Hello,
I've been following the diet for about 3 months now and I'm enjoying the results. My problem is that my family is against it. They seem to worry that I will not be healthy if I continue. I was 100 pounds at 5 foot 2 and have always had a hard time keeping weight on. I'm down to about 95 pounds and everyone is worried. It's hard to put on weight when most fattening foods are restricted.
My 5 daughter and I unfortunetly had to move in with my parents since my job loss. So I am under even more srutiny for what I eat. It's as though they take it as an insult when I am unable to eat their food. I have always been a very healthy eater, which I believe is what has helped me over the years with MS.
I have 2 questions:
=Has any one else dealt with others not accepting or believing in the diet?
=Are there any foods that allowed on the diet that will help me to gain some weight? Has anyone else dealt with too much weight loss?
I would welcome any advice or suggestions.
Thanks so much
Hello! Congratulations on
Hello!
Congratulations on your early success! I sympathize with your situation and know that your family is just concerned about you. I know that this diet as all things with MS is difficult for others to understand. My family is accepting of the diet, but, of course, have difficulty remembering what I can't eat or why. It's something I do have to keep repeating, but they do support me. Some others look at you a bit skeptically when you tell them you're on a restricted diet to treat your MS. They probably think it's a bit wacky, but I don't let it bother me if it makes me feel better. Yes, I've lost weight, but that's not a problem for me. It keeps me at a good weight for my height. My husband worried a bit for a while, but now sees the benefits and is OK with it. I've been on the diet for 18 mos. My only suggestion for possibly adding some weight would be healthy nuts, and starches if you can handle them. Grains such oats, rice, millet, cornmeal, etc. might help. Starchy winter squashes such as spaghetti, acorn, butternut, pumpkin, also might help. Potatoes are another option. White potatoes are a nightshade product, so only if you can handle them. Sweet potatoes are not a nightshade so not normally a problem but would be another starch that might help you. Enjoy a bowl of popcorn with your daughter as a fun treat that your family might see as a welcome sign that the diet can be enjoyable and not merely restrictive. I don't know in your situation who does the majority of the cooking, but preparing some of the squash dishes for the whole family might show them that the foods can be tasty. Hope these suggestions might spark some ideas of your own and help you continue your success with the approval of your family. Take care and take heart! You're doing great!
Deb