Seriously need healthy recipe help for a picky eater

[dngnb8]

What is the texture of cooked Quinoa?

I think it depends on how it is prepared (cooked in liquid). I would say its like a steel cut oatmeal

 

[diesel]

Okay... odd question...

What is the texture of cooked Quinoa? The reason I ask is that I am not a big fan of the texture of brown rice. I do eat regular rice (really infrequently, like 2-3 times a month) couscous, ect. So, I just want to prepare myself!

There are also some other foods that intrigue me, but I have been too scared to try. What about Kale, Chinese Broccoli, and Winter Squashes? Are they good? How do you prepare them?

Also, I went ahead and ordered that salad spinner. I should have it sometime next week so that the following Monday I can start pre making my salads! Yay!

I haven't tried Quinoa yet. But because of this thread I'm going to try it next week. Winer squashes I just started to try. I put them chopped up in cubes in a lot of my soups. I also dice them up and roast in the oven. I do not like squash that looks like baby food. The color turns me off. I also put kale in a lot of my soups. It can be a strong flavor but when it cooks in the soup the flavor mellows out. Sorry haven't had Chinese Broccoli.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yeah I thought salad would be ok, but the calories are on the menu and the salads have 900+ calories...

I know there isn't a magic bullet for this, I guess I just wanted to vent. Any suggestions on healthy restaurants? I can manage something ok an Panera Bread (especially in the summer since the salad with the strawberries, blueberries, oranges, etc is amazing) but its the only thing I can think of. We don't have much around here maybe we just don't have the healthy restaurants.

BTW I would love to send him alone... I doubt he would like that but then I would also get some time to myself to just be home. I do much better at getting things done when I don't have someone to distract me.

You can always modify the salad. A basic garden salad won't be that bad--even if you brought you own fat free dressing. Just make sure it has veggies.

Because I eat the way that I eat, now--I have to make many accomodations and I find that most places--with minimal exception, there is something I can eat. Even if it is an egg white omelet at IHOP.

For chili's--could you do a fajita perhaps?

This is another reason why i don't like strict portions. I like to eat until I am full. And I try to find restaurants where veggies are an option. I can even order broccoli at Denny's. Not that I am jumping up and joy for it or anything. I like more veggie variety.

But there is nothing that says you have to order from the menu precisely the way it is spelled out.

BTW: Here is their guiltless grill: http://www.chilis.com/en/pages/menu.aspx

It does say "as served" so I Am not sure if that includes the side dishes or not--as those don't list separately on the nutrition guide. If it does include it, the salmon dish is 480...you could drop the rice and double the broccoli and that would cut the calories further.

I understand that everyone is different--but this is what I have had to do to avoid sugar. Now when I dine out, I don't go crazy and omit hidden sugars...but I do my best with what I have.

Because of my problem with sugar (my body craved an overabundance of it and it was the cause of my weight though I was not even close to pre-diabetic or anything)--just watching for that and upping the veggies has been a great thing for me.

Their side salad without dressing is only 180...

It is not unheard of for me to order extra of that, and sides of veggies or whatever.

Now if my husband had a hissy fit because I was eating like a rabbit--him wanting chips and salsa when I can't have it would be the least of his concerns.

 

[Bilberry]

You might pick up a copy of the South Beach diet and just stick with the first phase. The low carb diet is thought to help with lowering the chances of a heart attack.

Dr. Davis, another heart disease prevention cardiologist, will from time to time post recipes on his sight. Saw this one for chocolate squares the other day.

http://www.trackyourplaque.com/blog/2011/11/chocolate-for-adults-only.html

It is easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients, a few steps, and a few minutes. Set aside and save for an indulgence, e.g., dip into natural peanut or almond butter.

Ingredients:
8 ounces 100% unsweetened cocoa
5 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup dry roasted pistachios
1/4 cup whole flaxseeds or chia seeds
Truvia or other non-aqueous sweetener

Using double-boiler method, melt cocoa. Alternatively, melt cocoa in microwave in 15-20 second increments. Stir in coconut oil, pistachios, and flaxseeds or chia seeds. Stir in sweetener, mixing thoroughly. (Note that the sweetener must be non-aqueous, as water-based sweeteners will separate in the oils.)

Lay a sheet of parchment paper out on a large baking pan. Pour chocolate mixture slowly onto paper, tilting pan carefully to spread evenly until thickness of thick cardboard obtained. Place pan in refrigerator or freezer for 20 minutes.

Remove chocolate and break by hand into pieces of desired size.

If you have not already, would be a good idea to have you vitamin D levels checked, and supplement with fish oil, some kelp and vitamin K2. All are thought to help with decreasing heart disease plaque growth.

Good luck!

 

[FireDancer]

Yeah I thought salad would be ok, but the calories are on the menu and the salads have 900+ calories...

I know there isn't a magic bullet for this, I guess I just wanted to vent. Any suggestions on healthy restaurants? I can manage something ok an Panera Bread (especially in the summer since the salad with the strawberries, blueberries, oranges, etc is amazing) but its the only thing I can think of. We don't have much around here maybe we just don't have the healthy restaurants.

BTW I would love to send him alone... I doubt he would like that but then I would also get some time to myself to just be home. I do much better at getting things done when I don't have someone to distract me.

Do those 900 calories include dressing? If so and it is ranch or blue cheese you can substitute it for oil and vinegar. If there is stuff like bacon, fried chicken, or other high calorie additions to the salad you can ask for it without them and for just a grilled chicken breast to add. It might also be portion so you can ask for a to go box and put half in there before adding the dressing. I'm not too familiar with Chili's since it has been years since I've eaten at one.

I have found the healthiest restaurants to be either locally owned small restaurants or small local chains. If you were in Cleveland I could give you a list of what I think are good choices but I don't know where you are.

When I travel I use Yelp and search for "Healthy restaurants" and usually find something. There are reviews and you can learn a lot from that. We also have some local sources for restaurant info like PluggedInCleveland. You might have something similar by you or in the closest city.

Okay... odd question...

What is the texture of cooked Quinoa? The reason I ask is that I am not a big fan of the texture of brown rice. I do eat regular rice (really infrequently, like 2-3 times a month) couscous, ect. So, I just want to prepare myself!

It depends on how long you cook it but it is crunchier than rice. The red in my experience is more crunch than the regular. I can't really think of a good way to describe it or something to compare it to.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Do those 900 calories include dressing? If so and it is ranch or blue cheese you can substitute it for oil and vinegar. If there is stuff like bacon, fried chicken, or other high calorie additions to the salad you can ask for it without them and for just a grilled chicken breast to add. It might also be portion so you can ask for a to go box and put half in there before adding the dressing. I'm not too familiar with Chili's since it has been years since I've eaten at one.

I have found the healthiest restaurants to be either locally owned small restaurants or small local chains. If you were in Cleveland I could give you a list of what I think are good choices but I don't know where you are.

When I travel I use Yelp and search for "Healthy restaurants" and usually find something. There are reviews and you can learn a lot from that. We also have some local sources for restaurant info like PluggedInCleveland. You might have something similar by you or in the closest city.



It depends on how long you cook it but it is crunchier than rice. The red in my experience is more crunch than the regular. I can't really think of a good way to describe it or something to compare it to.

The 900 calorie salad is the Buffalo Chicken one..so you can imagine. Yes, it all includes dressing....

But the Cobb Salad is only 710...that includes cheese, eggs, and bacon crumbles as well as blue cheese I think. You could cut the dressing, put on fat free honey mustard if desired (I usually use a low fat ranch), cut the bacon and you would shave off probably 200-300 calories.

Aside from the dressing and the bacon, it is pretty calorically dense for the protein items on there.

The Quesadilla explosion salad is a hefty 1300 calories. But it includes a quesadilla that is laoded with cheese and fried.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Yeah I thought salad would be ok, but the calories are on the menu and the salads have 900+ calories...

I know there isn't a magic bullet for this, I guess I just wanted to vent. Any suggestions on healthy restaurants? I can manage something ok an Panera Bread (especially in the summer since the salad with the strawberries, blueberries, oranges, etc is amazing) but its the only thing I can think of. We don't have much around here maybe we just don't have the healthy restaurants.

BTW I would love to send him alone... I doubt he would like that but then I would also get some time to myself to just be home. I do much better at getting things done when I don't have someone to distract me.

The "Guiltless Grill" meals at Chili's are pretty good. I usually get the salmon. Just lightly seasoned and seared, served with steamed veggies with a little parmesean cheese.

Salads can be so hard, because of all the fatty toppings and dressings that most restaurants use. I'll get a salad at Chili's and similar restaurants, but (depending on the salad) ask for grilled chicken instead of crispy, no croutons, crispy tortilla strips, bacon, ham, sour cream, etc. I'll usually leave the cheese and/or guacamole on because I love them and I figure a small amount of fat is all right, but leaving those off would make it even healthier.

Also, ask for their lightest dressing (most restaurants have some sort of low fat viniagrette), and get it on the side. Then, instead of pouring it over your salad, dip your fork into the dressing before using it to pierce a bite of salad. You'll get enough dressing to give the bite some flavor without drenching it, and you'll be surprised at how little dressing you use.

 

[kamik86]

For chili's--could you do a fajita perhaps?

This is what I usually get, the chicken fajitas and then no sour cream or lettuce (I don't like the shredded stuff that comes in huge bags in restaurants... and it sticks to everything)

I probably only eat about half the avocado, all the cheese and tomato, all the tortillas, and about half the onions (they give you more then would fit in the tortillas)

I don't know it just doesn't seem like it could be that healthy...

 

[cabanafrau]

I have a huge problem with this. I will give an example. My husband likes to go to chilis on Friday's I don't work. I don't think they have anything healthy that I would eat, and the things I will eat are over 100 calories. Oh and he will not allow not ordering both chips and salsa and hot wings (and no if you put hotwings in front of me I don't have the will power to not eat them I will admit that)

So last week he wanted to go on saturday, I didn't want to go. WAsn't even diet related that time, I just had other stuff I wanted to get done and its almost 45 min away. Just seemed like a waste of time... Yeah he was miserable half the day because he didn't get to do the one thing he wanted to do. I have no idea how to handle this. He wants taco bell, burger king, pizza, chilis etc often. (at least 1 or 2 of these a week, sometimes more). I am also trying to turn around my eating habits but I have no idea how to handle this. I can't take my husband being miserable. It makes me miserable then I feel guilty and then end up eating ice cream. (I massively do comfort foods, working on that too)

Oh and if I say the reason is diet related its even worse because then he will start telling me that if I just exercised more it wouldn't be a problem and that its not so bad once in a while and all this other stuff. He is getting a bit of a gut but is one of those people that never excercises, eats whatever he wants, and yet weights 175 lbs has no blood pressure issues, etc.

Me I have high blood pressure and weigh 260 lbs. I can't keep doing this but short of leaving my husband I don't know if I'll be able to do it. Yes this is probably a will power issue. I don't have the will power to deal with my husband being miserable, but I don't think I can change that.

I can't read this and say nothing. You're in your twenties! You should not & definitely cannot weigh 260 lbs., already have high blood pressure & have much quality of life to look forward to. You have posted before about situations with your husband and quite frankly everything has to be his way, period. This is not good, not good at all. You are allowing yourself to fall into a pit it will be very hard to climb back out of. You can do it. You have to do it.

BTW, your husband is also in his 20's, his ironclad metabolism will fail in time. And when it does, it will fail epically. Look back at the OP's first post, do you want to find yourself in her shoes, taking care of a husband who is in terrible health? Can you honestly say he will take care of you in poor health? Nope, it will be all about him & his needs. You think he can be miserable now?

You are smart, educated, hard-working & quite frankly from where I sit your DH is sabotaging everything and you are allowing it. That light you see is an oncoming train. You need to take a stand for what you need in life and you have the right to expect his support. If he refuses to do so, you need to stand your ground. You are literally throwing your life away.

I apologize for saying it so ruthlessly, but you are in much, much worse shape than the OP of this very thread and I think it's tragic. I'm not trying to be a nasty wench to you, I'm just hoping to shake you out of your coma. It's high time you put you first & he has to suck it up and get on board.

 

[punkin]

I can't read this and say nothing. You're in your twenties! You should not & definitely cannot weigh 260 lbs., already have high blood pressure & have much quality of life to look forward to. You have posted before about situations with your husband and quite frankly everything has to be his way, period. This is not good, not good at all. You are allowing yourself to fall into a pit it will be very hard to climb back out of. You can do it. You have to do it.

BTW, your husband is also in his 20's, his ironclad metabolism will fail in time. And when it does, it will fail epically. Look back at the OP's first post, do you want to find yourself in her shoes, taking care of a husband who is in terrible health? Can you honestly say he will take care of you in poor health? Nope, it will be all about him & his needs. You think he can be miserable now?

You are smart, educated, hard-working & quite frankly from where I sit your DH is sabotaging everything and you are allowing it. That light you see is an oncoming train. You need to take a stand for what you need in life and you have the right to expect his support. If he refuses to do so, you need to stand your ground. You are literally throwing your life away.

I apologize for saying it so ruthlessly, but you are in much, much worse shape than the OP of this very thread and I think it's tragic. I'm not trying to be a nasty wench to you, I'm just hoping to shake you out of your coma. It's high time you put you first & he has to suck it up and get on board.

I was just sitting here biting my lip and sitting on my hands not to write the exact same thing you just did.

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

I was just sitting here biting my lip and sitting on my hands not to write the exact same thing you just did.

Me too.

 

[kamik86]

I can't read this and say nothing. You're in your twenties! You should not & definitely cannot weigh 260 lbs., already have high blood pressure & have much quality of life to look forward to. You have posted before about situations with your husband and quite frankly everything has to be his way, period. This is not good, not good at all. You are allowing yourself to fall into a pit it will be very hard to climb back out of. You can do it. You have to do it.

BTW, your husband is also in his 20's, his ironclad metabolism will fail in time. And when it does, it will fail epically. Look back at the OP's first post, do you want to find yourself in her shoes, taking care of a husband who is in terrible health? Can you honestly say he will take care of you in poor health? Nope, it will be all about him & his needs. You think he can be miserable now?

You are smart, educated, hard-working & quite frankly from where I sit your DH is sabotaging everything and you are allowing it. That light you see is an oncoming train. You need to take a stand for what you need in life and you have the right to expect his support. If he refuses to do so, you need to stand your ground. You are literally throwing your life away.

I apologize for saying it so ruthlessly, but you are in much, much worse shape than the OP of this very thread and I think it's tragic. I'm not trying to be a nasty wench to you, I'm just hoping to shake you out of your coma. It's high time you put you first & he has to suck it up and get on board.

I realize my health is not good, I'm trying to change, I just haven't been able to do so with grad school and work. Grad school is slowing down alot now, almost at the end for this semester and only need one class next semester.

As for my blood pressure, It has been high since I was 17 and weighed 170 lbs which although was not perfect was much better. I hope to get the bp down a bit with loosing weight but honestly that one I'm not expecting much. My blood pressure moves up and down with stress from anything from low 120s to high 140s most of the time depending on what kind of day I had at work and home.

I don't know why this is the one thing I can't put myself first in. I have no trouble with that when it comes to work, getting my degree, my job, the extra projects required for the program I'm in. I just can't seem to do it for this. I have woke up quite a bit about this lately and my health really is starting to scare me, but to be honest I don't know how to fix it. I'm not even sure I know what a really healthy meal looks like because with the OP the things in her list didn't sound so bad. That is how I always ate as a kid, if not worse.

Here is another question... what do you do for lunches for work? I have access to a fridge and microwave but can't really go anywhere due to the time it would take to get there. The work cafeteria is kind of gross (taste and health wise). I tned to have frozen dinner process stuff that I know is awful for me.

 

[AlwaysMoving]

Here is another question... what do you do for lunches for work? I have access to a fridge and microwave but can't really go anywhere due to the time it would take to get there. The work cafeteria is kind of gross (taste and health wise). I tned to have frozen dinner process stuff that I know is awful for me.

You are right. Stay away from freezer "health" meals. They are full of salt. Try taking small portions of dinner from the night before. That way you stay well balanced.

ETA: If it hasn't been said before now, you have got to pull out the measuring cups and start using them. Portions are not as large as you might think they are. Then again, after I began using measuring cups, I was surprised just how large 1/2 cup of cooked rice is once it is spread out on a plate. Play a psychological game with yourself. Put only a very tiny amount of food on your fork. Put the fork down between bites. Chew for a long time. It might not work for everyone, but it works for me.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I don't know it just doesn't seem like it could be that healthy...

Ask them to grill the veggies and the meat.

Typically they are sauteed in grease. I had thought about that after I typed. But at this time, I don't have an issue with "fat" as long as there isn't too much and a fajita wouldn't be a weakly thing for me. It would be an occasional indulgence.

The guiltless grill would be safer for you IMHO.

Also, FYI--many restaurants sautee their veggies in butter. So there is often hidden calories.

For some folks, calorie count is the issue, for others fat is the issue, for others the sugar is the issue.

Listen--I couldn't put myself first. I decided to try Frank's way and see food as fuel. He is not a supporter of gimmick diets--but I will say that South Beach helps me to purge those urges. I can now see food as fuel.

I will not lie--sometimes, I would just love to sit and scarf down a box of oreos. But I can't. So I scarf down a bag of snap peas instead. Or I make a steamer bag of peas and then toss in some EVOO and salt and pepper. (*no BP issues). And if I want a smidge of flavor, I will toss in some cheese. But in relation to the peas, it isn't that much.

I tried Weight watchers, moderation--all that stuff. It just doesn't work for me. That sugar is killer and makes me ravenous.

YMMV--it doesn't work for everyone. We all have very different things that our body responds well or poorly to.

 

[punkin]

I realize my health is not good, I'm trying to change, I just haven't been able to do so with grad school and work. Grad school is slowing down alot now, almost at the end for this semester and only need one class next semester.

As for my blood pressure, It has been high since I was 17 and weighed 170 lbs which although was not perfect was much better. I hope to get the bp down a bit with loosing weight but honestly that one I'm not expecting much. My blood pressure moves up and down with stress from anything from low 120s to high 140s most of the time depending on what kind of day I had at work and home.

I don't know why this is the one thing I can't put myself first in. I have no trouble with that when it comes to work, getting my degree, my job, the extra projects required for the program I'm in. I just can't seem to do it for this. I have woke up quite a bit about this lately and my health really is starting to scare me, but to be honest I don't know how to fix it. I'm not even sure I know what a really healthy meal looks like because with the OP the things in her list didn't sound so bad. That is how I always ate as a kid, if not worse.

Here is another question... what do you do for lunches for work? I have access to a fridge and microwave but can't really go anywhere due to the time it would take to get there. The work cafeteria is kind of gross (taste and health wise). I tned to have frozen dinner process stuff that I know is awful for me.

Have you tried weight watchers? They are really into portion control, and I know a lot of people are happy with them. I think that eating right when you haven't been raised with it can be difficult without help. You need some sort of "healthy living" education - not a diet (well, a diet, but not in the restricted calorie sense). A nutritionist could also help.

 

[cabanafrau]

I realize my health is not good, I'm trying to change, I just haven't been able to do so with grad school and work. Grad school is slowing down alot now, almost at the end for this semester and only need one class next semester.

As for my blood pressure, It has been high since I was 17 and weighed 170 lbs which although was not perfect was much better. I hope to get the bp down a bit with loosing weight but honestly that one I'm not expecting much. My blood pressure moves up and down with stress from anything from low 120s to high 140s most of the time depending on what kind of day I had at work and home.

I don't know why this is the one thing I can't put myself first in. I have no trouble with that when it comes to work, getting my degree, my job, the extra projects required for the program I'm in. I just can't seem to do it for this. I have woke up quite a bit about this lately and my health really is starting to scare me, but to be honest I don't know how to fix it. I'm not even sure I know what a really healthy meal looks like because with the OP the things in her list didn't sound so bad. That is how I always ate as a kid, if not worse.

Here is another question... what do you do for lunches for work? I have access to a fridge and microwave but can't really go anywhere due to the time it would take to get there. The work cafeteria is kind of gross (taste and health wise). I tned to have frozen dinner process stuff that I know is awful for me.

Number one, go to your doctor! Old folks in their 40's & 50's start having uncontrolled blood pressure issues. You have had a long-standing blood pressure and weight issue & it is critical your doctor monitor you. Don't attempt to throw yourself into even mild exercise w/o your doc's blessing. Seriously, I know someone who was told by their doc to head immediately to the pharmacy, fill the prescription for blood pressure meds, take as prescribed, monitor their pressure several times a day & no physical activity until a return visit & authorized to do so. This is nothing to fool around with! Go to your doc.

In the meantime, no fast foods, period!

Roll through this thread for the great suggestions, websites & cookbooks so many have given here. Work realistically through them to see what you can start with. Definitely start reading labels about sodium -- it is not your friend. Talk to your DH about coming up together w/ some compromise recipes you can try out. If he finds broccoli repulsive, you can compromise to not including any in the main dish. If you love it, perfectly okay to steam up some on the side just for you. If he refuses to cooperate at all with the changes you MUST make, that's his problem. Cook for yourself & leave him to fend for himself.

Take your leftovers as your lunch & warm them up in the microwave.

Go to your doc, I beg you. Your situation is urgent, no fooling. Your doc will hopefully hook you up with a dietician. I'm sure some of the posters here will step up w/ some more ideas for you. FireDancer, this is a perfect fit for your knowledge -- this lady must make her decisions unilaterally to save her life & you've got the GPS coordinates. Her DH is more than welcome to come along for the ride, but it's got to be all about her right now.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Here is another question... what do you do for lunches for work? I have access to a fridge and microwave but can't really go anywhere due to the time it would take to get there. The work cafeteria is kind of gross (taste and health wise). I tned to have frozen dinner process stuff that I know is awful for me.

I sometimes have to transport food. I have learned to eat cooked veggies cold since I don't have access to heat. But since you have heat, that isn't an issue...

Steamer veggie bags!!!!! I love them. I tend to migrate towards a few favorites, but it works for me. They also have brown rice bags--but that is way too much in one sitting. So if you nuke that in the morning and then take a single serving of it, bring your veggies--nuke those at work and mix them, it is a nice healthy lunch. If you want to "season it up", you can add some lemon pepper or regular pepper and some EVOO.

Low fat cheese sticks--a nice controlled portion!

For meat, I am not against lunch meat. So you could get some lean cuts of turkey or chicken.

One thing that is KEY! Many complain that things are too bland...but our taste buds have been dulled by all the unhealthy eating. If you give yourself time, that will change.

If you can tolerate beans, my favorite is Cannellini which I think is also called Northern beans.

My meals are protein + veg and then a much smaller carb portion that is whole grain and then a fruit for dessert.

I am not going to kid you that it is easy--that is why I did South Beach. It was 2 weeks of hard and then much easier after that. I did not feel I fully got rid of my cravings though. I was paranoid for weeks at the sight of anything with sugar.

I now allow my birthday to be whatever I want. The only rule is that I MUST eat vegetables on that day. I don't go hog wild--but I had lots of chocolate chip cookies on my birthday and cheddar biscuits with my otherwise reasonable dinner that night. For my kids and husband's birthday, I allow myself a small indulgence of cake. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinner into Christmas Day have relaxed rules with care to eat veggies.

Other than that--I really don't plan on munching on sweets and bad carbs. So I don't get chips or cookies or white bread or rolls with dinner any other time. It just isn't worth it.

Sparingly means just that--sparingly.

 

[dngnb8]

It is hard for me to read a post about healthy food from someone who openly admits she loves Pooh

 

[kamik86]

Number one, go to your doctor! Old folks in their 40's & 50's start having uncontrolled blood pressure issues. You have had a long-standing blood pressure and weight issue & it is critical your doctor monitor you. Don't attempt to throw yourself into even mild exercise w/o your doc's blessing. Seriously, I know someone who was told by their doc to head immediately to the pharmacy, fill the prescription for blood pressure meds, take as prescribed, monitor their pressure several times a day & no physical activity until a return visit & authorized to do so. This is nothing to fool around with! Go to your doc.

In the meantime, no fast foods, period!

Roll through this thread for the great suggestions, websites & cookbooks so many have given here. Work realistically through them to see what you can start with. Definitely start reading labels about sodium -- it is not your friend. Talk to your DH about coming up together w/ some compromise recipes you can try out. If he finds broccoli repulsive, you can compromise to not including any in the main dish. If you love it, perfectly okay to steam up some on the side just for you. If he refuses to cooperate at all with the changes you MUST make, that's his problem. Cook for yourself & leave him to fend for himself.

Take your leftovers as your lunch & warm them up in the microwave.

Go to your doc, I beg you. Your situation is urgent, no fooling. Your doc will hopefully hook you up with a dietician. I'm sure some of the posters here will step up w/ some more ideas for you. FireDancer, this is a perfect fit for your knowledge -- this lady must make her decisions unilaterally to save her life & you've got the GPS coordinates. Her DH is more than welcome to come along for the ride, but it's got to be all about her right now.

I have been to the doctor. I have an appointment with a new one on Dec 13th (old one stopped practicing or left the area, letter didn't say which). They haven't put me on meds, its still technically not high enough consistently to need that (technically high blood pressure is more then 140/(something, I don't pay attention to the bottom numbers since mine are ok) good is less then 120. I tend to be in the borderline area between them, its only a problem because I'm 25.

There is a nutritionist that comes to work a few days a week I'll try and make an appointment tomorrow (no one is there past 3:00 so its too late today)

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It is hard for me to read a post about healthy food from someone who openly admits she loves Pooh

He does love his sugar.