01-04-2015, 03:26 PM
(01-03-2015, 07:31 AM)Elkhound Wrote: Part of the problem is that I also am diabetic, and diabetics are advised to avoid sugars & starches, and fruit is high in sugar; so are onions. Also, bracchia are supposed to be particularly good for us as they are high in fibre. Hence, I have two conditions whose dietary advice contradict one another.
As a diabetic I'm supposed to avoid carbohydrates (sugars, starches); as one prone to gout I'm supposed to avoid protein. As a middle-aged man and therefore a prime candidate for heart problems I'm supposed to avoid fat.
Once one eliminates carbohydrates, fats, and proteins WHAT IS LEFT TO EAT?
Although fruit and some vegetables are high in sugar - diabetics should still eat them. You just have to spread them out. For instance, instead of eating a banana, you eat half a banana an hour or two after breakfast and the other half an hour or two after lunch. You can put 5 - 10 berries on your breakfast cereal, or 5 strawberies in your smoothie or parfait.
I don't think anyone has told you to elimante protein. just don't over due it. Most Americans have a diet that contains 30 - 40% protein. while all you really need is 10 - 20% (thats in calories). Some nutritionists recommend you take your weight in pounds and divide by 2, to get the number of grams of protein you need each day. but many nutritionists are now dividing by 3.
The thing about fat is that most americans get way too much. no one recommends a diet that contains more than 30% fat (not even for active athletes). Most of us should shoot for 20%.
As far as carbs go, there are good carbs and bad carbs. You almost can't go wrong with fruits and vegetables. the fiber in those foods slow down the digestion of the carbs so that it doesn't go into your blood stream too fast. and when eating grains, make sure that they are either unprocessed or at least are mostly whole grains. Again, the fiber slows the absorbtion of the food.
So like Izzy told you:
Drink lots of water. eat a few servings of fruit throuhout the day.
eat lots of vegetables. You may want to restrict the intake of the dark leafy ones - i think some of them are bad for gout.
I also believe as a general rule you should reduce the amount of meat and dairy you eat. and avoid processed foods. and processed oils.