Question & suggestion

[missnikki217]

Kind of a two-parter: 1st - I had a terrible flu for about a week with the sorest of sore throats, which made it hard to adhere to the atkins life-style, as one can only eat so much sf jello + cream, scrambled eggs and soups. 2nd - After getting back on track, I am looking at gum surgery in three weeks, which will also make it hard to eat very solid foods.

One - any suggestions for food besides homemade soups/stews and sf jello? Or should I just wait until this all passes and is over with to be able to spring into Atkins with no worries of flu and sore gums? I'd HATE to restart, and then after surgery determine that there's just no way I can chew salad, meats, etc.

Two - my suggestion: In the health section of the forum, I think it would be awesome to add a cold/flu section. I was scavenging for one earlier this month

Thanks!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Question & suggestion

There's baby food.

There's Atkins shakes.

You can puree a soup.

>>had a terrible flu for about a week with the sorest of sore throats, which made it hard to adhere to the atkins life-style, as one can only eat so much sf jello + cream, scrambled eggs and soups.>>

What exactly did you eat then that wasn't Atkins friendly?

When you're sick, you can still eat Atkins legal foods ... maybe not the same way as when you're well, but it's doable.

When you're sick, job #1 is to get better. You can get better without eating "off plan".

[Sarina D]

Re: Question & suggestion

When you're sick, you can still eat Atkins legal foods ... maybe not the same way as when you're well, but it's doable.

When you're sick, job #1 is to get better. You can get better without eating "off plan".

J. you make a very important point and one that we need to keep in mind. I think when we're sick we automatically revert back to what we would have "generally" eaten in the past when illness set in...usually that would consist of "easy" food like bread, crackers, ice cream puddings so on and so forth because who really wants to cook when they're sick? However, the reality of it is...eating carb loaded breads, crackers...sugar packed giner ale, puddings, ice cream etc doesn't provide the body with the appropriate nutrients it so needs to heal. For sore throats I think pureeing things like veggies and even meat like chicken and roast beef...almost into a pate so to speak (which I have done) makes it much easier to get down and stay down.

Nikki, I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better, sounds like you had a nasty flu girl!!!! Congratulations on getting back on track, that's terrific...well done!! I can relate to the gum surgery...I had to go through gum surgery about 8 years ago...wishing you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Sarina
------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 168.8 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[missnikki217]

Re: Question & suggestion

Thanks for the input, AtkinsGal. I'm sure it's doable to those who can swallow those foods on a sore throat and chew things with a gum infection.

<<There's Atkins shakes.>>

I dont go NEAR those.

<<What exactly did you eat then that wasn't Atkins friendly?>>

I had pudding (sf, although not very low in carbs), oranges finally to get mu immunity back up, and gatorade for hydration, since having a fever and drinking a sh*t ton of water was just not doable.

<<When you're sick, you can still eat Atkins legal foods ... maybe not the same way as when you're well>>

Not the same way, like being able to swallow salad veggies and protein, besides eggs, as I can when I'm well.

[missnikki217]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

Thanks Sarina. You have been quite an inspiration around here, especially for a re-inductor around here lol.

I never thought of pureeing those things, but maybe I might give it a try. I'm a semi-picky eater, and that doesnt sound like it would go down to well lol. Thank GOODNESS I'm better, but I was really scrambling until it got to the point where there I wasnt even getting on the pc anymore. I had a lot of the sugar free puddings when I had it, but I was so dehydrated I couldnt flush the fever out, so I used gatorade. Didn't gain more than 1 pound back, all in all, lucky for me.

I hope a moderator sees the suggestion. I wonder how many others revert back to old lifestyle eating when looking for more things to stay on track, as I know i'm not the first nor ever to get the flu

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

There's sugar free Gatorade.

>> <<There's Atkins shakes.>>

I dont go NEAR those.>>

Sorry I didn't know that before I made the suggestion.

I guess the pureed soup I suggested is out of the question, then, too?

[2big4mysize]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

roast your veggies like red peppers for the Vit C and you can puree that to make an easy to swallow soup.

canned pumpkin makes great soup you just add one can pumpkin to a qt of chicken stock as the base and then you can flavor it with garlic and onion powder or you could saute then in the pan first in your fat of choice. you can use cinnamon or just the herbs in your stock. I can eat it that way or with some curry powder. add a touch of cream or butter to a cup and you have an atkins legal soup.

Can you chew on one side when you have the surgery or is it going to be all liquids? cream based soups can be made atkins legal real easy just cook your veggies in legal liquid either water or stock and when they are soft purree them with some cream and you have a easy to swallow soup.you could add some protein powder for your protein and you are good to go.

not sure how strained babyfood would be but oif you could find some strained chicken or beef you could add it instead.

[missnikki217]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

Thanks, 2big. That was a really interesting suggestion. I wasnt doing too much creative cooking, so I didnt even think of roasting veggies, and the pumpkin soup sounds delicious!!! I was trying the pumpkin and cream cheese and splenda, but since I wasnt getting too much activity, it was just sitting on me really uncomfortable.

With the gum surgery, I really dont know what to expect. I'm thinking I'll be able to chew on one side decently, but they are going pretty deep into the gum, and I dont know if getting my mouth open enough is going to be an easy task. Ultimately, I'll just need to decide if my health is important enough to start and try to stick with it. Similarly (kinda), when I had my toungue pierced YEARS ago, I couldn't stick it out. I'm very sensitive to mouth pain.

I never considered baby food, I always thought it might have to much sugar or starches in it. I am going to have to check it out though. I made a delicious bok choy/chicken soup, but that only lasted a few days and I was not up to moving, nonetheless make more.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

make your soup a head of time and freeze it in single serving sizes then just take a few out and let them defrost during the day ahead of time and nuke when ready to consume. if you make the pumpkin soup wiht the cinnamon it tastes good cold.

you can also make some diet soda pops to suck on and numb your mouth after your surgery too.

[missnikki217]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

I have chicken broth that I keep in the freezer, so at least I would have a broth there. Do you have an idea of how long a soup would last in the freezer?

That's also an awesome idea --- would the carbonation be an issue at all?

[Sarina D]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

Thanks Sarina. You have been quite an inspiration around here, especially for a re-inductor around here lol.

I never thought of pureeing those things, but maybe I might give it a try. I'm a semi-picky eater, and that doesnt sound like it would go down to well lol. Thank GOODNESS I'm better, but I was really scrambling until it got to the point where there I wasnt even getting on the pc anymore. I had a lot of the sugar free puddings when I had it, but I was so dehydrated I couldnt flush the fever out, so I used gatorade. Didn't gain more than 1 pound back, all in all, lucky for me.

I hope a moderator sees the suggestion. I wonder how many others revert back to old lifestyle eating when looking for more things to stay on track, as I know i'm not the first nor ever to get the flu

Thank you so much for your very kind words Nikki, you're a sweetheart. I truly care and I hope my feedback and suggestions always come across as such. I know how tough this journey can be...especially in challenging times, illness, family death, injuries and the list goes on... so if there is something I tried and found worked or something different I can suggest I'm more than willing to help wherever I possible can.

I'm so happy to hear you are well again (excluding the gum infection...how horrible, I hope this can be dealt with very soon for you....yikes I feel for you), I have had very bad flu and horrible sore throats in the past and I know how difficult it can be to find food that can go down even at that time. The great part is, one can continue eating this way during illness.... there are little tricks that can be done that can allow someone to continue doing so and get the proper nutrients as well that their body so very much needs especially when sick.

As far as eating sugar free puddings and such...one thing that you might want to consider taking a look at that is legal would be like an egg custard (from Linda's low carb site) and that would be pretty easy to make in a jiffy, store in the fridge and be easy to swallow.

Other ideas from Linda's Low carb site would be meringue surprises (still soft and would go down), pumpkin custard, vanilla pudding, mock danish, cream of cauliflower soup, cream of chicken soup, creamy chiyote soup, Dotties cream of mushroom soup, mock potato soup, roasted red pepper and tomato soup....and there are other ones as well containing beef but remember, just puree everything together and it will go down easier.

Also, you could make crustless quiches, creamy baked eggs, egg salad mixture or salmon salad mixture with mayonaise and if need be...puree it as well so it ends up more like a pate...I do that with roast beef and mayo and it's quite nice and I even add veggies to the beef and mayo and puree it together....I quite enjoy it myself...I also add a bit of olive oil too...I do love my olive oil . Faux mashed potatoes (cauliflower steemed till really soft and then pureed or mashed with heavy cream and butter), Tuna Casserole 1, 2 and 3 and these are just a few I was able to quickly find from Linda's fabulous site that might be something you would end up being able to chew, get down and enjoy.

Ohhh and if by chance you enjoy rhubarb, I have my own little concoction I make....chop up rhubarb, put it in a pot with about a 1/4 cup water....let it reduce down...add stevia and cinnamon and enjoy. You can puree it so that it's consistency is more smooth. The other thing I personally do to make it more of a pudding form is add Agar, Agar (this is a seaweed thickener) and it takes a bit of a form depending how much you add. I purchase the Agar, Agar in a powder form and add it to a bit of cold water and wisk it till it disolves and then add it to the pot of Rhubarb.

I hope these ideas give you a few choices that might be of help. Hang in there, you are doing just fine....you're in my thoughts and if there is anything I can do to help feel free to contact me...we can work through things together

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,
Sarina
------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 168.0 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[missnikki217]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

Thanks for your positive feedback and MULTIPLE suggestions... And YOU are truly the sweetie. I've been lurking for a long time, and I see you give nothing but awesome support and excellent advise. And then kindness, even to questions that make veterans want to pull their hair out lol.

I hope I could learn to control myself after you listed all those delicious sounding desserts, I kinda went tunnel vision to all but them for a moment LOL. I have never tried rhubarb, but when I finally get the guts up to try it, I will most definitely use YOUR way of doing it. Usually when I'm ill, I can take care of myself, but this flu just really knocked me over. I'll probably have much more ease with the things you suggested and this gum issue, as well as just staying on track period. Not just that, but actually getting off my butt and making something!!!

Alright, I will be focusing on staying on the path and grin and bare it through the next couple of weeks... Then I'll see what I'm really made of

[Sarina D]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

Thanks for your positive feedback and MULTIPLE suggestions... And YOU are truly the sweetie. I've been lurking for a long time, and I see you give nothing but awesome support and excellent advise. And then kindness, even to questions that make veterans want to pull their hair out lol.

I hope I could learn to control myself after you listed all those delicious sounding desserts, I kinda went tunnel vision to all but them for a moment LOL. I have never tried rhubarb, but when I finally get the guts up to try it, I will most definitely use YOUR way of doing it. Usually when I'm ill, I can take care of myself, but this flu just really knocked me over. I'll probably have much more ease with the things you suggested and this gum issue, as well as just staying on track period. Not just that, but actually getting off my butt and making something!!!

Alright, I will be focusing on staying on the path and grin and bare it through the next couple of weeks... Then I'll see what I'm really made of

You are most welcome Nikki It's the least I can do...I know what it's like to come across challenges and how much I appreciated a number of members being so patient, showing respect and care in their well thought out responses to me when they could have easily just ignored my posts.

You know what....I'm sorry for posting sooooo many dessert options...I did the same thing as you....I went into tunnel vision...lock and load mode when I saw all the dessert options you could have and then snapped out of it and thought I had better choose from the other sections too!!! I know I listed a lot of desserts as well as soups (I know you wanted other ideas aside from them) however, the other sections you can check out and just put them through a processor to make them more manageble to eat.

That a girl for staying on this path....you can do it, I have no doubt about it and you know what I just realized?!?! You have some time coming up to your gum surgery where you can start experimenting now and making food and freezing them....that way, you can see what you like and have a supply already for when you have to go through the surgery!

Do keep in touch, I would really enjoy finding out what you have been able to create! Stop in my journal or at my Before and During picture thread and say hello when you have the time...I would love to stay in touch with one another.

When are you scheduled to go in for your surgery?

Hugs,
Sarina
------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 168.0 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[JulieB]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

Have you tried MUP? I eat this for breakfast almost every day - it is very soft (skip the nuts). http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...up-please.html

I also find that Linda's Mexican Spinach & Hamburger Casserole is pretty soft, but very tasty - I wouldn't necessarily suggest it when you aren't feeling well (hot/spicy), but it might work after gum surgery.

These might work for you as well:

Liv’s Cauliflower potatoes
2 1/2 cups cauliflower
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup grated cheddar, divided
3 green onions
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 slices cooked bacon

Cook 2 1/2 cups cauliflower until tender but firm. Chop into pieces
about the size of hash browns. Mix 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup grated
cheddar(medium is good), the chopped white parts of 3 green onions,
3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir in cauliflower. Place in greased
baking dish and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated cheddar on top. Bake @ 350 for 20
minutes or until heated through. Crumble 3 slices cooked bacon on top
and sprinkle on the chopped tops of the green onions. Serves 5 at 4.4
carbs each. Reheats well in the micro but freezes really badly.

The green onions & bacon *really* make this dish special!


Stick To Your Ribs Chili
2 pounds ground beef
1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 large clove, fresh)
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 15-ounce can no sugar added tomato sauce
1 8-ounce can no sugar added roasted garlic tomato sauce
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
sour cream (optional)
shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Brown the ground beef with the garlic and red pepper flakes; drain thoroughly. Combine the browned meat/spices with all the remaining ingredients except the sour cream and shredded cheese. Place mixture in a crockpot and cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours. Serve hot, garnished with dollops of sour cream and sprinkles of cheddar cheese, if desired.
Freezes well for a quick lunch or snack.

Whole recipe: 2641 calories, 183g fat, 73.7 carbs , 169.1g protein
1/6 recipe: 440 calories, 30.5g fat, 12.25 carbs , 28g protein

Note: Adding 1 cup of cooked kidney beans to this recipe adds about 4.5 net carbs per serving, for 6 servings.

[Sarina D]

Re: Question &amp; suggestion

Ohhhhhhhhh another favorite of mine that is pretty mushy and can be easily chewed is sauteed, red and orange peppers as well as sauteed zucchini together..you can add whatever spices you like (actually come to think of it...you probably won't want to add spices with having surgery on your gums...the spices will sting...trust me, that happened to me when I had gum surgery)

The recipe sounds pretty simple but I find it delightful!

Sarina
-------------------

Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 168.0 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)