What's for lunch, dinner or even breaksfast?

[bethsheba]

Originally Posted by flowergirl2day

... I modified it to suit my requirements. I've made some changes to the other one as well.

That's great, fg! I'm sure the modifications will benefit me also.

...The topic of drug toxicity is fascinating. I might post tonight or in a day or two.

Good! And maybe I'll post about why it may attritube to the reall drug problem in our country!

...Your DASH menu sounds like the kind of stuff I eat every day (with less meat).

Probably...but one doesn't have to eat meat in the dash diet...like I said, I'm going by their menu plan because it is relatively easier for me and because I like to try new foods.

FG, I'm up 8 pounds!!! And my diastolic jumped 8 points to keep up with my weight!!! I couldn't be starting this food plan at a better time.

Bethsheba

[dmer]

When I embarked on my diet in mid October of 2007, I weighed several portions of the food I preferred to consume and got a reasonable understanding of calorie values.

Yesterday, I ate the following; whole wheat pita and chicken breast, apple with 2 tbspn. of almond butter, 2 tbspn. of almond butter, baked beans with whole wheat bread and small portion of chicken breast, flax seed with cottage cheese, 2 tbspn. almond butter.

I caluclate the calories to be 1,275 but recognize that I might be 10-20% off. As mentioned, I began this diet around Oct. 20th of 2007 and to date, have lost approx. 35lbs. In addition to this, I exercise 6 days per week, jogging 3 miles and brisk 1.6 mile walk.

My target weight is 190lbs which leaves me with 45lbs still to go! On other days, I'll consume different items with sometimes more or less fruits and vegetables. One thing I have come close to completely eliminating is refined carbs. For me at least, this was essential in adhering to any sort of diet because all a small "sensible" portion of chips or chocolate did for me was lead to the desire for more. I think eating chips and chocolate is probably like riding a bicycle, you never lose the "skill", but, after a certain time, I believe you lose the craving. I don't focus too much on what I eat and even if I eat the same things with regularity. Some diets preach a relentless variety and having fish 2-3 times per week. Much as I like fish, after 2-3 times in one week, I can go 2-3 weeks without eating it!

The motivating factor for me was the initial diagnosis of HBP. When someone in my age bracket (55) shows up with HBP and overweight, one of the procedures followed is to evaluate certain organ functions and lipid profiles via a blood test. Like many other people here, mine revealed elevated cholesterol and glucose levels. At my first Dr.'s visit, I was prescribed 5mg/20mg of a CCB/ ACE combination and at my 2nd visit 10 days later, that dose was increased to 10mg / 40mg. Additionally, I was prescribed 40mg of pravachol. 30 Days into my diet, exercise, medication regimen, the changes in my lipid profiles were very dramatic and my BP was also reduced. From initial office readings that were 180-230 / 115-130, I presently experience between 95-110 / 60-65 after morning exercise to 115 - 130 / 70-80 in the afternoon. My next goal is to try and reduce the process with the medication by lowering the doses. In a strange way, as I have continued to lose weight and supposedly increase my fitness, I think some side effects of the medication are becoming more pronounced.

Sometimes maintaining the motivation is difficult but at those times, I focus on the consequences of elevated BP, glucose and cholesterol. As inspirational as this board is, it also reveals that medicine does not provide a solution, merely a palliative.

I was angry when I discoved I had HBP because I think that subconsciously, I knew it would require some changes, one of which was my relationship with food. I hesitate to get into the "psycho-babble" aspects of eating, but I did not want to contemplate giving up the ice cream and chocolate!

The great things about diet and exercise are that everyone can avail themselves of the benefits. The mathematic equation for weight loss and BP is that the Sys level drops 1 point for every 2 lbs in body weight. That drop is free of any consequences or side effects from medications!

Good luck to all in your quests for health!

[bethsheba]

Originally Posted by dmer

... As mentioned, I began this diet around Oct. 20th of 2007 and to date, have lost approx. 35lbs. In addition to this, I exercise 6 days per week, jogging 3 miles and brisk 1.6 mile walk.

That is absolutely marvelous!!! And not an easy accomplishment...but possible for many.

... For me at least, this was essential in adhering to any sort of diet because all a small "sensible" portion of chips or chocolate did for me was lead to the desire for more.

This certainly applies in my situation, .

... Some diets preach a relentless variety and having fish 2-3 times per week.

Research has found that people who eat the same foods regularly don't generally have a problem with weight. However, some people benefit with a variety as it may prevent them from binging. Professionals stress variety due to the benefits of combined nutrients, etc.

...In a strange way, as I have continued to lose weight and supposedly increase my fitness, I think some side effects of the medication are becoming more pronounced.

Not strange at all...weight, muscle, and fitness all play a role in how we process some medications. I'm surprised you haven't experienced times when the medication has been too strong...perhaps you have and thus the more pronounced symptoms. If it were me, I would check with my doctor's office to see if a change could be made right away. I don't know how long after exercising you monitor, but you're getting into some diastolic pressures that may be too low.

... As inspirational as this board is, it also reveals that medicine does not provide a solution, merely a palliative.

If you read the government reports, you'll find the same thing (given that we're talking about primary hypertension)...but people want an easy fix, and doctors want a lucrative one....we won't even mention drug companies here.

... but I did not want to contemplate giving up the ice cream and chocolate!

You really do understand,

The great things about diet and exercise are that everyone can avail themselves of the benefits. The mathematic equation for weight loss and BP is that the Sys level drops 1 point for every 2 lbs in body weight. That drop is free of any consequences or side effects from medications!...

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree!!! And I will add that I have read that hypertension experts believe that 1/3 of the people taking medication, could reduce their pressures enough to be med free if they ate healthily and exercised regularly...

Bethsheba

[bethsheba]

Well famnd,

I thought I was pretty smart about nutrition, but I'm learning new stuff every day...for instance...

mayo, margerine, bbq sauce, and other condiments can have lots of sodium in them...I never looked before, . I never buy canned foods for that reason but I'm amazed that some of the "basics" can be loaded.

Have you found any unsalted margerine? I only looked at one store, but I looked at shelves and shelves and shelves of spreads and didn't find a single one that was salt free! Ditto for the bbq sauce!

Swam for at least 15 minutes tonight, Boy, do I feel good about myself! It's only Day 1, but at least it's a start.

Hope you are doing ok.

Take care.

Bethsheba

[flowergirl2day]

dmer,

My next goal is to try and reduce the process with the medication by lowering the doses. In a strange way, as I have continued to lose weight and supposedly increase my fitness, I think some side effects of the medication are becoming more pronounced.

Nothing strange about it. You need a dosage adjustment of your medications. The drug absorption, distribution and elimination is governed by pharmacokinetic processes - the actions of body on the drug. A change in body mass is reflected in the way the drug is absorbed and eliminated from the body. Serum creatinine is affected by dietary extremes.
Medications must be managed carefully during weight loss. This helps prevent itensified side effects.
Do you experience anxiety, fatigue or insomnia that you didn't have before the weight loss? Those are normal adverse reactions to medications with a change in food intake. Dosage reduction with substantial weight loss is necessary to avoid toxic effects of medication.
Congratulations on your successful weight loss! Be careful about setting your long-term weight loss goal. It should be reasonable and sustainable over a long period of time. This is the part that's most challenging. In order to maintain your weight loss, be prepared to keep up your current exercise regime. I read that a substantial weight loss (as per some BP study, I think 7.5kg) had a rather dissapointing effect on blood pressure reduction compared to a less impressive sustained weight loss.
I admire you for your truly impressive accomplishments! Given your motivation you won't have a problem achieving your goals.

Good luck!
flowergirl