Nutrition Confusion

[Lisabeced]

I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II and am taking Lamictal, Lexapro, and Provigil. In addition, I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which a connective tissue disorder, and take Relafin  My cholesterol is high 274/199, BP stable-Hyzaar; I take Levothyroxine for thyroid and Vitamin D (prescribed) for bone weakness. Glucose elevated 106 and I have protein in my urine!

I started an exercise program 3x week about 6 weeks ago and just began Tai Chi. My problem is with all of my health issues, I can't figure out how I should eat to lose weight! I am overly familiar with just about every diet out there-tried them all. Can you give me some advice on how to start, resources to help me with choices, and tips on portion control.

[Renee Radenberg]

You stated you are exercising so suggest measure your waist and hips as a guide for trimming down instead of the weight scale. We build lean body muscle mass which weight more than fat so the scale reflects no weight loss when in fact the body is trimming down fat. The tape measure will measure loss of inches and your clothes will start to feel looser. As far as food goes, recommend a Heart Healthy diet which is a moderate fat diet. Moderate fat diet means = use polyunsaturated (omega 3, corn oil, nuts, etc) fats and monounsaturated (olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, etc) fats, no saturated fats (high fat snack foods, butter, fat spreads) and no trans fats. Eat low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), low fat and substitute dairy products (1% milk, low fat/fat free yogurts, low fat soy milk/soy yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal). To help eat less food per meal, eat about 7-10 almonds (good fat), 20 minutes before lunch and dinner so you will feel full faster and not eat as much food.  Portion control is important and here some general tips = ½ cup for all starches and vegetables; one piece of fruit or ½ cup of small fruits; 1 cup for low fat dairy products, and only 3oz of low fat meat or protein substitution a meal (only 6ozs total a day). Do not be discouraged, weight loss can be a slow process but the slower you loss, the higher chance it will stay off. Think of this new way of eating as your new healthy lifestyle and not as a diet. Hope this helps you.