American in Middle East...food doesn't have nutrition facts here. - Weight Loss Message Board

Munozchick · 01-08-2005, 05:21 PM

Ok...I am an American living in the Middle East. A little background: I've been on medication for bipolar for about 3 years now and anti-dep. for about 8 years. Those medications made me gain about 35lbs. I am 21, 5'2" and weigh about 155lbs. I have been in the Middle East for about 6 months.
The problem is that they do not put the nutrition facts on most of their foods. They also do not have many low fat products here. I would like to lose weight but still be able to eat some of the foods that i enjoy that are low fat. Many of the foods here are very high in fat.
What can I do? Help!

-Deanne

~Summer~ · 01-08-2005, 06:07 PM

Well you could stick to the basics, generally - fruits & veggies run low calorie. Chicken is also lean & contains less calories than red meat, so that is a more healthy option. Also, since you do have an internet connection, you can look up calorie charts for specific foods that you eat - it may not be exact since you don't have a specific lable to go by, but you can at least get a general idea of the calorie content. You could also surf the internet for some healthy home recipes you can make on your own. I think fish is also lower in calories, but I'm not for sure on that - at least a less than red meat I know.

auntjudyg · 01-10-2005, 09:18 AM

IMHO and experience, I don't think low fat is the way to go with a history of mood disorders. Studies have shown that plenty of omega-3 fatty acids help. Just to keep in mind.

justanothagirl · 01-10-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auntjudyg

IMHO and experience, I don't think low fat is the way to go with a history of mood disorders. Studies have shown that plenty of omega-3 fatty acids help. Just to keep in mind.

Yup. You shouldn't give up the 'right' fats. A low-bad-fats diet is perfectly fine though. Just as you shouldnt give up carbs. In my opinion, a right diet is low in bad fats and low in simple carbs.

saraht1 · 01-11-2005, 04:58 PM

Deanne
Stick with fresh foods and you can use a food value chart of your own to figure. There are certain things I wouldn't worry about, like dates, they are good for you just don't eat a ton. My own experience in arab countries (I am assuming u r in 1) is that processed foods are used in a very limited way and fresh foods are so easy to get at the neighborhood market each day.

In general their nutrition is quite good though they may eat meat that in the U.S. we consider fattening, they just don't eat as much as we do.

As far as the processed stuff like Kiri, la vache qui rit, etc etc and the biscuits just limit yourself to one at tea time.

Sarah

P.S. Isn't the PX or BX stocked with american products??