Hello, I'm interested in eating Healthier foods . . .

[MsVLady]

Hi my name is MsV and for several months, I have been eating grilled chicken and turkey salads with some Seafood and vegetables included but often times, I would have to take a break from that out of boredom. Eventually, I would change it up with regular food, such as meatloaf for dinner and, I also have a weakness for Macaroni & cheese. In addition to this, sometimes at night, I like baked goods as a snack and I would treat myself to cookies or a few bites of cake. - - Nevertheless, I have been eating the salads for several months and although I did notice that a few pounds disappeared (only on the scale), I really have not seen any weight lost. - - (I guess I want it too fast). Prior to Feb 4th, I had been on Steroids for more than a year (pill form) and also on an inhaled Steroid, which I am still taking and have started Methotrexate. I read on the internet that it also makes you gain weight (although the doctor did not mention that of course). I don't know how true that is, however, I do know that the pills contain Sodium. - - FYI, I do exercise for two or three days one or two weeks out of the month but not on a consistent basis, due to my health. - - Does anyone have any suggestions on any foods that I can eat that are healthy and does not need to be fried. Some suggestions on what to eat for breakfast would be helpful also.

Thanks

[Macrovioletics]

Hello Ms V!

I can sympathise with the cravings of baked goods. I have started using chestnut flour to mitigate those myself. It is still quite dry, but it does it for me. I have been away from sugar long enough to find the flour sweet enough on its own.

Perhaps you could put yourself through the #SugarFreeForCharity challenge and that may motivate you to cut down on those sugary snacks. Basically the challenge shows you a list of sugars and you decide which ones you want to avoid (some people avoid all of them, including fruit sugar, others just cut down on having a spoonful of sugar in their tea but still eat tinned beans with added sugar, etc...).

OK, breakfast ideas: have you tried whole grain porridges? It is basically cooking whole grains and then blend them to make a cream. This way you do not need to add any extra fibre and the taste is more wholesome. You can add some stewed fruit on top, or some lightly blanched vegetables, dry-roasted (in a frying pan, no oil) sesame, sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Soup is quite nice for breakfast, I like miso soup with seaweed (full of minerals to begin well the day!).

And overall, I would recommend that you find some cooking courses that use whole foods and do not rely on meat, cheese and dairy to make foods tasty. Eating salads can be repetitive, boring and unsatisfying (unless it is really hot weather, which seems to be the case at the moment!), so see if you can get other plant-based recipes, or find some macrobiotic chefs in your area (it is a worthwhile investment):

macrobiotics.org.uk/

[Macrovioletics in reply to Macrovioletics]

macrovioletics.co.uk/events...

The link for the 10-day sugar-free challenge. You get 10 days of coaching on your email

[MsVLady in reply to Macrovioletics]

Wow! You seem to know a lot about this stuff. Very educated in this area as well as disciplined. What you said in the last paragraph was very helpful, about the plant based soups and recipes and finding courses. Once I'm able, perhaps I will look into a Macrobiotic Chef. Thank you but one more question though; what can you suggest about cutting out Sodium since it's in everything? (Including one of met medicines).

Thanks

[Macrovioletics in reply to MsVLady]

About sodium...I would suggest avoiding precooked meals as much as possible, that are quite high in salt. Another danger that I see in many places (eating out, take aways, etc) is how salt is offered on the table, to go on top of the food.

I have found a difference in cooking with salt instead of adding it on top. It enhances the natural flavour instead of masking it, and it is easier to absorb.

Perhaps you can also cut down on salt and add a little stamp-size dried seaweed (maybe some kelp) that has got many minerals.

[Macrovioletics]

With regards to the medication, do you want to share why are you taking it?

I sodium concerns you because of high blood pressure, you may try to have more relaxing and cleansing foods (some raw, boiled, added into stews, would, even baked if you want something heavier) like radishes, daikon/moolie/Chinese radish, cauliflower, shiitake mushrooms (making a tea/concoction of dried shiitake), also agar seaweed desserts (jellying agent)

[MsVLady in reply to Macrovioletics]

Hi, thanks for responding to my message. I take medications because of a lung disease and I also have obstructive sleep apnea. Both of which, have now caused a heart condition. I've had digestive problems for many years, etc. - FYI, I'm back on the salads again but I know that will get old and become boring really soon. Boiling is a good idea and so is raw, which will take some getting use to for me, however, I am not familiar with some of the other foods you mention: daikon moolie and some from an earlier email. - Does the link which has the word event in it, is that for the 10 day sugar free challenge?

Thanks

[Macrovioletics in reply to MsVLady]

Yes, the event link is the one to give some tips to stay sugar-free...I hope it works or at least you find it entertaining.

I see, I had decided to follow a macrobiotic diet because I want to use medication only when it's absolutely necessary and then I don't get many side effects. For many years I took medication not being aware of the power of choice that I had, by eating healthier unrefined options, avoiding meat and dairy, and being physically more active. I also had to address some emotional causes.

It is interesting, I also had lung problems and some digestive problems until I started this diet (skin problems and some other infections), and chronic tiredness and low mood. Apparently, Lung and Large Intestine (and skin) are the Metal element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and they are linked with the emotion of Grief. There are lots of resources online, but this one explains quite a bit.

5elements.com/docs/elements...

There is also more of the other elements, in case you are curious.

acupuncture-online.com/trad...

Good luck with the rest. I was only meant to leave a quick message, I'm on holiday