I went to the clinic today

[Roon]

I have gained a lot of weight,I have high blood pressure, and I am diabetic..all of this on top of my hiv.

I am going to try and eat better, do some walking, and get out more and lose some weight. If I don't lose some weight and get my blood pressure down,I am getting my stomach stapled. I have one month to start this.

I may eat clean (you eat like a caveman,a bodybuilder's diet) or go vegetarian. The only problem is it's expensive to eat healthy. I have seen so many overweight people buy groceries using foodstamps because eating healthy would wipe out your allotment in two weeks.

I need to do this. I can't keep using my hiv as an excuse. If I don't change my ways soon my lifestyle is going to kill me before aids will.

I am a walking heart attack waiting to happen.

[ccharles000]

1. ...

:hug:

[Roon]

2. Thanks baby boy

I really appreciate it! :-)

[backwoodsbob]

6. may I ask a question?

please excuse my ignorance but couldn't stomach stapling and the associated diet changes play hell with your immune system?

Not asking to be an ass...I simply dont personally know anyone with hiv and have only the most basic of understanding

[Roon]

7. I asked my PA that today..

it's a risky surgery anyway..but having it done with a fried immune system is even worse..but it happens. My PA,my manfriend, and I are all hoping I can just change my lifestyle enough to where I don't need the surgery.

[salin]

11. Sounds wise.

hard, but wise.

[backwoodsbob]

12. well please keep well

vibes to you :hug:

[Roon]

14. thanks bob

:hug:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

3. If you plan,

it's not that costly to eat well.

You can eat frozen vegetables - which, in some instances, are fresher than fresh, thanks to the freezing techniques used today. Watch for them on sale, and stock up, so they're always there.

Chicken - buy whole chickens on sale, and get them cut into quarters and freeze them in individual packages so that you always have the fixings for one meal. Or you can thaw out two and, say, baked two pieces and have one for sandwiches or just plain for another meal.

You need some carbohydrates, so brown rice is a great choice, and a little of that goes a long way.

You can get peanut butter on sale, and low- or no-sugar added preserves, if you like PBJ sandwiches.

Eggs - always a good sources of protein and, even though their prices have gone up, still a good deal.

Watch for things like pork chops on sale - you can trim the fat, and pan fry them with some sauteed onions and a bit of say sauce, and you've got a very nice meat course.

Garlic - it's just wonderful, and makes so many things better.

Onions - same as garlic.

Canned beans - we use canned black beans jazzed up with raw onions, chopped cucumber, carrots, tossed with brown rice and olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Red wine vinegar, olive oil, and some balsamic vinegar - they all contribute so nicely to so many dishes. Toss a simple salad with some olive oil and balsamic, and you've got something nice.

Consider spices - pick out what you like and make sure your foods are properly (and exquisitely) seasoned.

Potatoes - you can make a great dinner out of a baked potato, scooping out the cooked potato meat, mashed with sauteed onions, some tuna, maybe, or whatever you've got on hand in terms of protein, and a bit of cheese on top, run under the broiler, or just nuked 'til the cheese melts.

Those are just the basics I can think of. The old rule about drinking water, staying hydrated, is really important. And diet sodas, if you're a soda drinker. They're so expensive now, though.

Food prices suck, but, with planning, you can work your way around them. Just avoid the processed stuff. That's how people get fat. The simpler, the better, and it's cheaper in the long run.

Don't be sick, and don't leave yourself open for the surgery - it is not a solution. I know people who've had the surgery, and they gained their weight back, which I didn't think was possible, but I was wrong.

Good luck.........................

[Roon]

8. tangerine

Thanks for that!

[Tangerine LaBamba]

15. You are so welcome ..........

I always look for your posts, because you're a distinct and most agreeable personality. And I don't want you to be sick.

I'm a great cook and a veteran foodie, so if there's anything I can do to help you, just PM me anytime. OK?

OK.................

:toast:

[Roon]

17. That is my problem,I am a terrible cook

that is why most of my food i eat are microwave dinners. So bad for you. I just need to turn the heat down and cool a little slower.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

18. Listen,

for what it's worth, a man who knows how to cook and who enjoys it is sexy.

Just so's ya know.

I know, I know, but food is our medicine, as you well know, and it's also our poison. Slow it down and try to enjoy it. You might surprise yourself and find that you're really into it. I never had the slightest interest in cooking until I looked at a cookbook one day as I was getting married, and BANG! I fell for the whole mad scientist feeling I get when I'm putting a recipe or a meal together.

Just remember ------------ sexy...........................

[Roon]

19. cool!!

Of course you know food always tastes better when someone else is cooking it..lol

[siligut]

4. I hope you are able to lose weight.

Diabetes has become an epidemic in the US. Of course, walking is excellent exercise and it is free. :hug:

[Roon]

9. Thanks siligut

:hug:

[salin]

5. Wishing you well...

good intentions (I have them) are hard to follow (I speak from experience). However, this is one of those great places where some great advice can be gleaned that can make enacting the 'good intentions' might become easier.

:hug:

[Roon]

10. Thanks Salin

:hug:

[salin]

13. the trick is keeping this kicked long enough that more posts like tangerine's

are included. A lot of really wise folks with varied personal experiences and advice - but folks post at different times of the day.

[Roon]

16. that is why I love message boards as much as real time chat

you can post on a topic. Go to bed, wake up and reply. So,cool.