I have some unique challenges to my dieting plan because of my body’s inability to metabolize certain things, like lactose. No dairy for me. Yes, I can use Lactaid, but not often. A lot of people think if you just pop a Lactaid, you can tolerate any dairy. Although the tablet does help metabolize dairy products, heavy dairy is still a problem. And even with the Lactaid, I experience problems. This requires calcium supplements for me, since dairy is the primary source. I try to substitute the dairy entries in my diet with a non-lactose alternative. If only someone would make a fat-free, lactose-free, ice cream-like treat!!
I also have to avoid anything that causes facial flushing. The dermatologists diagnosed my flushing as Rosacea. But interestingly, I do not have any of the other symptoms – no bumps or nose swelling – just really red cheeks and sometimes broken blood vessels. The condition is seriously exacerbated by heat, cold, and sun. Great. So I have to avoid anything that causes flushing. Check out how many pre-packaged diets include chromium picolinate in nearly every meal. It ups your metabolism, which is great. It turns my face crimson, not so great.
I also have adverse reactions to most product additives that increase shelf-life (preservatives). It seems particularly bad in dehydrated products, like soup. In my case, fresh is definitely best. But that’s not always possible. And it’s expensive. Not that cost is my number one issue. But, still … the challenge with “all fresh all of the time” is not everything comes in a “fresh” food version. It makes the decisions about what food products and where to buy them an ongoing trial.
The most prevalent challenge is, of course, my pain level. What an interference – not just in terms of exercise, which is the obvious – but in terms of motivation, and snacking. Motivation – really hard to get going when you’re in pain. It’s just always there, always in your head, always affecting your mood, your tasks, and definitely your motivation. And snacking? Well, knowing that I’m a comfort eater, when I feel bad, I want to eat. And not eat a salad or some carrot sticks; I want the fun stuff. I’m working hard to keep that desire at bay. But it sure isn’t easy.
Yesterday, wee booked our “add-on” excursion to our trip to France – spending an extra 3 days in Nice, France. Now there’s some motivation. J I’m certainly walking better – good motivator a. Fitting in to smaller clothes – motivation a. But boy am I time-table challenged!! I want to lose weight and I want to do it 2 lbs each week. (I just stomped my foot)
Monday will start Week 13. Let’s think of that as lucky.