I am new here, looking for top tips

[Trixi73]

Thanks for allowing me to join. I am 48 and have inflammatory arthritis, dry eye and Blepharitis. I am borderline hypertension diastolic in the 90's. Bloods, ECG and urine test on Friday then review with the GP. Most likely diet and lifestyle changes. Reading up on diet and lifestyle changes today, I became slightly overwhelmed. What is the best way to start making positive changes, so they are sustainable

[Qualipop]

AFter my heart attack the cardiac nurse told me to concentrate on one thing at a time; not try to do it all at once. In order were stop smoking- the most important. Second exercise; just short walks each day and 3rd diet/weight. Cut out ready meals, pizzas and such and make your own meals which I did anyway but my husband is a huge pie fan- t hey were first to go then I started adding more veg like into bolognese or pasta dishes. Swap vegetable oil for a good rape seed oil. The BHF website has a great section of recipes. I didn't need to lose weight but it happened anyway when i cut out hubby's pies. I even started using quorn in some dishes and he still has no idea.

[Alison_L in reply to Qualipop]

LOL Your poor husband. I bet he's wondering how he's managed to get healthier without trying!!

[Qualipop in reply to Alison_L]

Well, if I told him, he'd never eat it.He won't even eat pasta or curry- nothing "new or foreign muck". He's seriously stuck in the 1950s. meat and two veg, pies, chips , lashings of mash and mountains of cake despite being diabetic. No wonder he's diabetic. Won't pay bills by direct debit, cash only; stays with same company as he always has; won't even send meter readings by phone---"They can send someone to read it". Drives me crazy. Heavy glass lenses in his specs because he's always had glass. I do wonder about OCD.

[Thanksnhs in reply to Qualipop]

That made me smile ☺ I was born in the 50's and I am with him on the food, I hate foreign food never ate a curry in my life, give me a good steak pie totties and gravy any day 😋, but I am fine with my direct debit and I have smart meters for gas and electricity so I don't have to read them at all char

[Qualipop in reply to Thanksnhs]

The strange thing is I was born in the 40s but will try anything foodwise ( except avocado and the weird and wonderful grains) and I absolutely love computers and tech and cars. I have thought many times he must have OCD as everything has to be done on the same day at the same time

[Thanksnhs in reply to Qualipop]

You must have the patience of a Saint, I live myself as I know I am the only person that would put up with me 🤣 char

[Qualipop in reply to Thanksnhs]

You get used to it. Even when I had a HA he went back to bed as the ambulance took me to A&E- because it was bedtime and he can't "do" illness. OCD is an illness; pointless trying to change it.

[Jessiebrown in reply to Qualipop]

Sounds like my other half,ha ha,,he’s just had a ha but still won’t learn,best of luck xu

[Qualipop in reply to Jessiebrown]

Mine's diabetic but eats 4 cakes and 2 packs of biscuits a week and bacon every morning. Comes a point when you simply can't change them.

[Trixi73 in reply to Qualipop]

Brilliant advice, thank you xx

[Horner88 in reply to Qualipop]

You might want to research seed oils. They are now widely held to be inflammatory and a cause of arterial damage. I totally avoid them in favour of good quality olive oil.

[Trixi73 in reply to Horner88]

Thsnks good to know x

[Trixi73]

Thanks so much really helpful info x