guess I'm just trying to understand and to hear a viewpoint like yours and probably many others helps.

You don't sound snarky to me at all. I appreciate your openness and sharing. I'm not asking that people share my path, I'm just suggesting what has worked for me.

I hope you feel better.

Regards.
Posted 10/11/2012 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
I find I can handle very little sugar--one small sweet a day, max.

Had to give up soda pop last year due to gastritis. And I don't even miss it! There are always healthier alternatives and much better for our bodies. Our American diet isn't healthy, I feel, and there's always room for improvement (I speak for myself here!) I know I can do better, and I'm trying to find healthier foods, little by little. Getting there, slowly.

Great post, almost medfree, and much food for thought (no pun intended!).
Posted 10/11/2012 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
I'm guilty of eating dairy products...I love milk, yogurt and cheese...and occasssionally icecream. Growing up in the dairy state, I drank plenty of milk and still do.

Alcohol...2-3 drinks a month. I enjoy a glass of wine, a beer or sometimes a margarita.

Chocolate, preferably...Milkyway candy bars are something I eat in moderation. I still enjoy occassional deserts...a piece of cake or pie. I've cut back on sugar and sodium.

I do eat plenty of lean protein, veggies and fruit everyday. Cereals and bread are whole grain. My water intake is at least 80 ounces daily.

When we eat out, I generally make healthy choices...I do indulge in a cheeseburger, fries and a malt once in awhile.

My weight is at 138 and I'm now at 5'5" (shrinkage) and I'm 60 years old. I consider myself to be very active considering my conditions.

I do enjoy to eat, and host many social activities around food. Making better nutrition choices is a wise thing. I never had high blood pressure or heart disease until the autoimmune diseases hit me...cutting back on fat and sodium is a must for me.

Hugs, Robin
Posted 10/11/2012 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with above posters. Not everyone is in the same place. Or in tune with their bodies, or maybe they are just overwhelmed by the idea of completely changing their diet. When I changed my diet, most people I knew thought that there was no way it would really help. But it did. I know that there is one thing that helped me above all else, but when I try to talk to people about it, they seem to think I am a bit crazy. So I am torn between providing information to people that could possible help them and becoming known as the crazy girl. Just keep doing what works for you and share your experience. You never know whom you may be inspiring to try what you are trying. Someone may like your story and try it. Maybe it did help, maybe they just never posted about their success.
Posted 10/11/2012 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
"You never know whom you may be inspiring to try what you are trying. Someone may like your story and try it."

The opposite is also true. You never know who may be turned-off to try it.

Writing is potent stuff. Tone, on-line, carries a lot of baggage. Just as valid as inspiration is the direct opposite, apathy. Or negativity.

You never know what someone else is dealing with, and you can never force someone else to follow a certain regimine. So, I try to leave 'if onlys....' out of the equation. Share your experience, but don't assume that your path is the only one.
Posted 10/11/2012 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
I have had fibro for at least 25 years...long before they even called it fibromyalgia.  I believe I was diagnosed with 'fibrotitis' or something like that.  No such thing as trigger points...no suggested treatment whatsoever. (except NSAIDS)

Anyway, I have run the gamut on elimination diets, drugs, exercise routines...you name it.  I personally have never found that certain foods trigger any of my symptoms.  I DO find things like cold weather, barometric pressure and over working my muscles will throw me into a flare.  I have Meniere's Disease and already have such a limited diet...no salt, MSG, nitates etc...plus I'm allergic to all nuts and legumes.  Sooooooo...I just eat what I can...don't worry about whether it has sugar in it or white flour...and even if it DID cause me to have an increase in pain, I probably would eat it anyway.  There's just so much an Old Broad like will give up at this stage in my life...LOL!

Donna

Posted 10/11/2012 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
We are all different and the way foods affect us are different, too.  Just because some don't eat and drink the way others think they should doesn't mean they are choosing not to help themselves with their fibro. 

 

I have never found that the "white" products made a difference in my fibro whether I ate them or not.  I do count carbs, drink mainly water, given up soft drinks, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables.  I don't drink alcohol, smoke, or use recreational drugs either.  I cook my food, not microwave prepackaged foods.  I do not eat fast foods.  But yet, I'm not on a fibro diet.  I even tried taking out the foods in the nightshade family and it didn't make a difference.  So, I just eat what I want, use some common sense, and enjoy my life.   

 

Sherrine

Posted 10/11/2012 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
I know dairy bothers me, and too much coffee. I do try to watch that stuff. I don't eat much fried foods. Still trying to figure out what else affects me.
Posted 10/11/2012 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
I am overweight. I know this. It is difficult to exercise due to other physical problems. I watch my sweet intake due to the fact i am diabetic. I do not have much choice in what i have to eat in the house. I have to get quick, easy (usually) microwave items. I also have to buy cheaper items that dh and i can afford. I am not working which means more meals at home and since no help other than his job, food allowance is not high. This weekend we shopped and while i did buy fruit (love frozen grapes) i am not a fan of vegetables (do not try to slip me any carrots). I can not eat any foods high in vitamin k due to the blood thinner.

Just trying to say, more than a will to eat better. Other factors are involved. do not judge anyone by their weight or how they manage any disease. Everyone is different and have different factors that contribute to their activities.

Posted 10/11/2012 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I eat what tastes good to me. It changes daily. One day it may be oatmeal for breakfast, greasy French fries from Mc Donald's dipped in mayo and ranch for lunch and no supper. The next day I will eat fresh fruit for brekkie, a huge fresh salad for lunch and mashed potatoes and gravy, mac n cheese, green beans.... Im vegetarian so I find myself cooking homestyle comfort food meals for my family and I make a meal of the side dishes only. LOL

There is no cure for fibro, only treatments. Many people take herbal supplements, I don't trust supplements. Many people (like myself) prefer modern medicine to treat fibro. Many people prefer physical therapy (not me). Others treat their fibro with their faith (pray away the pain). I know a lady who literally sleeps on an inversion table thing believing (because somebody told her) that it will cure or better her fibro.
Anyway, the best we can do for ourselves is take each day at a time and do what we feel (as an individual) is right for our body. :-) Suggestions are great, but what works for one may or may not work for another.

My best friend also has fibro. We are complete opposite when it comes to how we treat our symptoms. She and I both have differing additional medical conditions and diseases. We have a 20 year age difference as well. So obviously, what works for me and my health is not going to work for her. Different strokes for different folks. :-)
Posted 10/11/2012 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
It has been pointed out several times that we are all different. I am glad some people get relief by adjusting their diets, others by exercise, others by massage, whatever works good for you.

I know if I lived alone I would eat differently than I do now, but I am not blaming my circumstances on anyone it's just life. I can not ask my hubby to spend stupid amounts of money to buy special food for me to eat and on my bad days to prepare my meals and then his own after working a 12 to 14 hour day.

I tried changing our diets did menu planning in one week I tripled our grocery bill, I had to apologise to my hubby because there was barely enough food for one person and I was following recipes that serve 4 as I was cooking for 4.

During that week I found foods that were supposed to be oh so good for us that not one of us could stand the taste of, so instead of healthy dinners by day 4 hubby ordered pizza. His sons happily shared the failed dinner stories with their friends and gf's so I became a joke for trying to improve our diets. I failed in the why don't you even try to eat better challenge but thanks for reminding me

I ended my eat healthy for a week challenge by going through my crisper and taking the organic apples that the guys would not even eat as a snack because they were too small, instead I peeled them mixed up a crisp and made a pastry and we had apple crisp and apple pie and yes I used white flour because I have it in the house.

I forgot to mention during my week I did manage to cook meals for that entire week because I forced myself to. I did not feel any better but as I am sure it will be said it was only a week.

I was not going to post a reply to your post but I thought maybe if I posted others would. I am sick and tired of people saying you are what you eat, eat better and you would feel better. Get off your butt and exercise. Why are you getting offended? I only wanted to help.

It is people who think they have all the answers that bother me. I have adjusted my personal diet in many ways, I have changed my entire lifestyle in the last few years and all the changes I have made have not decreased the pain I have every day.
Posted 10/11/2012 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
I love this forum...it allows us to share our insights, successes and skills that we found helpful. This forum, our fibro family is like a real family...there will always be some differance of opinions because we are differant.

As a member we can read a post and take info we might want to try. I believe others share info because they do care.
I appreciate when others do share what works for them...if it helps just one person, it is worth posting....just my opinion.

Hugs, Robin :)
Posted 10/11/2012 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you GRANDMAROSES!!!!!

I do not eat or do healthy. I am 5'4 and weigh 158 lbs.  I eat salads. I dont consume a lot of sweets ... sometimes I over indulge (3 brownies and a glass of milk) Everyone saying this is bad and others saying it is best (dairy). So. I just do for me. I am responsible for me. Tonight is chicken cor don bleu with corn in butter (only veggie hubby eats) and a salad. I will force down a glass of oj when my system will tolerate. I never drink enough water and am always working on that. Exercise? Forget it. MOst of time it is my symptoms and the rare time it isn't, I dont try because it will be my symptoms amplified. SO. I do not take vitamins unless prescribed by my Dr. because OTC are not truly absorbed in your system.

I smoke so my health is already darned.....wanting to want to quit.... rolleyes

Somedays I lean on the Mt Dew real hard to get through.

I do not take pain killers at all. Sure that would play a part.

but these are simply excuses

I admire you and othrs who live healthy, get out there and walk a mile(+!!!). Go that extra mile doing what you can to better yourself and the way you feel.

But I also admire others who find a way to get by and make it a little better and easier. There are many things to admire about each other.

I ate nasty processed chicken from walmart n some dry tater wedges with the biggest smile (i did vent here). Grateful that we were able to solve "WHats for supper" without my husband having to do additional task other than what he had already planned --get dog collar battery :P.

To your question: I have played with the sugars and caffeine and fresh veggie n fruits, MY symptoms are not food related. Yes I would feel better if I was like you, but you aren't like me. I like you. I do not wish for you to understand-to do so is to experience it yourself.

 

Posted 10/11/2012 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I hope I didn't come across, but maybe I did and I'd like to apologize for that, that mine is the only path. We are all so different and, Rose, I went through those years cooking for a family. It's very difficult to make a change when they're not on the same page.

It sounds like many of you are not as sensitive to certain foods as much as I am.

Thanks so much for sharing your opinions and experiences. I would be interested in hearing more.
Posted 10/11/2012 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
We are just happy that you are finding things that work for you and that you are willing to share that with others in an effort to help them.

 

Posted 10/11/2012 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
I hope nobody gets offended by this thread. But yes, we are what we eat. It is only obvious by our health and how we feel and look. Not everybody is going to like it, but it is true. Exercise plays a huge role in how we feel. I don't go to the gym, but I walk. Moving helps with fibromyalgia. Maybe people don't want to believe that, but it is true.

I think we all do the best we can. If we choose not to eat "healthy" then that is our problem. But it really does make a difference in how you feel. It isn't going to happen after the first meal, but in time it will help. But dealing with fibromyalgia is a huge struggle within itself. We all progress at different rates. Some faster and quicker than others. But we are all trying. And it shows with how we look, feel and progress. There really aren't wrongs and rights. It is all in the individual. Just as some medications work for some, while exercise works for another. I think just making it from one day to the next is hard enough...

I don't know about the answer to your question as I said before... Maybe some people aren't at the point with this disorder to worry about what they eat. And unfortunately as somebody mentioned above, some of us can't afford to eat in a healthy way. It is expensive. Whidh is so sad. Leaving out bad products costs more. But we can do the best that we can with what we have.

I do choose to eat as healthy as I can. I am not a vegan or on any special diet. I notice I feel better when I eat fresh fruits and vegetables. But that is what I have learned about myself. I think some of us are still exploring that. Maybe if the pain would ease, we could work on other things...

Hugs to all...

Karen
Posted 10/11/2012 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to mentioned that adding healthy foods to your diet doesn't have to be overly expensive. You can avoid many of the specialty health foods and still improve your diet. I am not suggesting a diet overhaul for those who are not ready. But if you start subtracting one or two unhealthy meals per week with an inexpensive healthy one, it will not be so overwhelming. Example: Instead of ordering pizza on Monday and spending $25-$40, just soak a bag of beans on Sunday and then let them cook in the slow cooker or on low on the stove for a few hours. Then make a pot of brown rice. For less than $5 you can feed your family and it is healthy. I am not trying to tell anyone how to eat or imply that I think you have to do it or you are a failure. I am only trying to add a suggestion about how to add healthier meals that are inexpensive. Another example: I usually buy a $5 pack of chicken thighs from Sams club every Sunday. I bake it and then use it through out the week. Chicken Salads, Chicken & brown rice etc. For me, I feel better when I don't eat processed foods. Preservatives really bother me so this diet has worked for me. I think everyone has to find what works best for them. I understand that this can be a sensitive issue for some and hope no one is offended.
Posted 10/12/2012 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
I understand food may not be a major trigger for all, but food and diet is one of the biggest factors that contribute to me feeling yucky or feeling well.

For one, what I eat can sometimes prevent me from getting restful sleep. And THAT is major in terms how I feel and flares.

My body's bizarre, immediate, and strong reactions to some foods were sone of the first symptoms I noticed when I first began developing Fibro issues. It totally bewildered me. I have always had an actual food allergy but this was completely different than that.

One memory stands out in my mind. I remember being in Mexico on vacation. My friend gave me some dried-candied fruit (tamarind, I think) and 30 seconds after I ate it, it felt like my eyes were being pushed out of their sockets or that my optic nerves were squooshing my eyes out of my head like play-dough. Sorry, but that's the only way to describe it. And certain foods would just put so much pressure on my eyes that it hurt to move them. When I told a doctor this, they would just look at me strange.

Other things that happen when I eat "bad" foods are that I'll get a raised dry butterfly-like rash on my face (which lead to me suspecting Lupus over an over).

And headaches. And brain fog. And sudden mood change. And jitters.

I try to describe to others that if I have caffeine, I'll have some of the same reactions as them only multiplied by 5... and that's just uncomfortable and not fun.

Last week my S.O. fed me pork. And that was the week I couldn't sleep until 5 am and had to call out of work the next day. I know different things can contribute to my insomnia and other factors may have come into play, but its now on my 'do not eat' list, especially anywhere in the night.

Here is a list of some of my 'bad' foods (and the reactions they cause):

Doritos - pain in skull, head ache, brain fog.
Microwave popcorn - same as above, feels like someone is hitting my skull with a little hammer.
Cheetos/cheese puffs - insomnia
Chocolate - insomnia
Pork - insomnia ?
Beef - feel generally unwell
Chorizo - Bright butterfly rash, feel hot, headache, fog, the whole sheh-bang.
Pizza - tight burning muscles (sometimes)
Soda - insomnia, feel unwell
canned food - normally don't feel too well.

Sometimes I'll get lazy and allow myself to splurge and then I have to relearn my lessons all over. Its hard to say no sometimes, like when someone offers me food. :/ Its so tough. But it really makes me feel so awful. I have to relearn these lessons over and over and over and I've been working on my diet for two years.

Key to my health is diet and sleep. And diet influences my sleep so its the main key.
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