A Question For All Of You, Please Reply!!!!

Hi All, I need to know what numbers you look for on food lables. On the Nutrition Facts , how many grams: Charbohydrate Sugar Protein Sodium Fat I just want to make sure I'm doing this right. I know all Dr's are different but I would like to know what you all look for. Martha

Martha, I am not sure what to tell you about "carbohydrates," I just try to pay attention to the front of the can/box/container, and if it something I like and mentions "low carb," that's good enough for me. As for sugars, I was told by my Nutritionist that anything under 15 grams f sugar was OK, but I try to go much less with that and I have found some very tasty things with only 1 or 2 grams of sugar. Again, with the sodium and fat, I try to go with what the front of the container says, like "low fat, low sodium." I hope this helps you and the best of luck to you. God bless you! Pat

I forgot to mention the protein...you will find some really good protein shakes at Walmart that are not too expensive. "Advant-Edge" are my personal favorites and they have 15 grams of protein per container. Drinking four of those throughout the day gives you the sufficient amount of protein. On the same schedule, I was given, it was suggested to drink them at 7:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon, 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. with other meals spaced in between those times. Basically, you would look for the LEAST amounts of carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, and fats on the nutritional labels, and MOST amounts of protein.

Certainly Martha, you're looking for high protein things...course, not all *good* foods have mega protein...For example...yogurt can be as low as 6-8 grams of protein but if you get sugar free, it's a great bang for your buck...85 calories, Blue Bunny light, made with splenda. Can make a great snack. I personally try to keep sugar content to below 10 grams. I'd have to look back, but I believe my nutritionist said I could have 30 grams (which seemed like a lote to me!)a meal...course, you're thinking in terms of sugars from fruits, vegs., not refined WHITE sugar, bread, or dessert type things. Certainly, sometimes you have to have a bite of something truly sweet. Most of us learn later on how much we can tolerate or choose to "waste" calories on. ;) Shoot for 60 grams of protein a day....I doubt you'll get that in this early on, but who knows, everyone's different. Monica Gantz at the Seminar this weekend says she has 100 gr. of protein daily. I also read a profile from a gal that was there that said she had NO white sugar, rice, simple carbs, if you will....and she lost an incredible 244 in a year. She also got insurance to pay for all her plastic surgery. She looked incredibly beautiful!! http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=R1041301361 is her profile. She's a Georgia gal. I plan to email her but haven't yet. It's a learning experience. You're doing great! Hope you're feeling good. Get rid of the bag??

Martha, I had my surgery 12/13/04, and i have lost 44 lbs. here are some of the things i do. As far as Carbs go i look for items with 10g total (including sugar and dietary fiber) or less, Fat 0g - 10g, sodium i really don'****ch that. For protein i bake or put chicken in the rotisserie and season with fresh basil, oregano, and garlic, then i put the chicken in the food processor with Hellman's light mayo just a 1/4 of a teaspoon. Protein shakes i get from GNC it is called Extreme Smoothie they are in a can and come in many different flavors my favorite is Strawberry (tastes like McDonald's Strawberry Shake) and chocolate. I eat alot of steamed asparagus that i cook in my TurboCooker because you can put it on the steaming rack and let it go. i've eaten ground chuck or ground sirloin just put in the rotisserie and then food processor with A-1 steak sauce or Whorshire sauce, they are high in salt but i can tolerate them well and it gives it some flavor. Let me know if you have any other questions. and good luck.

Hey Martha, Hope you are getting better. Sorry to hear of your problems. My goals are for 74g of protein a day. I try to keep sugars less than 6 and carbs @ 0 but no more that 60 in 1 day. It takes alot of label reading but once we find our favorites it will be easier. Keep us posted on your progress. -Deana -26 LBS