New Member with questions

[Phoenix]

Hi-

I've posted a few times in the sections for other health problems; but this is my first time posting here. I was first officially diagnosed as obese when I was 8 months old. My life has been a constant battle over weight since then. I am now 65 years old and weigh 267.5 lbs. My health is terrible.

I started a somewhat modified rendition of the PP plan on Wednesday. I had visions of my innards going "What in the world is THIS stuff (protein) and what are we supposed to do with it." I have been existing on essentially a total carb diet for years - including binges and a serious addiction.

My physical problems preclude any form of exercise (as a matter of factI can only walk a short distance then I have to rely on my power chair.) which is a real problem (and no I can't use swimming).

I am trying to pump as much protein and fluids as I can into my body. I feel as though I ought to slosh when I walk; and I'm sure that, between the fluid intake and the flushing output, I"m probably responsible for a water shortage somewhere. <G>

The first few days I was completely satisfied and had NO cravings. This is GREAT thought I. Then the cravings started - not to mention the loathing of anything which vaguely resembled protein or vegetable. I've been struggling; but still sticking to the plan. I'm kind of in need of some support.

One problem I'm having is that the nutritional facts on the cans, packages, etc. will often vary significantly from the gram counter PP book. Which do I use to guide me? Also quite a few items are not listed in the gram book. Any other source known to give information which might help fill in the gaps?

Has anyone investigated bottled water? There are NO government criteria for bottled water so You can be paying a fortune for what you think is pure water and be drinking New York City tap water - perfectly legal. Yuch!!

Another issue I have is that my memory and word retreival have really deteriorated a LOT. Actually my whole brain functioning seems to be going down at a fast rate. This bothers me quite a bit. Any chance or experience of this food plan helping in that area?(I hope!!).

I'm still getting confused over what and when to eat, especially since my schedule varies so much and often I am not able to stop and eat a meal. I've checked out the "protein bars" etc; but they are loaded with carbs. (I'm only allowed 20 carbs a day.) Some of the shakes look all right; but they're chocolate, etc. and I don't want to set off any more cravings than I'm all ready having if possible. ( And I'm on the road so blending them is not an option. Although the variety would be nice at home.)

Well, I'd better stop here before you all start to yawn and/or get lost.

Thanks for listening. I'm glad to be here.

Phoenix

[maxlharris]

My physical problems preclude any form of exercise (as a matter of factI can only walk a short distance then I have to rely on my power chair.) which is a real problem (and no I can't use swimming).

Diet is the 20% that gets you 80% of the results. And as you see results, maybe you'll be able to do more on the movement front.

The first few days I was completely satisfied and had NO cravings. This is GREAT thought I. Then the cravings started - not to mention the loathing of anything which vaguely resembled protein or vegetable. I've been struggling; but still sticking to the plan. I'm kind of in need of some support.

Good for you. Welcome to the support. It's a great group. But good going on sticking to plan.

One problem I'm having is that the nutritional facts on the cans, packages, etc. will often vary significantly from the gram counter PP book. Which do I use to guide me? Also quite a few items are not listed in the gram book. Any other source known to give information which might help fill in the gaps?

I go with the can. It's theoretically measuring whats in the can, vs. the book which measures a theoretically typical item, which may not have the same additives or whatever as the can you are getting. That said, you might look into more stuff that doesn't come in cans and packages.

On the extra information, I think nutritiondata.com is pretty good.

Has anyone investigated bottled water? There are NO government criteria for bottled water so You can be paying a fortune for what you think is pure water and be drinking New York City tap water - perfectly legal. Yuch!!

Having grown up in New York, I believe the tap water there is probably better than most bottles. If you live somewhere with known bad tap (Los Angeles, I'm looking at you), pick a bottle and do your research on the brand. If you live in most of the US, drink the tap. And don't worry so much. It'll stall your weight loss (cortisol) and shorten your life.

Another issue I have is that my memory and word retreival have really deteriorated a LOT. Actually my whole brain functioning seems to be going down at a fast rate. This bothers me quite a bit. Any chance or experience of this food plan helping in that area?(I hope!!).

There's some good research about ketogenic diets producing better brain food (ketones vs. glucose) in terms of the progression of degenerative brain disorders. But you have to keep the carbs low enough to stay in ketosis to see the effects. That's fine, since if you're doing PP(LP) you're probably in. The downside is, it will halt progression, but it's not gonna bring back anything you lost. On the upside, PP LifePlan has some suggestions of things you can do to make the most of what you have.

I'm still getting confused over what and when to eat, especially since my schedule varies so much and often I am not able to stop and eat a meal. I've checked out the "protein bars" etc; but they are loaded with carbs. (I'm only allowed 20 carbs a day.) Some of the shakes look all right; but they're chocolate, etc. and I don't want to set off any more cravings than I'm all ready having if possible. ( And I'm on the road so blending them is not an option. Although the variety would be nice at home.)

I do a ready to drink shake that offers 35 grams of protein for 2-4 grams of net carbs. Worldwide Nutrition is the brand. They go for about $2/can at Trader Joes. Great on the go meal.

Salads are good if you do that. And you can get nearly anywhere, and get with Ranch or Blue Cheese which are usually LC friendly. Someone who is a salad eater might have more useful guidance.

Planning ahead is good. Have some nuts or cheeses or lunchmeat available to you.

20g/day is Atkins level low. On PP, you can go 40 to start, and that might make it easier for you.

I believe L-Glutamine (available at health food stores and anyplace with a decent herbal supplement rack) can help with cravings. Have read many testimonials to this.

[Phoenix]

Thanks very much for your very informative and welcoming reply! I'm going to Trader Joe's tomorrow and I'll check out that World-Wide Nutrition protein drink. (I've got to stop there because I've become madly in love with Fage yogurt!!!)I really apppreciate all the effort you put into answering all my questions. I was hoping that people would just pick one that they felt like responding to but you went the whole route! <G>

Now for the bad news. I slipped tonight. It probably wasn't that disasterious - left-over food I had eaten for lunch made for my plan which I was going to eat tomorrow- but I binged on it tonight. It was the binge quality that made it so bad a slip. Meat and veggies cooked with red wine and that made it sweet. Bingo - binge.

As they say - every minute is the beginning of a new day.

DARN!!!!!!

Phoenix

[gitfiddle]

That's right; pick yourself up, dust off, and move forward! You have the right idea. :)