Some of you may remember that some time ago now, I posted some information about how I was managing my own PMR experience with different strategies I'd put in place, and with some success had been able to minimise and reduce many of the side effects of both pred and the other meds I'm on. Well, for quite some time now, I've been 'jogging' along nicely with everything mostly stable and just a few 'blips' - that were quickly remedied - along the way. All seemed stable and I felt as healthy as one can with PMR.....and then Christmas happened!
All those treats and normally forbidden foods suddenly became so tempting, and I began to indulge myself with all the things I normally wouldn't (or shouldn't) eat...... sugar, fat, convenience foods, alcohol.
"Well.....it is Christmas!" I told myself.
"Just one mince pie." " Just some chocolate cheesecake." "Just a bag of crisps "....... some Christmas pudding, some dips, some cream, sausages, cheese, potatoes, biscuits, chocolate, wine, prosecco........ Are you getting the picture??
Most of these things would probably be ok if eaten in moderation or occasionally, but not perpetually or constantly and deep down I knew this but told myself it wouldn't make any difference....not for a couple of days anyway!...........well IT DID!!
Together with not drinking enough water and ignoring the need to continue my usual daily exercise, eventually my body screamed at me to STOP!
Having enjoyed the loveliest Christmas with my son and his lovely girlfriend after last year's disappointment of a cancelled Christmas (by the way they're now engaged and getting married in 2023) I went to bed Boxing day night and was awoken about 2.30am with the worst indigestion I've ever experienced. I had searing pain in the region of my gall bladder, my oesophagus was on fire and the abdominal cramps were completely unforgiving. I actually thought I was going to have to call an ambulance.
Mercifully, after taking some Gaviscon, the warmth of a hot water bottle and 2hrs of pacing the bedroom in the dark, everything gradually eased and I was ok.
So what now? Now I'm eating sensibly again, drinking more water and I've resumed my gentle daily exercise regime.
I wanted to report my experience to hilight how quickly and easily we can go from being in control (well mostly anyway!) to completely losing control.
I feel really angry with myself for losing sight of what was important for a moment and allowing myself to think it'd be ok when deep down I knew it probably wouldn't. I could so easily have undone all the progress I've made and the consequences could have been far more long lasting.
For all of us with PMR/GCA, staying well is a fragile balance of managing the condition as successfully as possible and being able to continue to live our best life. As I've experienced for myself...that balance can be tipped very easily.
It's so not worth giving in to temptation like I did and I'd urge anyone, with regard to any situation, to not deviate from what they know is working for them.
In future, I will definitely allow myself treats from time to time but they will be in addition to my healthy eating and not as a replacement to it.
Another lesson learned!
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Kendrew
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Yes I do, but I've regularly suffered bouts of bad indigestion throughout my life and like my palpitations, they've repeatedly been investigated. I have IBS, or should I say, had!.... it's been well controlled for many years now with sensible eating habits and change of diet. These 'indigestion' episodes are always triggered by foods I know will disagree with me, like cream, pastry, cheese, onions, etc so I'm familiar with the symptoms when I experience them. I kind of knew I was probably heading for one of these episodes but it was quite bad.... probably because I'd over indulged in almost everything that I know will irritate my digestive system!
'One offs'/odd small amounts aren't usually a problem...it's when I consume these things in larger quantities (like perpetually eating Quality Street all night after Christmas Dinner, mince pies, 4 glasses of prosecco!)
Tut tut!!!! At least xmas on my own reduced such temptation! Though I know I have gained weight in the last month, laziness more than eating QS! A mince pie for lunch is easier than cooking ...
I made the same mistake and along with the cold wet rain (which we needed) I had the same experience that you had---not a good thing!!! I had to go back up one mg as was getting the around 4am flares, I call them mini or medium. UGH!!! Take care and I will try to do the same thing!!!🙃
I thought like PMRpro that it could be cardiac related. Glad you’re well now, but I wonder should you follow up with a GP - it sounded a very extreme episode. Take care of yourself xx
Thankyou for your concern. As I explained to Pro, my indigestion episodes aren't new to me but have been well controlled since my diagnosis as I've been far more vigilant about the foods I eat....avoiding those foods that are triggers.....until this Christmas!!
Hmm, that sounds quite extreme. I also am scoring a ‘could do better’ in my well being report for the same reason. Had too much wishful thinking and hoping for the best.
I have done the same, eaten too many carbs, not walked enough and am paying for it with extra aches. Back to my diet and back to testing my sugars which is something that usually stops me from over indulging!
Well you've enjoyed yourself while indulging - you're not likely to repeat it. Relax! We're all allowed to sin sometimes. OK - it hurt! Won't be the last silly thing you do in your life.😂😂🤪
Hi, Kendrew. I was naughty too: admittedly on a smaller scale but the Christmas pud, chocolates and far more biscuits than I would normally have since PMR made for an extremely uncomfortable, bloated Christmas night. Of course, we wouldn't normally have these items in the house and I confess that I groaned inwardly when I unwrapped some well-meant gifts. Will power can go out of the window especially when you have visitors to share things with- I didn't even have that 'excuse'! I blame my husband for offering me goodies 😉.Next Christmas I will write down an allowance for myself and determine to stick to it. Watch this space!
A wedding and a new daughter-in-law to look forward to is exciting. Congratulations! x
Aww. Thankyou. Yes....your experience sounds similar to mine. I bought treats in for josh and Sophie and typically it doesn't get eaten! I don't normally bake but one Christmas cake, 24 mince pies and a tray bake of chocolate Tiffin later!!!.....
A lesson learned that we can't get away with these things....my 22 year old granddaughter up most of Xmas night...overeating...Hope you get back to where you were....
I have sinned less than you but for more days. I couldn't leave the panattone to rot. I was given tons of chocolates even though I told everyone that I didn't eat sugar or anything sweet. My sister also gave me a posh coffee machine and I have been testing the capsules. The effects are increasing. Time to stop!
Full sympathy!! You do your best and thrn it just serms so unfair that we cant gave some fun!!! You atd particularly good, i wad only thinking of you this morning. I felt like hell, not because i ate too much probably a combination of things and my knee is really bad and swollen again. I had wine Christmas day, im still paying!!! I cant hack it at all so why did i think there was some miracle going to happen to allow me to get away with it!!! You will feel good again!! Speedy recovery from this blip!
We've been more 'deprived' than most others for nearly two years. You could say that Christmas provided an excuse to enjoy some forbidden fruit and after all, it's tiring to be always trying. We did deserve a treat and now that Christmas is over and it's back to the drawing board we will return to our previous healthy regime-won't we?
I ended up in a&e once with bad indigestion. I find that Gaviscon does help but first take 1-2 litres of water, which rapidly diminishes the immediate pain, as recommended on the site.
When I get an attack, I get pains in upper back, chest and jaw, the water sorts it out usually within a few minutes. Since pred cant eat anything spicy unfortunately, even too much pepper!
Quite frequently over the years, I'd develop an ache in my jaw too which is usually the first sign I'm going to suffer an 'episode'. It was this symptom alone that made me request a referral to a cardiologist many years ago as I know this can be related to a heart attack too. I also get back pain but midway down. No chest 'pain'...just sore acidy sensation behind breast bone area.
All so similar to symptoms of heart attack in women.
Over the years this has happened many times, until I took more serious measures to prevent the episodes occurring. Thankfully all the tests showed a healthy heart but I was diagnosed with IBS!
Certainly frightening at first, glad you had it checked out properly and heart ok. Prevention is certainly best, but difficult to do all the time. I had very scrummy but spiced Pedro Ximenez sherry, Christmas pudding in a glass, did not agree with me at all, sadly.
Locum doctor was discussing omiprazoule with me, and I said could not have spicy food, she said she was having digestive problems but I could take Gaviscon before a curry, say. I don’t think she understood how uncomfortable an attack can be, prevention is best!
My sympathy! All sounds too horribly familiar. As for getting on the scales! My eyes popped out. No more carbs or sugar for a while, and lots of gentle pilates!
V glad to have the tip about drinking lots of water before glugging back the Gaviscon.
My sympathies Kendrew - I am currently on the naughty step for just the same reason. It doesn't matter that I wake up and pledge to be good - those dark chocolates and that glass of wine just keep calling to me. How can I resist. The only thing that keeps me from scoffing the whole kitchen is stepping on the scales and seeing how much weight I've put on in just a few days. Time for a little pep talk I think. 👿 I'm almost dreading New Years Eve - even more temptation. The OH always orders enough food to feed an army, and it's all sweet and buttery stuff, which he can't eat all on his own. Oh well, there's always the next lot of resolutions to break - I mean look forward to.
Haha! Oh dear! It's so hard isn't it? During normal regular weeks its easy to maintain that healthy regime but high days and holidays when you're catering for other 'palettes' it puts temptation in our way. Hey ho!
Glad your OK now kendrew. It's very hard sticking to anything over Xmas. I too have over indulged and feeling the consequences. It's difficult resisting when I've got chocolates coming out my ears, and then there's the mince pies, xmas pud, etc etc etc etc. 🍬🎂🍗🥮🍨🍫
I too have enjoyed carbs and sugar for 3 days starting Boxing Day. We host a “Comfort and Joy” pot luck supper where family brings their favourite comfort foods. Think pasta, cheese pizza, etc. Then there were the leftovers in the fridge. Thank goodness most are gone now, thanks in part to daughter and hubby.
No deep water classes for 10 days now either!
Today back to my usual diet of Greek yoghurt and homemade berry compote, salad for lunch, and fish with veg for supper, followed by a 30 minute walk to enjoy the beautiful light display nearby.
I realize how easy it is to ‘go off the rails’ and how important it is to try and stick with a healthy lifestyle. I also recognize that, at heart, I’m a real fan of savoury, high fat foods, compared with sugary sweets. It’s important I’m aware of what represents the biggest temptation!
Thank you so much for your insightful, honest post. Most of us have been there!
It makes me feel a little less disappointed in myself to hear that so many others struggle with maintaining a healthy, sensible diet at times of temptation. It's not simply 'weakness' on my part....it's human nature...and we all make a bad choice sometimes. Onwards and upwards now!
Oh I can so relate to your experience over Christmas. I had friends staying which was lovely but so difficult when you’re trying to cope with PMR. So, ate too much of the wrong things, too much alcohol, not enough exercise and suffered because of it. Today I start to get well again with a Pilates class and fish and vegetables for dinner. Thank you for sharing, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one!!
Hi KendrewI couldnt believe when I read your post because I had done exactly the same! Just one evening of over indulgence of cheese and alcohol put me through a night of pain and greatest discomfort I had ever experienced in the four months of being diagnosed.
Lesson learnt for us both so onwards and upwards back to taking care and enjoying a little and not too often while keeping well hydrated and exercised.
Take care everyone and may 2022 be kind to you all.
I agree with everything you said. ...and it's unfortunately my experience too that the slightest amount of extra sugar/carb seems to deposit a shed load of new and unwanted weight on what is obviously a slim, lithe, and well-honed body of a goddess underneath!! 😄 🤣
Oh dear me - so sorry to hear your tale of woe… I’d planned a gastronomic festival too, but it all went wrong on the evening of 23rd when my Son’s family and me ingested oysters polluted with Norovirus! Granddaughter passed out on 25th morning and the rest of the day we all spent in bed and bathroom…. My daughter and her family fled home as just over Covid. Plenty aches from the PMR but generally recovering.
As you say Kendrew - lessons to be learned. In my case do not eat UK oysters as 70% I now discover carry that virus!
Oh no! How awful for you. I'm so sorry you had to endure that.....and not a Christmas you'll forget in a hurry! Pleased you're all recovering now though. Yes.....let's now look towards a happy and healthier 2022......and I for one will be far more mindful of what I decide to consume over New Year weekend!
To be honest I don`t have the appetite, I wish I did!....in the last two weeks I have become flooded in pain all over, it is relentless, I`m stiff, feel low, can`t sleep...if someone diagnosed PMR I would believe them! but I have had a scan in the summer that showed no inflammation!....I`m sure adrenal suppression wouldn`t cause this amount of pain, its everywhere.....even in my toes....struggling to walk most days....so no partying for me!.....Will have to decide what to do, or who to see in the new year for relief from this.....paracetamol dosen`t touch it....
All suggestions welcome, wish it was don`t eat chocolate!
Hi Kendrew I suffer from this badly . Always if I eat late. Usually after 7pm. My remedy is a simple Pink Lady apple. I never go to bed without one and it stops the burning throat and calms the stomach. Brings up wind. I don't know if any other apple works because I got a craving for Pink lady when I first took prednisolone.
Wow! Never heard of that as a remedy...although I do know that cold stewed apple is really good for settling an upset stomach where vomiting is involved. Thankyou for sharing that.
Love all the confessions and I was certainly right with you all... you just get rather tired of being 'good' and want to do 'normal' for once so even the looming spectre of bloat and discomfort can't deter the pud and custard intake. Felt marvellous at the time! Happily back to sensible eating and no regrets for a lovely shared family time, perhaps it's necessary once in a while 🤣 (I await the tickings-off!)
Kendrew, you are amazing. OK you've slipped up once - don't punish yourself please. You have been such a mainstay of this forum and giving out great advice. So you've found out you're human. wipe that slate clean and carry on. I wish you luck.
However what I would like to know - going completely off-piste - what routine exercise can you do? Exercise used to be a bit thing in my world but no longer and I'm desperate to try and build up.
Sadly, 30 minutes of yoga on Monday, is still taking its toll on my body. I know I don't have any patience but I'd be interested to know how you can tell how much you can do when you're actually doing it! Last October we were in Scotland and I could walk 3 miles...well I did that twice. Christmas Day, my husband devised a treasure hunt for me which took about 1.5hrs...on our Boxing Day walk I walked .6 (yes point six) of a mile in 24 minutes! Totally knackered!
So like your QS is a draw for you, exercise is a draw for me but I have no way of judging it.
Happy New Year to you - keep of the sparkling stuff!
Haha! Thankyou for your lovely message. Yes....even I'm human! 😄 As for the exercise...pre-diagnosis I was at the gym every day and loved walking. To suddenly not be able to do this was both upsetting and unnerving.
My way of tackling it was to initially go for a short walk every day around the meadow opposite my house. This meant that if at any point I felt the fatigue was too much I was close enough to be home in less than 5mins. Gradually I increased the length of the walk but planned it so I knew there were benches or places I could sit and take a short rest at various points on the route. If I'd overdone it, my body told me the next day with fatigue, weakness and some aches and pains. I'd ease off for a few days and then begin again gradually.
Over the 2½yrs I've gradually built up my walking distance and I'm also back at the gym every day (when safe) to do some treadmill work (walking NOT running) and some light weights to improve my osteoporosis.
I've also been doing gentle yoga for osteoporosis.
I've fully accepted that for now I'm not able to exercise in the way I used to. Now, it's more about keeping moving, maintaining some strength and muscle mass and minimising the progression of osteoporosis. It also really helps my mental health.....the outdoor walks are particularly good for this.
If you do too much, you'll definitely know about it because your body will certainly let you know.
How much you can achieve is a purely individual thing and some members are able to manage much more than myself and some much less.
The key is to introduce any exercise very gently and build it up very gradually. You can damage and injure muscles much more easily when on pred and they need longer to recover after exercise.
Thanks Kendrew. I was exactly like you - gym / swimming / walking & cycling nearly everyday. However, you've reminded me that you are 18 months further along than me and probably on a much lower dose of pred so I can't put myself on your level...although I do! I am the most inpatient person I know! I'm sure these diseases were sent to teach me a lesson. Anyway, good luck to you in getting back on track - I know you'll do it!
Maybe just 15 mins of adjusted yoga to start with? You need to keep within quite narrow limits at the start but add a couple of minutes at a time as you identify an amount that you can manage. And don't push what you are doing at the time. That is just the start - over time it will increase. For the first 5 years of untreated PMR I did an aquafit class followed by Iyengha yoga and could manage the whole of the classes - BUT I had started slow and low on the aquaclass and built up very gradually. Only then did I add the yoga - and I had to do the aqua class to be warmed up enough to do the yoga. If I couldn't do the aqua class for any reason (cool water or cancelled for example) I went in the hot tub/steam room/sauna beforehand. And I went home and rested before I could do anything else.
Initially I always had a rest day between exercise days - it was a long time before I could do something on consecutive days. The rest day is very important at the start to allow the training effect on the muscles to happen - exercise causes tiny tears in the muscle fibres which must then heal. The healing process strengthens the muscles - once it is done, if you try to use them before they heal, the healing process is delayed and you just end up damaging the muscles rather than getting the training effect and the pain goes on. The maxim "no pain, no gain" is only used by the ignorant - should be banned from any trainer's vocabulary!
On the rest days it doesn't mean you have to do nothing - you need to use different muscles! Of course, if you did aquafit you will have used arm and leg muscles but walking one day and bicep curls the next is fine!
Thanks for that, Ms Ambassador, you seem like you're quite a fit person. I have been doing 15 mins yoga and I've managed to walk 3 miles, albeit twice as I usually only walk 2 miles. The yoga I did was 'gentle' my usual 15 minutes of yoga is far harder. So yes, I have been taking things pretty slowly but it's nice to know how others exercise. I have looked at personal trainers but I've yet to go down that route basically because there are days when I'm not fit enough to drive to a fitness class let alone exercise. Which is also the reason I haven't done any aqua classes or even any swimming for that matter. I can't wait to get back into the water! These diseases don't allow for one-size-fits-all training regime. I rarely have consecutive days of exercise as it's fatigue I seem to have far more than pain. But yes, you are right, one day legs, ie walking, next day arms etc. Thanks for your input, always valued.
WAS fairly fit - no option for aquafit or yoga/Pilates here without spending a small fortune. I was lucky in the north of England to have a very good gym that really catered well during the day for older members with particularly good instructors. Here they tend to be just machines - absolutely NO!! I've also had other medical problems which rather curtailed my sport here: people here ski in the winter and climb mountains in the summer! Climb mountains in the winter too - on skis and then ski back down off-piste ...
I'm always doing typos. I personally wouldn't even consider mountain climbing - at any age - even without medical problems! As my husband would say, 'climbers are impervious to the danger - and to common sense!' Well, someone has to climb those mountains, I guess, it's just not going to be us.
Whilst you may not be incline to take to the mountains at least you have the joy of looking at them.
Shortly before PMR struck I did a fantastic high level walk with friends - not in the least dangerous, a proper path for most of the way. I had been looking forward to doing it more when we moved here in retirement - PMR put paid to that! I skied for some years though - the hard uphill bit is done for you while you sit down and have a rest! Then I mangled a knee at the end of one season and methyl pred plus the wrong antibiotic attacked my achilles tendon the next year - the cost of a season ticket plus new ski gear made me decide there were also too many tourist up there and you had to be so aware of others that the fun was gone. It was good while it lasted though.
I've been skiing a couple of times but I'm not a great fan of cold weather but you obviously were. Sorry it all went pear-shaped. Aging and a failing body are not particularly enjoyable to those who have been energetic in their lives. Have you tried cross-country? However I guess there's not a lot of that in the Italian mountains. I did a bit in Finland.
All these upsets are part of the rich tapestry of life...wait until I get my hands on my needle worker!
I was always a fair-weather skier - though we get a lot of that! We have a lot of sun and if it isn't windy that makes a big difference.
I hated cross country, did try it but fell over far more than I did learning to downhill ski, even at 30+! We have two very large cross country arenas in easy reach using train/bus plus lots of tracks in side valleys that are high enough for natural snow. Loads of it in the Alpine and Dolomites regions.
Good post PMR pro as always. I will take issue with you on one detail. "no pain no gain" generally agree but I define pain in two ways . There is GOOD pain and BAD pain. There is a threshold where holding exercise just on the border line is the ideal and is a good pain where the real muscle build happens. It is the breaking down of muscle tissue which leads to rebuilding and growth of new increased muscle mass through strenuous and progressive build up of exercise. Stupid overexertion just destroys but steady build-up of effort with healthily tired muscle will get results.
Unfortunately - too many so-called trainers don't know the difference, and a lot of gym addicts think if they train until they hurt it is a good thing. It is a different thing. And you have forgotten the crux: impaired muscle healing because they are being attacked by an autoimmune disorder. That takes you into a totally different scenario
Totally agree about trainers and addicts. They will never learn. the autoimmune effect on muscle is serious and you are right to highlight that. As I see it that is the nub of the issue. How to exercise affected muscle within its tolerance for development. Even in remission there is the possibility that over exertion of muscle might spark sufficient stress to reawake the disease. It is a moot point but needs serious work and research to determine the process.
Go to back intelligence.com. You should find it very helpful. I have marked scoliosis and PMR so have to keep slim and exercise otherwise I really can't cope! Good luck!
Really appreciate your honesty. I had been wondering if my recent aches and drop in energy could be caused by indulgence. Your experiences have confirmed it’s a yes. Thank you. Back to being good!,
To be honest less appetite is the least of my worries, it's this relentless pain that's baffling me...mostly from the waist down....with the fatigue from adrenal suppression I am struggling....My son just said, mum I think you are back where you started....but how can I be with no inflammation!...so baffling!
Oh, I can so relate to this!! Long lectures from me to me and I'm back on track now. It will not happen again - well not until the next time!! Glad you're feeling better.
I did the same re all the treats for a few days. I had a lot of horrible regurgitation which I hate. Starting to take control again now but it is hard this time of year particularly when the weather is pure rotten 😮. Happy New Year to you 🙏
I too am a fallen woman! Kind family gave us a big Betty's (Yorkshire ) Xmas hamper full of chocs, biscuits and chutney, daughter had collected little 'treats' and wrapped each sin in lovely paper, gorgeous M+S Xmas pudding, roasties, turkey, chocolate log, my 'special' Christmas cake, mince pies...daren't look at the scales. Having eaten so carefully for 11 months, I thought my craving for sweet things had vanished but no, it had been asleep and arose ravenous. What can I do with all the remaining temptations? Hiding them is useless. Perhaps just one a week??
Anything that will freeze can be spread over the future weeks. And you have to think ahead to eat it!Maybe I've just been at this a long time but I find that a tiny portion of anything carby fills me up very quickly! A mince pie is my lunch ... If it is as a dessert it is a half. And I had an individual gluten-free xmas pud - half on xmas day, the other half will be eaten on Friday. Being alone I nearly didn't make any mince pies but in the end bought pastry and made 6. I won't do that again - not good enough compared with my usual! I was shocked to discover that the last door on the Advent calendar hid FOUR miniature Lindt chocolates. And they did for 4 days ...
Please don’t beat yourself up Kendrew! There are many of us who have done exactly the same as you this Christmas. I gained quite a few pounds last Christmas and promised myself that this year I would be much more in control. That was until Christmas Day when I was surrounded by all the things I’m not supposed to eat. Once you start it’s very hard to stop. My daughter made a delicious bread and butter pudding with panettone, double cream, orange marmalade and grated dark chocolate served with clotted cream. I did only have a small portion! Like you I regret losing control but we’re only human and hopefully I’ll soon be back on track. This year has been so hard for us all with Covid. I was definitely wallowing in a bit of self pity at not being able to see my son and his family in the US over Christmas. Throughout my life food has always been a comfort during difficult times but I should know better by now that it’s only a quick fix and that I’ll pay the price later. Onwards and upwards!!
It sounds horrible, but please don't be so hard on yourself. You are amazing and this is just a blip. But thanks for starting an interesting series of posts. X
Know exactly what you mean. I hadn't deviated from sensible eating since August 2020 but treated myself to 3 mince pies over Christmas. I had indigestion too and felt sluggish. Back now to what I know suits me and my stomach.
I agree with you totally. But as others have said, we need to allow ourselves indulgences once in a while. Lesson learned, I will go it slowly, and perhaps just one indulgence to satisfy my immediate relief. Goes without saying, that I have learned from your experience and will be careful. God-bless you on your own journey. May we all be able to apply moderate moderation, while at the same time being able to fulfill our creature comforts. 🙏❤
Same here Kendrew maybe not as extreme as you. I have a hiatus hernia and a stricture in my oesophagus so I blame that. Back to little amounts and no sweet stuff Glad you have recovered. Hope
I have the same experience. I have had several occasions where I spent a night of misery, pacing back and forth and leaning forward, trying not to pass out. My gallbladder has been tested, tests came out okay. But, my body will not tolerate excessive food consumption. Hubby and I suspect pancreatitis. I gobble gaviscon and Tums. But, the best thing I found is taking a combination of Gaviscon and Gas-X, and sipping hot water. Just heat water like for a cup of tea, only just plain water. I sip cup after cup. that seems to help both the gas and the bile in the stomach. Oddly enough, I find if I am going to indulge, I can do it with lunch, but never with the evening meal. My primary physician told me my evening meal should be about 400 calories. Very hard to do, but I do have limits set for myself, and as long as I do that I am fine. Serving of meat, size of a deck of playing cards. Side dish, side of my fist. No soda pop, ever!! that will trigger an attack worse than any other food. I am PMR/GCA 20 years. I am sure the illness and the pred have done damage to digestive system.
What is the mince pie? I'll have to Google that being an American not familiar with it. We had the usual Polish Christmas with hubbies family, and then the doggie bags, oh oh. I finally told my son (since I'm having a flare and have to up the pred) that he better put all the cookies, cheese cake he made, candy, fresh bread, and fruit cake in his room or hide it from me! I did skip the perogies, angle wings, but with my hubby not eating (that's another story) it left his portions all over the place tempting me. Tomorrow is a new day of determination! No more! I admire your goals!
Hi artfingers Mince pies are traditional little mini pastry pies filled with mincemeat. Mincemeat...in days gone by....used to be a combination of meat ( usually mutton) suet, small fruits (currants, raisins, cherries) and mixed spices. Now there is no meat, just fruit, suet and spices, and it's eaten as a Christmas sweet treat. I'm from Yorkshire where traditionally we eat them with a piece of Wensleydale cheese!
These are the ones I made this year to give you some idea.
They're delicious, but not ideal for steroid weight gain unfortunately! 😄
At a round figure, a single mince pie weighs maybe 60g and packs about 300 calories. That's before you add the brandy butter (hard sauce) that is traditional with them which is straight icing sugar and butter creamed together in equal quantities and brandy as flavouring ...
😲 Oh heck!....Well I'll just have to force feed the ones that are left to my husband now!!I don't like brandy butter but a warm mince pie with double cream poured over it!!!......all that soft, buttery, crumbly pastry just melting in the mouth as it combines with the dreamy, velvety cream........guess I'll just dream on. Haha! 😄
I'm back on my sensible, healthy eating regime now and I never forget that although an odd treat is always ok the healthier my diet the better able I am to combat some of the issues encountered by the condition and my meds. I just took my eye off the ball for a moment this Christmas!
I cut mine in half usually - and have been known to make 6 last 3 weeks. Freeze them and have one every couple of weeks? I find almost everything that is supposed to be a single portion does 2 for me - even xmas puds and ready soups. I have a homemade Stollen I was given last week - must slice it and freeze it and spread it out until Easter ;)I won't do dry January like the daughers - but I will give up wine for Lent.
Haha!...... obviously a reflection on my suppressed greediness as I'd never even considered halving one as an option!!! But it's a good compromise.... as is freezing the ones that are left so Idon't have to eat them within a time frame before they go stale..I drink alcohol very rarely but when I asked husband if he'd be engaging in dry January he said; "What's that?....the only dry January I'll be engaging in will involve a barbour wax jacket and goretex boots"!! What can I say!!!
Prefer the sound of his version - though I like my version here even better! Rarely need Goretex boojs and a Barbour but my winter boots are waterproof I assume - non-slip profiles as far more important for walking in snow and ice
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