Supporting a partner

[Latinia]

My husband has Parkinson’s. Therefore I, too, share my life with Parkinson’s. He enjoys attending Weightwatchers weekly coffee mornings and chatting with friends. Over time we both lost some weight slowly. I take care to cook healthy meals, but if he wants treats in the form of cake or biscuits I really want to give him those treats. Apart from always offering a healthy option as an alternative I am at a loss as to how to cope without putting even more limitations on him. Any ideas?

Selfishly I am also concerned about my own weight gain caused by imposed limitations on my own erstwhile activities. Help.

[Hidden]

Hi Sheilamb, I think that you deserve a medal and are far from being selfish as you also have to think of your best interests.

I'm not big on sweets or fizzy drinks so when I go on a long car journey I take a bag off grapes and they quench my thirst and are packed with nutrients and I much prefer fruit to sweets.

So I'd try having a bunch of grapes for you and let hubby have what he likes as he deserves it too.

I wish you well. 🙏

Jerry.

[Zest]

Hi Latinia

It's great to hear that you and your husband have both lost some weight slowly - and that you're finding a good balance - although I realise you are a bit concerned about your own weight gain. I know you've been an active member in the NHS weight loss forum before, so maybe re-join to get more support there again, if you want to.

Regarding cake and biscuits, have you seen our 'Healthy snacks poll' thread that was done a while back - there is a collation of 'healthier' versions of traditional cakes and biscuits - and often knowing what is in a recipe can make choices easier:

healthunlocked.com/healthye...

Certainly some grapes or fruit as a snack is delicious - Hidden 's reply is very helpful.

I hope you're enjoying the weekend, and I hope you'll enjoy participating here in the Healthy eating forum.

Zest

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Hi Latinia ,

Welcome to the group. Please feel free to continue posting your postings, comments and/or questions, take the polls on the Polls section, take a look at the Topics, Events and Pinned Posts for suggestions/ideas and of course, get to meet the rest of the other members from the group.

Has your husband's doctor suggested any special type of snack/treat that would be okay for him? Have you checked out the Parkinson's Movement group also on HU for suggestions/ideas? Go to: healthunlocked.com/parkinso... and click on the follow button for the group and then you can post and comment anytime. I hope this helps.

[Latinia]

Thank you Jerry, Zest and Activity for your kind replies to my post. I guess I was feeling a bit down this morning and ‘put it out there’ on the forum. In reality we have tremendous support from doctors, friends and family. So very lucky really. Best wishes to everyone here on the weight loss trail. Sheila

PS. Grapes are indeed for me a great go-to treat and so refreshing too. Yumm.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to Latinia]

That’s fantastic! Grapes are one of my favorite things to eat as a fruit.

[andyswarbs]

The other day I did a rhubarb crumble with figs and cranberries and pumkin seeds. Hardly any sugar needed and everyone commented on it being one of the best deserts.

[Latinia]

Thanks Andy, that sounds scrumptious.

[Hidden]

Hi Sheila,

I have the same problem with a balance of treats and healthy eating as my husband has type 2 diabetes, controlled by diet. His blood sugar was so good at his last check up that he has managed to stop his tablets and it is now controlled by diet alone. So we must be doing something right. I am sensitive to wheat and found a delicious recipe online from "The Free-From Fairy", a woman who has developed some healthy recipes for her children who have food allergies. Lots of her recipes are low in sugar too. My favourite is carrot cake muffins which are easy to make and sweetened only with bananas and dates. I'll give you the recipe if you are interested. Another ploy when we are out to a coffee shop for an occasional treat is to share a cake instead of having one each. My view is I want to be as healthy as I can but to enjoy life (and food) too. There is no point in living to 150 years old if you are miserable!