HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Changing lifestyle and habits

Support Forums
>
Hepatitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/30/2013 7:09 AM (GMT 0)
I think I need some support and advice on how to actually change my diet and eating habits. I have done tons of research and I know the things I need to do to eat healthy and get myself feeling better. When I have stuck with it and cut out meat altogether and eat mostly vegetables and low fat I can really feel the difference. But I am just having no luck staying with it.

Mostly it is because of having to feed my husband and/or going out with family or family functions like birthdays etc. I think if I lived alone and only had myself to worry about I would be fine because I like a lot of veggies and foods that are on the liver friendly diet. It's just that I have always done all the cooking for hubby and I really like to make things he enjoys since he works so hard and takes good care of me. But I am not that great at cooking two different meals for one. Also I work with my mom and dad and they are in their 80s, take their one big meal a day at noon and they always want me to join them. They are healthy but dad likes his pork chops and mashed potatoes and all that good old fashioned comfort food. Mom tries to accommodate me but I don't like for her to feel like she has to go to a lot of trouble for me. nono

So I was hoping maybe some of you have some advice/suggestions for getting myself on the straight and narrow without feeling like I have abandoned my family. This all happened so suddenly, and I feel like it is so hard to adjust to the idea that I am actually sick and have to make all these life changes in such a short time. But every day that I don't make all the right choices makes me feel like I am losing ground and things could get so much worse. Since my liver disease is so far advanced but I am still pretty well compensated I feel like I have a chance to hang on to a good quality of life for quite a while if I can just do everything right. I think some of this is psycho/social because I have to let go of the person I see myself as and learn to accept that I am not that person anymore.

I think what I need is a good plan, something I can commit to and follow through with. I consider myself pretty well educated about health and nutrition but I have never been an over eater or terribly overweight so I was comfortable eating whatever I liked in moderation. Do you think if I ask for a referral to see a dietitian that might help me?
Posted 6/30/2013 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I definitely think that a referral to a dietitian or nutritionist is helpful. Since my mom was diagnosed with diverticulitis this past week, we met with a nutritionist who explained to us, in full detail, the things she can eat and the things she will need to stay away from. Both my mom and I felt that the nutritionist gave her excellent information in helping her to try and avoid another encounter with diverticulitis.
Sometimes the things we "think" may be good for us may not be and vice versa. It wouldn't hurt getting some advice from a "professional".

Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 6/30/2013 11:43:10 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/30/2013 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Eat less of the "bad" things at your parents. When cooking for your husband, make veggies and salads, then make food he likes. Eat mostly the veggies and little of the meat. Instead of using salt when cooking, use more spices and lemon or lime for flavor. As you said, moderation. One basic thing to remember; watch out for anything that comes in a can, box, is prepared, or frozen.
Posted 6/30/2013 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
 Nothing wrong with a little pork  tongue  . If you want to seek a dieticians advice that's great . You can do it yourself but in the end whether it be a food or social situation the key is commitment . Small chunks at a time instead of demanding results in a day , or your destined to fail . Once you establish a pattern of doing things the changes come without effort or fore thought . 

 Ziff

Posted 6/30/2013 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Ziff and David, that is what I am trying to do. I guess I am just expecting too much of myself to change everything all at once. I can do fine without meat, maybe a little fish a couple times a week and fix chicken for DH because he doesn't like fish. I'll keep working on it, because I know I can feel the difference when I eat well or eat poorly.

I am going on vacation this week to visit my kids and grand kids so wish me luck!

I still might see a dietitian when I get back so I can get more organized about this.
Posted 6/30/2013 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
DD, where did you get the idea that you shouldn't eat meat? NO beef, but skinless chicken or turkey is okay. So is fish and shellfish (never raw.) Pork, as long as it is not fried, is fine. Try a plain pork roast. Add your own seasonings...no salt. You need protein! You can also use beans as a good source of protein. I use chick peas (Garbanzos) a lot in salads and also bake them drizzled with olive oil and red pepper flakes for a healthful snack. (Rinse beans thoroughly in a colander to get most of the salt off prior to using.) Peanut butter is also a good source of protein.

I do think that you should get a referral to a nutritionist, who will have other info and support for you. As Ziff said, don't try to change everything at once. Eliminate the beef and keep salt to a minimum. Try to stay away from starchy carbs (anything white) and also sweets.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 6/30/2013 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
I eat a lot of chicken and fish. I fish and forage for shellfish, so for much of the year I get it free.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply