dietician
I live in an assisted living facility where the meals are prepared for us. I have gained about 100 lbs. over the last 7 years. My doctor says that I need to lose weight. I have been trying over the last couple months eating smaller portions, eliminating breads except one piece of toast at breakfast, and eliminating desserts. I have only lost a few pounds. I have an appt. with the dietician who is hired as a consultant. next week. Any suggestion? I am dependent on a walker to get around and I do LSVT exercises every day, at least 2X. HELP! I am discouraged on losing weight
I can certainly understand your frustration in not being able to lose weight. That excess puts tremendous pressure on your joints and being primarily sedentary adds to the problem. Hopefully the dietitian or nutritionist at your facility can develop a more personal plan for you that meets what you require and in appropriate quantities. Does the Dr have an explanation for the weight gain? If meals are being supplied they should certainly be done so to meet individual residents needs within
reason. Good luck in your efforts. Thea DeStephano Community Team MemberThank you--I meet with the dietitian tomorrow. I am not totally sedentary. I do LSVT exercises and I move around quite a bit.
, I am not totally sedentary. I do LSVT exercises 3X /day and I walk. I've tried to cut down on the am't that I am eatingand try to stay away from carbs and sweets. SLOW PROGRESS! Thank you for your response @Psupy Being patient and following a routine may be the best plan for you. After all you didn’t gain the weight all at once. Be compassionate with yourself and you will get there! Best of luck. Thea
Thanks for sharing your knowledge as to why it is so difficult to control
weight with Parkinson’s. Protein at each meal surprised me as I have often read that protein intake should be limited if taking carbidopa levadopa. There is a lot of confusing information. I understand it has to do with timing but can be difficult to follow. I appreciate your clarification. Thea DeStephano Community Team MemberIngesting a large amount of protein at one meal causes indigestion which may lead to slow gastric emptying which could in turn lead to a more serious condition called Gastrparesis (Stomach paralysis). A high protein meal cal also exacerbate chronic constipation in people with Parkinson and that interferes with medication absorption (L-Dopa). We can't absorb our L-Dopa if we are constipated! That affects our drug efficacy and ultimately increases our motor fluctuations. So for all the above reasons, we must carefully plan to have a small amount of protein (amounts vary according to the person's size,fitness level, age, gender, other digestive disorders,...) like 1-2 ounces of chicken, fish, pork,... along with a lot of plant food (fresh salad and cooked veggies) to keep things moving in the digestive tract. I hope this helps clarify the previous email. Best of luck
