Posts by alegna98

My mother was diagnosed with RA almost 10 tens ago when she was in her late 40s. Her rhumatologist put her on methyltrexate (lower doses of a chemotherapy drug), which over time can be toxic to your liver (she cannot drink alcohol at all and gets blood tests done regularly), as well as Arava which helps reduce joint pain and swelling. She also sees a naturopathic doctor who suggested the "Blood Type Diet." She has followed it religiously since being diagnosed. Some patients have controlled their RA by following this strict diet, however, she still relies on the medication BUT has not had to increase her doses or move to the stronger class of biologics medicines (drugs that inhibit your immune system and require daily/weekly infusions). It took quite some time to get both her medication and diet adjusted. When you have RA - it's not as easy as "take this pill and you'll feel better." Her rhumatologist adjusts her medication and her naturopath gives her supplements or foods to add or eliminate- each takes MONTHS to see results. Initially her rhumatologist laughed at the idea of seeing a nautropath, however given that my mother has responded so well to the diet and medication - her rhumatologist has finally accepted it.

I just read a forum that completely bashes the Blood Type diet - given my mother's success I have to disagree. I think diet can be used to manage some diseases. With the advances in genetic testing - companies are moving towards "personalized medicine" - giving therapeutics based on your genetic profile. That said - I think the "diet" or eating plan as my mom refers to it - is about managing her disease not a "diet" in the sense of weight loss. I think a lot of the bad reputation is when people try to use it as a means of weight loss.

For almost all groups the diet restricts wheat and dairy - both can be allergens and cause inflammation. In addition to restricting foods her naturopath analyzes her blood for nutrient levels - he prescribes supplements or suggests she increase certain foods to gain the nutrients through diet. She also does cardio ~3x per week and lifts 2x per week, strength training is especially important!

This is all a LOT of work! However she is happy with her results and thankful that she has not yet had to move to the stronger class of medicines. This was a long post - I hope it answers some of your questions. Good luck!

I agree with carmen about the brew-at-home coffee.

However...restaurants are sneaky. Dunkin donuts pumpkin spice coffee (small) has 110 calories and 24 grams of sugar. From what I could tell there isn't a non-sweetened option available.

Frozen Yoplait whips chocolate yogurt - it is GREAT!!!

Name: Alegna98
Age: 29
Height: 5'3"
Start Weight: 119
Goal Weight (by March 1): 115

1/2/09: 119
8/2/09:
15/2/09:
22/2/09:
1/3/09:

I missed the last Jan weigh-in, but I'm ready for a new month!!!

I have the same problem. I did an extra long spinning class last night (1hr 45min) and I burned 800 calories. A 45min step class plus a 45 min weight lifting class burns 500-600. Knowing how hard it is to burn calories makes me really think twice about my food choices.

I eat a TON of yogurt. There are so many things you can do.

For something sweet, top with honey, cinnamon, and walnuts. For breakfast I'll have yogurt with granola and no sugar added fruit preserves. Another breakfast option is a smoothie, I use a banana and frozen strawberries (or other frozen fruit).

I make a "dipping sauce" by adding garlic salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper - goes great on a veggie burger. I add spices to 1T of yogurt and use it as salad dressing - hardly any calories compared to traditional creamy dressings.

My all time favorite is tzatziki (yogurt dip with cucumbers, garlic, and lemon).

Since I haven't been drinking enough water lately, I thought I would give the sassy water a try. I made some yesterday (minus the mint - 3 stores, no mint) and let it chill overnight. I've been drinking it all day - it is really good, even without the mint. I only used half a cucumber, but you can still taste it, in my opinion a whole one would be too strong.

I look at it as a great way to ensure the consumption of 2L/day.

1aprilfool - I've tried to use flaxseed oil several different ways.

I have found that it needs to be fully blended into the dish to prevent it from separating (which also makes me gag). I made a smoothie this morning with 1c nonfat plain yogurt, 1tsp honey, 1T flaxseed oil, 1T almond butter, and 1T peach preserves (with cinnamon) - I blended it with an immersion blender - it tasted amazing, like a peach cobbler.

I have also blended flaxseed oil into homemade hummus or black bean dip.

Restless_girl

Thank you for the encouragement!!! I do pretty well during the week and usually blow my diet on the weekends - hopefully the Monday weigh-ins will help get me back on track!!!

I was without a scale over the weekend...better late the never ;)

Name:  Alegna98
Age:  28
Height: 5'3"
Start Weight: 120
Goal Weight (by September 29): 114

1/9/08:
8/9/08:
15/9/08:
22/9/08:
29/9/08:

Name: Alegna98
Age: 28
Height: 5"3
Start Weight: 123
Goal Weight (by August 29): 119

1/8/08: 123
8/8/08: 121.8
15/8/08: 120
22/8/08:123
29/8/08: 121

Total weight loss: 2

Not so great...Better sign me up for next month :)

Name: Alegna98
Age: 28
Height: 5"3
Start Weight: 123
Goal Weight (by August 29): 119

1/8/08: 123
8/8/08: 121.8
15/8/08: 120
22/8/08:
29/8/08:

Total weight loss: 3 pounds

I used to get UTIs often - to prevent them I take cranberry pills regularly and drink tons of water. If you feel one coming on, up the water and eliminate carbonated beverages - they seem to cause further irritation. Also, I read about taking apple cider vinegar from a natural healing site. Apparently, the acidity of cranberry juice is what prevents the bacteria from adhering to the lining of the ureter so it makes sense that vinegar would work as well. I make a cup of hot apple cinnamon tea and add honey and 1T apple cider vinegar. It is very strong, especially if you don't like vinegar, but much less unpleasant than a UTI.

If your symptoms last more than 2-3 days, go to a doctor!

As for the weight gain - I have not noticed any - although I'm usually in too much pain to worry about my weight.

Can anyone recommend a plan or equation for a zig-zag diet?

I will occasionally (unintentionally) zig-zag, and have seen results, but I feel it would be more effective if I planed it out :)

Have you tried using a HR monitor?

I have a Polar F6 and it gives the calories burned in each work out based on your HR, age, height, and weight. The gym machines and even online calculators always give me higher "burn" numbers than my HR monitor. Possibly due to a low resting HR?.....

This is a little off-topic but the pamphlet didn't specify. What is the (general) vegan stance on the use of animals for medical research?