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[mustafa87]

Dear Forum-ers

Currently I'm on pain killers so apologies if this post is a bit whacky - they're quite strong (oh yeh).

Before I digress - my height is 5ft11, and I weight 137kg (though this is before any bowel movements of the day, I've had quite a bit to drink)

The lowest I've been in the last 6 months is 127kg, this was due to fasting on account of it being Ramadan - coupled with working a night shift job which involved a lot of physical movement in a warehouse

I've now returned to a managerial desk job in the same company - and will be working earlier hours (6am start). This was following surgery on a sensitive area in the body - which I feel my weight definitely contributed to... In detail - it was an abscess on my right buttock - caused by an ingrowing hair (nice...), I think all the sitting and computer using contributed to this, as well as the pressure from my mass...

At the moment I keep being repeatedly told to follow a protein only diet - ut out bread, rice, potato and pasta, and just eat meat whenever I'm hungry and eat almonds as a snack... This did help me to lose the weight I did during Ramadan - though I can't help but feel that it isn't the way to go.

Having consulted a doctor - he did mention a balanced diet is the best way, with perhaps a focus on reducing intake of sugar and salt, drinking only water, eating more wholegrain, etc...

What do you guys think? I think the all-protein thing is a load of crap and is very bad for you as it would lead to more consumption of red meat, which in itself is bad for your heart... and additionally it will lead to the digestive system's ability to digest carbs to be severely compromised... right?

Thoughts?

 

[BlueBean]

Hi mustafa Welcome to the forum! So sorry to hear about the surgery, I hope you are recovering well?
I am not a weight-loss pro, or a human nutritionist, but as an over-weight person trying their hardest to shed the kg's, these are my thoughts on food..

I believe every body is different, and I don't just mean our unique personalities and quirky traits. But I think our digestive systems are all a little different - so while a high protein diet may work for person A, might not for person B. And that's okay.

I think we need to have a healthy, balanced diet including all sorts of wonderful veggies, fruits, and wholesome foods The good stuff, not the processed junk. But I also think we need to alter our food intake to what suits our body. For example, my partner and drink milk by the glass, and he feels great. One sip of milk sends me into a world of pain, so I don't drink it. I try to get my calcium elsewhere. Breads, pasta, potatoes, pastries .. they send me to sleep! So why eat food that makes me feel horrible and my body runs slow? I'd rather fuel my body with stuff that makes it run much smoother and better. I'd suggest keeping a food diary, not only to keep yourself accountable for what you eat, and to look at how your eating habits chance or are triggered, but also to note down how you feel after each meal, and what you're craving and when.

I think a protein-only diet is dangerous, just like anything in excess. Protein is important for body function, but not when it's the only thing you eat (IMO).

It's an amazing journey .. I'm 3 weeks in and loving every moment! You get to learn so much more about yourself. Listen to your Dr's and health professionals, but remember that your body is not 'by the book'. You are unique, and should treat it as such.