Very low calorie diets and high blood pressure

[JLT1974]

Hi all

In an attempt to lose weight I have been considering following a very low calorie diet such as Exante or Cambridge .

Some conflicting information says we can and others say we shouldn’t.

Does anyone have any input on this? I know the diets are very restrictive but I’ve followed them before ( before being diagnosed with high blood pressure ) but I seriously need to shift some kilos!!!

Thanks in advance

JLT

[Happyrosie]

Have a look at the website of the British dietetic Association and search Hypertension. This gives you some facts. Other than that, the general medical feeling is that diets are bad for you - by which I mean specific diets such as low carb. The ‘diet ‘ you need is to eat healthily, fresh foods not manufactured ones, portion control, and exercise.

[JLT1974 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks - I am currently on a weight watchers plan but things have slowed.

I will take a look at the website u suggested.

JLT

[lettingoffsteam]

I lost five stone by reducing portion size, cutting out high carb and high fat food and by giving up meat.I eat mostly plant based with some fish, eggs and low fat dairy.I did this over a year...was a size 20, now a 12...big change!😁

[Grandies]

Hi, I've taken BP tablets for many years and through out that time ive struggled with my weight, I am sure half of it is due to worry about it.the more i seem to focus on diets the worse i get. Sorry this isent much help. Just to say the best advice i can give is to cut out the rubbish from your diet and concentrate on healthy eating, dont have a diet have an eating plan that helps you, but fits in with the family. When I've done that I've been more successful, but not perfect. The strange situation we are in at the moment is not a help, I'm finding I need treats. Xx

[Matman]

Consider the 16/8, but only on 5 Days a Week (e.g. Mon to Friday).

You can eat two ordinary sized meals a day, but only in the same 8 Hour Window each day.

Example: Eat at 11 in the Morning and 6 in the evening, then not again until 11 the next day.

In between meals you eat nothing, but you can drink the odd Mug of Black Tea or Black Coffee (no milk or sugar) providing you have not been advised to avoid caffeine. Neither Milk / Cream or Sugar in the Tea / Coffee is permitted, as that breaks the 16 Hour Daily Fasting Period. Certain Fruit Teas might be OK, providing they have zero sugar / carbs.

Only works if you avoid having a bigger than normal meal size when you reach a Meal Time, and likewise, eat normal meal sizes (not excessively) on the two days a week you permit yourself to eat three meals a day.

Also take a look at the 5/2 Diet, which allows you to eat normally 5 Days a week, but to severely restrict calories on the other two days (per the dietary advice it provides for the two diet days).

Discuss with your Medical Adviser first, as certain health conditions may mean each of the above is unsuitable for you.