Help!! Advice/sympathy/motivation needed.

[cariad]

Do you ever get to a point where you realise that all along you had a choice to make, and then you realise the choice has been taken away from you?? I know, it sounds a bit cryptic and deep, but I'm a wee bit thoughtful at the mo! LOL

Well - I've been quite ill for the last month or so (with constant dizzy spells, extreme tiredness etc), so I eventually hauled my sizeable butt to the doctors the other week for blood tests etc. Everything is back - and I have stage 2 hypertension, in other words extremely high blood pressure (it was 160/110 for those in the know. Scary) Equally frightening is that he said 'I have seldom met anyone with such high cholesterol" - it's 9.4. So, I'm a bit terrified to be frank. He's taken me off the pill and said I'll never be on one again - so that's something to sort out. Even if I DID want to get pregnant right now, it would be really stupid and potentially fatal. He really wants to get me on medication for both, and I really don't want to have to, as that's it then. Anyway, he's given me a month to try and have a practically fat free diet with exercise to see how I go at reducing any levels as 'I'm not going to have a heart attack or a stroke in the next month' apparently. I'm 33 for goodness sake, this is just insane!

So - I thought I'd ask for any advice that's going. At the moment, I've been cooking and eating as healthily as I know how - salads, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, a very low fat chicken curry with no salt added and brown rice...I think I'll get very bored, so I need advice for stuff that's quick, easy, very low fat and tasty please!

I also need to learn not to be permanently stressed. Hard when you don't realise that you are like that permanently, and that you now have MORE things to think about and try to fit in round work/study/life in general.

So yes, I admit to feeling a bit sorry for myself, but I really don't have a choice as I intend to live a wee bit longer. I just wish I'd known sooner instead of imagining everything was alright. Thanks for your help, lovely groovers.

Oh, and I have to lose 23 kilos. That's over 50 pounds. I still think that's a bit on the too thin side for my frame, but we'll see. How the heck am I going to manage this? I knew I was fat, but I didn't think it was THAT fat.

[Ang]

Awwww Di that's crap

The weight loss I really can't help with any suggestions as I battle unsucessfully with that one.

I really can't offer any help at all but didn't want to read and run

[Ang]

I have found this online low fat recipe book if it's any help. There's loads of recipes so plenty of choice to keep the boredom at bay

[Jen1]

Oh Di, I'm so sorry to hear this. But all is not lost. PM me your email address and I'll send you all the low fat recipes I have. Remember to do regular gentle exercise as well.

Rob had high cholesterol and his mum gave him a list of do's and don't's. I'll try and get him to scan it in at work and email to you too

Don't focus on the amount of weight you have to lose. Take it in small chunks (that's what I have to do) and by changing to a healthier diet will make you feel tons better after just a few days

As for stress etc, is there anything you can cut back on? Maybe go on a break somewhere to relax? I'm not sure what's possible but hope it works out for you

[Jenny]

Oh Diane sorry to hear that

I have some low fat recipe books I'd be happy to copy some bits out of and send them on if you like.

As for relaxation how about doing a gentle yoga class? Not one of the ones where you're bending about but one that focuses on breathing etc??

[KarenE]

I definitely think you need to address the stress - yoga, CBT, etc will all be options.
Once you aren't as stressed, then you won't feed the need to reward yourself with treats?

I hope the diet goes well, but if you do have to go on medication, then that's the way it has to be.

[cariad]

Well, my BP was 150/100 today. Still high (but hey, I'm taking it as an improvement!) - I had to get another blood test today for cholesterol, and funnily enough after walking to the surgery and an hour hanging around, I was dehydrated and she couldn't get any blood out. The are then was all swollen so she refused to take blood from the same site, and had to take it from the bicep. All I can say is OUCH. I'm a wee bit bruised LOL.

Got to go back on Thursday again to get the cholesterol results. I really, really don't want to go on tablets, so I hope it's getting lower (though I think expecting a change in 4 days is a bit much, so I'm going to make sure he gives me the month to work at things).

Thanks for your support (thanks again Jen for the yummy recipes!) - I actually managed to go to a pub dinner with 15 people last night and stick to 2 cranberry juices and a greek salad. Woo me!

[Teresa]

Di

If you do a web search you will probably be able to find lots of low fat recipes. I know there are some on the bbc site under the food section.

There was a program on Channel 4 a little while ago called cook yourself thin. There are some recipes here if you want to have a look:

Cook Yourself Thin | New cookery show from Channel 4


I have the book and would be happy to type out some of the recipes and email them to you. Just pm me you email address and I can send them on to you. I think I also have another low fat book at home so can have a look at it for you and email you some of the recipes.

[saracat]

My mum used to swear by the Rosemary Connelly low fat diet for easiness. I am sure some of her recipe books would be knocking around really cheap these days as she is not as popular as some of the newer diet people.

I think you will find that the low fat cooking for your cholesterol and the yoga or similar for the stress will help with the weightloss without too much more worry over how you can acheive it.

Good luck for Thursday.

[Mrs Mac]

Sorry to hear your news Di. I'm in the process of loosing weight too and have found the weight watchers scales invaluable. I don't know if you can get them over there. The reason they are fab is that they tell you even if you've lost .1 of a pound! Which I think is wonderful.
Keep up the good work though.

[KM]

I'm also very sorry to hear you're news Di - big hugs from me x

Here are some Weight watchers recipes, all tried and tested by me and are lovely


HUNTSMAN CHICKEN
Serves 2 @ 4 points each

Preheat oven to gas mark 5/190 degrees C

To make a BBQ sauce, heat a saucepan and spray with low fat cooking spray. Cook 10 silverskin onions (drained and rinsed) and a small clove of garlic for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Add 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tbsp cider vinegar, 1/2 tbsp tomato ketchup, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp mild chilli powder, 1/2 tbsp tomato puree, 1/2 tbsp brown sauce and 3 fl ozs water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes until beginning to thicken. Set aside.

Wrap 2 chicken breasts in 1 rasher of bacon each and put into an ovenproof dish. Pour over the BBQ sauce and bake in the oven for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through



INDIAN CHICKEN SHASHLIC
7 Points per serving

Marinate a chicken breast in 2 tbsps low fat natural yoghurt and 2 tsps tandoori spice mix.

Thread onto a skewer with peppers and onions and grill until cooked.

Serve with 100g cooked rice and saag aloo:

Spray a frying pan with frylight. Add a chopped potato (approx 150g), 1/2 diced onion, a clove of garlic and approx 1/2 inch grated ginger. Fry for 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 tin chopped tomatoes, 1 tbsp balti paste and some chicken stock. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potato is cooked through. Add a large handful of baby leaf spinach and cook for another couple of minutes until spinach is wilted.


YUMMY TURKEY
Put a 125g turkey breast steak between 2 pieces of cling film and hit with a rolling pin until thin.

Put the turkey on top of 2 slices of parma ham.

On top of the turkey, put 25g low fat brie and 25g of sliced peppadew peppers.

Roll up and place in a baking dish. Spray with fry light and bake at 180 degrees celcius for approx 30 minutes until cooked through.

Serve with a 225g baked potato and mixed leaf lettuce and wild rocket salad dressed with balsamic vinegar

Whole meal is 7.5 points on weight watchers and is delicious


THAI PORK CURRY
Serves 1 @ 3.5 points

Low fat cooking spray
1 crushed garlic clove
1 tsp Thai Red curry paste
100g lean pork steak, all fat removed, meat sliced finely
2.5cm pice of fresh root ginger, chopped finely
2 tbsp chicken stock
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp reduced fat coconut milk
1/2 tsp ground turneric
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Heat large non stick frying pan, spray with low fat cooking spray and then stir fry the garlic until golden brown. Add the curry paste and stir in.
Add the pork and stir fry for another 2 minutes until the pork is browned. Then add the remaining ingredients in turn, stirring constantly for a minute or so until heated through. Serve with 150g of cooked rice for an extra 3 points


MALAYSIAN CHICKEN
serves 1 @ 2.5 points

1 smal onion sliced
1/2 red chilli, deseeded and chopped finely
low fat cooking spray
1 x 150g skinless, boneless chicken breast, diced
1 tsp light brown sugar
2 tsp soy sauce
4 tbsps chicken stock
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

in a non-stick saucepan, fry the onions and chilli in low fat cooking spray for 2 minutes
Add the chicken and stir fry for 1 minute over a high heat, then sprinkle in the sugar and cook for 1 minute more until caremelised
Mix the soy, stock and rice vinegar or lime juice together. Pour over the chicken, cover the pan and simmer gently for 10 minutes
Remove the lid, increase the heat and bubble for 2 minutes until slightly reduced, tossing the chicken in the sauce to glaze.
Serve with 150g boiled rice for an extra 3 points


TURKEY STEAK WITH CARAMALISED ONIONS
serves 2 @ 5.5 points each

15g low fat polyunsaturated margarine
1 tbsp caster sugar
2 apples, cored and each cut into small wedges
low fat cooking spray
2 x 125g turkey breast steaks
1 small onion, chopped finely
150ml apple juice
1 tbsp cider vinegar
50g half fat creme fraiche

Melt the margerine and sugar in a large non-stick frying pan, add the apple wedges and fry for about 3 minutes each side until golden and lightly caramelised. Remove to a plate.
Spray frying pan with low fat cooking spray and season the turkey steaks. Fry for 3 minutes then turn, scattering the onion around the turkey. Fry for a further 3 minutes, stirring the onion once or twice, then pour in the apple juice and cider vinegar.
Bubble for 2 minutes, then stir in the creme fraiche and apples to warm through for about 30 seconds before serving with 200g mashed potatoes and a variety of point free vegetables for an extra 2 points


SAUSAGE BEAN HOTPOT
serves 2 @ 4 points each

low fat cooking spray
4 thick low fat sausages
1 sliced onion
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
1/2 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
150ml vegetable stock
1 x 410g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Heat low fat cooking spray in a non-stick frying pan and fry the sausages for 5 minutes on a medium heat until browned.
Add the garlic and herbs and cook for 30 seconds then stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook for a final 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly


MAPLE & MUSTARD CHICKEN TRAY BAKE
serves 4 @ 5.5 points each

800g small new potatoes, halved
2 red onions, chopped roughly
2 courgettes, chopped roughly
1 tbsp olive oil
4 x 125g chicken breasts, seasoned
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 heaped tbsp grain mustard
juice 1 lemon
250g cherry tomatoes

Preheat oven to Gas Mark 6, 200 degrees C/fan oven 180 degrees C
Parboil the potatoes in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and mix with th eonions, courgettes, olive oil and seasoning in a large roasting tin. Place in the oven and cook for 15 minutes.
Stir the vegetables around and add the seasoned chicken breasts to the roasting tin. Roast for a further 10 minutes.
Mix the maple syrup with the mustard and lemon juice. Stir the vegetables around again adding the tomatoes and drizzle the maple mustard glaze all over the chicken and vegetables.
Roast for a final 15 minutes


WARM CHICKEN & BACON SALAD - Serves 1 @ 5.5 points
(really yummy as salads go!!!!)

low fat cooking spray
1 x 150g skinless, boneless chicken breast, diced
2 rashers lean back bacon, chopped
4 spring onions
cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
50g raw young spinach leaves
salad leaves

Lightly coat a non-stick frying pan with low fat cooking spray
Season the chicken and add to the pan with the bacon. Stir fry for 5 minutes until browned.
Mix in the spring onions and tomatoes and fry for 2 minutes, stirring occassionally. Add the balsamic vinegar and bubble for a few seconds, then immediately spoon on top of the spinach and salad leaves.


x

[Dawnie]

Di darlin - that sucks like a dyson!

And 50lbs! I know you and I are a bit fond of our pies but Christ you do not need to lose 50lbs!

However, if it will help, I will join you with the losing of weight at the moment as i'm a bloaty lardarse and I want you to feel better and not struck down with blood pressure issues.

Boss is out this arvo if you're around.

xx

[cariad]

Poo. Missed you due to husband hogging the modem. Will you be around today? (the 10th)

Oh and thanks again to everyone that's sent messages, recipes, hugs and support. It's all equally valued and appreciated. Y'see, that's what keeps Groovy great.

[Dawnie]

I'm around in about 10 mins if you are!

[Dawnie]

Scrub that - got to see the occupational health bird - back in an hour hopefully!

[Karen]

Oh Di I'm sorry to read this and sorry I'm late, I'm crap at keeping up with things on Groovy.

Can't really give you any advise but wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you.

Hope that makes sense!

[claire]

cant really add much more than already suggested Di but didnt want to read and run so have a cyber chick. Oh and those recipes KM has posted sound scrummy might pinch them myself to try.

lv
c
xx

[Jill]

Hi Di,

I have on and off high blood pressure too, so can identify with you a little on that one..and also teh reluctance to give teh Dr any of your precious blood!

When I was Pg, my bp went through the roof (medical term!0 and I was put on a low salt diet. Haing being on low fat diet etc, I thought it would be OK, but it was so difficult. I would say that if the Dr hasn't mentioned this too you, then it maybe isn't an issue with you, but worth keeping an eye on. I found that they seemed to hide salt in all my fave foods, bread, soup, tuna, cake etc. I think that they recommend no more than 2mg a day (but I would check as my meemory is dreadful!) but I was limited to 0.5 mgs, as it was a short term thing.

I have also been on a whole host of meds for it, and have recently been on an Ace inhibitor. This is also related to my diabetes. I can say that apart from a bit of a permanent tickly throt, it seem side effect free.
Are they sure you don't have "white coat hypertension", high blood pressure brought on by thinking, sh*t, theres a Dr coming at me with a horrible looking machine! My bp tended to be lower if I sat down and said nothing whilst they measured it, chatting to the nurse always pushed it up a bit.
Good luck with it. I think the meds that they recommend for high chlorestrol are called statins, and they are definately worth a read about. I admire you enormously for trying to sort it out "the hard way" ie, cutting down the food, rather thn just going straight for the drugs.

best of luck, Jill x