HELP! I don't fit into my wedding dress!

[mpatient24]

Hi! A friend told me about this site when I was upset about not fitting in my wedding dress. I went on vacation and put on 15 lbs. I can't exercise very well due to a disability in my right leg. My problem is not so much eating too many calories, as what I'm eating and how often. I usually only eat once or twice a day. Mainly I just forget.

I have 3 weeks to lose the 15 lbs. Any recommendations? We are going to the grocery store today.

[lowcarbgirl]

Are you following Protein Power or any other low carb eating plan? If so which one and where on the plan are you?

Eating only once or twice a day isn't a good way to loose. This can cause your body to go into starvation mode and slow down the metabolism. Also, people tend to eat a lot of calories in that one or 2 sittings (more than they think) and all of that at once isn't good when the body is in starvation mode. And if there are a lot of carbs involved it just gets worse from there.

If you can give us more information about what kind of eating plan you follow, I'm sure there are some people here that can help you.

hugs,
Willow

[mpatient24]

Currently I'm not on any plan. I'm 4'9" and I was 176 lbs 2/2005. I had the gastric band done then and quickly dropped down to 140 within a few months. I've gained 15 lbs back now since I started working from home due to my disability, and we went on a 15 day vacation.

I have a tendency to forget to eat, so I've been trying to be better about eating a yogurt when I get up, or a lean pocket during the day. We usually have a good dinner (not sure about good as in healthy). I don't have a problem with portions usually since I have the band. I do crave bad foods at night though. Like ice cream or candy.

I don't cook very well at all, but my fiance does, and unfortunately its usually very fattening foods. He's agreed to try and cook healthier, but neither or us know where to start, and I think we have misconceptions about what is okay to eat and what isn't. We're going to go to the grocery store today to try and get healthier foods.

I have to lose 15 lbs in 3 weeks, but I'd ideally overall like to lose 40 total lbs.

Any help is really appreciated! I need quick foods, because I typically won't fix it for myself if its complicated.

Thanks!

[Gabriele]

Currently I'm not on any plan. I'm 4'9" and I was 176 lbs 2/2005. I had the gastric band done then and quickly dropped down to 140 within a few months. I've gained 15 lbs back now since I started working from home due to my disability, and we went on a 15 day vacation.

I have a tendency to forget to eat, so I've been trying to be better about eating a yogurt when I get up, or a lean pocket during the day. We usually have a good dinner (not sure about good as in healthy). I don't have a problem with portions usually since I have the band. I do crave bad foods at night though. Like ice cream or candy.

I don't cook very well at all, but my fiance does, and unfortunately its usually very fattening foods. He's agreed to try and cook healthier, but neither or us know where to start, and I think we have misconceptions about what is okay to eat and what isn't. We're going to go to the grocery store today to try and get healthier foods.

I have to lose 15 lbs in 3 weeks, but I'd ideally overall like to lose 40 total lbs.

Any help is really appreciated! I need quick foods, because I typically won't fix it for myself if its complicated.

Thanks!

My advice would be to go on a meat and fat fast, with almost 0 carbs for the next 3 weeks. For instance, you could do a protein shake (whey protein, like designer whey from health food store) in the morning. A nice serving of salmon or tuna or chicken salad, made with sugarfree mayonnaise and some dill or other herbs for flavor, and a grilled chicken breast, or salmon fillet, or steak etc. for dinner. I've done this type of eating for short periods of time, with great results. I do take supplements, esp. Vitamin C, Magnesium with Calcium, some B vitamins, Cod Liver Oil, and misc. other things. The Whey protein powder has a nice amount of minerals and vitamins added, as well.

I know this isn't pure Protein Power, but I know how you feel about the upcoming wedding and fitting into your dress, I wish you all the best and lots of luck, hope all goes well.

Oh - very important is to drink lots of water, I would say for your size a minimum of 80 oz, which would mean 10 8 oz glasses a day. Start in the morning, before you even get out of bed, I have a 20 oz bottle with me at all times, and drink 5 or 6 of them daily.

Please let us know how you're doing! :)

[Zuleika]

I'm not really sure what to suggest, but I want to wish you luck. Most of us here are more about long-term lifestyle change, so we may not have a lot of suggestions.

But most people drop several pounds right away on any form of low-carb, just as their body rids itself of extra water it's holding. I know a lot of people scoff, but whatever you lose is a step in the right direction.

15 lbs is only about one size difference. I'm sure you can drop some weight before the wedding and there's always the movie star trick: Wear two Spanx, one on top of the other.

Most importantly, have faith in yourself and keep your confidence.

[Gaelen]

mpatient24, first...welcome in. ;)
Second, while I know how important it is for you to fit into your wedding dress in three weeks, I also know that if you had lap banding surgery done and have been living with it since Feb 2005, then YOU should already understand that quick fixes like losing 15 lbs. in three weeks are simply not on your options list unless you've had the lap band reversed. A meat and fat fast, for instance, would be completely inappropriate for you, because you're supposed to avoid fats (since the band creates a small stomach pouch that may not be able to adequately digest them.) If you haven't had the lap band reversed, then you're already ON a diet that's restricted by your doctor (see example, here) (http://www.lapband.com/lapband/lifeaftersurgery.do).

While the post-surgical lap-band diet does restrict calories by asking you to limit both consumption and fats, it DOESN'T encourage only eating once per day; in fact, every thing I've read about it is quite specific that you NEED to eat three meals a day after surgery. The philosophy for that recommendation is that after lap band placement, you won't be able to take in sufficient nutrients if you only eat once a day.

What does your bariatric surgeon's office say, the doctor who did the lap band? My understanding is that lap band patients are followed by their specialist for a minimum of one year, but usually folllowed much longer (>3 years). Even if he's not currently following you, he or his office's nutritionist are the ones who should be giving you nutrition advice, since you are operating under much different eating restrictions than a person who hasn't had lap band surgery.

Meanwhile...to solve the wedding dress fit issue...talk to your dressmaker. If the store where you bought your gown doesn't have one, find a good tailor and take the dress in to see what modifications that they can make. Creative use of control garments like Spanx doubling can also work, in combination with creative alterations. I know that this is probably NOT what you wanted to hear, but since you've had gastric banding surgery already, you are very much a special case when it comes to diet and nutrition. While a protein-rich, carb-controlled diet can accomplish great things in people with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, it ISN'T the dietary composition that is usually recommended to lap-band surgical patients either before or after the operation--while they say 'eat lean protein,' and 'eat high protein,' their definition of high protein is no more than 30g of PROTEIN, and nearly twice that of carbs. Once you've had the lap band done, until it's reversed I'm afraid you've gotta dance with the one that brung you. Anything else could seriously compromise you physically.

Good luck to you on your special day and in your new marriage. ;)

[Gabriele]

I don't know anything about lap band surgery, but my guess is, it's similar to Gastric Bypass, just not as drastic? In any case, I thought it makes it almost impossible to eat much food at one time, therefore the recommendation to eat 5 or 6 small meals - more like snacks - a day. I'm not sure what the reason is that carbs "have to be eaten, esp. twice as much as protein"? Makes no sense to me... however, the meal plan I described is in no way "high fat", but meat and eggs and fish, cooked or prepared with small amounts of fat will make you feel so satisfied, there will be no cravings. Which is the secret to this way of eating, right?

Three weeks is a short time, but I've done the whey protein shakes for meals twice a day, with a small protein meal in the evening, and lost a dress size in three weeks. You can even add a small salad, as long as it's all greens, for some roughage.

I was not recommending it long term, but for that short amount of time, it can't do much harm. As a matter of fact, I know quite a few people who live on meat and eggs...

Just my opinion, of course.

[Gaelen]

I don't know anything about lap band surgery, but my guess is, it's similar to Gastric Bypass, just not as drastic?

Actually, the two surgeries are quite different. If you'd like to familiarize yourself with the lap-band surgery, there's more information here (http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/nutrition.html); go to the links at the bottom of the page to see the description of the procedure.

People who have gastric bypass are encouraged to eat multiple small meals and to eat essentially controlled carb after surgery, although there usually aren't specific protein intake guidelines.

People who have lap band surgery are cautioned to ONLY eat three meals per day, because their stomachs haven't been reconstructed; the 'intake' into the stomach has been made substantially smaller by the creation of a small upper or pre-stomach and stoma into the larger stomach area. The size of the upper stomach and the stoma are controlled by the lap band, which is inflated/deflated with saline regularly. This makes it theoretically possible for someone who's had lap banding to continue to take in more calories than they need, and NOT lose weight--in other words, to continue to overeat. They may not lose as fast or as dramatically as gastric bypass patients--but they also don't run the same risks post-surgically and the banding can be reversed if they cannot tolerate the dietary life changes it involves. And because the amount of gastric enzymes their food is exposed to is limited by the greatly reduced size of the small upper stomach, they have to SEVERELY restrict fats of any kind. Anything they can't digest will basically be regurgitated rather than pass through the stoma into the lower stomach.

How do I know all of this? I have a friend who is undergoing the procedure after nearly a year of counseling, and I spent a good part of Friday looking up information for her about pre- and post-surgical diet, and in general reviewing my own understanding of the procedure so that I can support her in whatever way she needs me. Do I recommend taking a surgical approach to diet? No...but it's her choice to make, not mine.


I'm not sure what the reason is that carbs "have to be eaten, esp. twice as much as protein"? Makes no sense to me... however, the meal plan I described is in no way "high fat", but meat and eggs and fish, cooked or prepared with small amounts of fat will make you feel so satisfied, there will be no cravings. Which is the secret to this way of eating, right?

Thing is, Gabriele, mpatient has a specific body condition for which this way of eating (carb control and adequate protein) is not medically supported. Whether we know it works for us matters not at all; it can seriously compromise someone who's had lap-band surgery unless his/her doctor is involved and supervising...and in this case, it doesn't sound like the doc is being consulted, much less supervising. Would it work? Sure, maybe...but I'm not sure mpatient was hoping to be a test case. ;)


Three weeks is a short time, but I've done the whey protein shakes for meals twice a day, with a small protein meal in the evening, and lost a dress size in three weeks. You can even add a small salad, as long as it's all greens, for some roughage. I was not recommending it long term, but for that short amount of time, it can't do much harm.

As you'll see when you investigate the link above, 'roughage' has to be pretty carefully chosen, prepped and consumed, and there are some foods that are basically forever off-limits to banded patients. As long as the band is in place, their food has to be reduced by either pureeing or chewing to mushiness, or they can't eat it--which makes a meat and eggs fast particularly touchy. Can a banded patient eat shakes and go on a three-week liquid fast similar to his/her post-op diet to lose some weight quickly? Maybe...but I'm not a bariatric surgeon, so I don't know it that's really appropriate. What I do know is that if someone has *gained* weight while banded, then there are other much more serious considerations for that person than whether a dress, even a wedding dress, fits--and those considerations need to be addressed by the medical practicioner working with the patient.

All of that means that any dietary recommendations we make here without understanding mpatient's unique history would tapdance around practicing bariatric medicine without a license. Our opinion of our dietary recommendations or whether we think they make sense doesn't really count. That can be hard to accept sometimes, but unfortunately in this case, it's too true. :eek: The safest course for mpatient at this point is to get her supervising doctor involved, work on the dress fitting with the magic of creative tailoring and bodyshaping garments, and begin to address the issues of why she is gaining while still banded. OTOH, if the band has been removed, then maybe doing a pre-nup fast might work. Unfortunately, we still don't know what the answer is for that piece of the puzzle...and that answer is the $64 one in this case.

[mpatient24]

mpatient24, first...welcome in. ;)
Second, while I know how important it is for you to fit into your wedding dress in three weeks, I also know that if you had lap banding surgery done and have been living with it since Feb 2005, then YOU should already understand that quick fixes like losing 15 lbs. in three weeks are simply not on your options list unless you've had the lap band reversed. A meat and fat fast, for instance, would be completely inappropriate for you, because you're supposed to avoid fats (since the band creates a small stomach pouch that may not be able to adequately digest them.) If you haven't had the lap band reversed, then you're already ON a diet that's restricted by your doctor (see example, here) (http://www.lapband.com/lapband/lifeaftersurgery.do).

While the post-surgical lap-band diet does restrict calories by asking you to limit both consumption and fats, it DOESN'T encourage only eating once per day; in fact, every thing I've read about it is quite specific that you NEED to eat three meals a day after surgery. The philosophy for that recommendation is that after lap band placement, you won't be able to take in sufficient nutrients if you only eat once a day.

I have not had the lap-band reversed, however I will say that many of the dietary warnings given by the Dr's are recommendations more so weight loss is achieved rather than for actual health risks. My band is wide open, and I have not had a saline fill. The reason for this in the beginning is that I lost weight without adding the saline. The reason for this now, is that if I have to have another knee surgery they will have to drain it (because it can cause aspiration under anesthesia), and each adjustment costs money.


What does your bariatric surgeon's office say, the doctor who did the lap band? My understanding is that lap band patients are followed by their specialist for a minimum of one year, but usually folllowed much longer (>3 years). Even if he's not currently following you, he or his office's nutritionist are the ones who should be giving you nutrition advice, since you are operating under much different eating restrictions than a person who hasn't had lap band surgery.

In the beginning I was on a strict diet, but I have discussed ways to use my band with my Dr. and he has stated that as long as I chew my food well enough that it can properly go through the opening between the pouches, I can eat what I want. I don't have a probelm with digestion. The main thing the band does for me is keep the food in the upper pouch for a longer period of time leaving me with a full or satisfied feeling. I eat smaller portions, and I eat less often. He has obviously said that what I eat can make a difference in weight loss, but he's comfortable with my health as long as I don't get within 20 lbs of where I was.


Meanwhile...to solve the wedding dress fit issue...talk to your dressmaker. If the store where you bought your gown doesn't have one, find a good tailor and take the dress in to see what modifications that they can make. Creative use of control garments like Spanx doubling can also work, in combination with creative alterations. I know that this is probably NOT what you wanted to hear, but since you've had gastric banding surgery already, you are very much a special case when it comes to diet and nutrition. While a protein-rich, carb-controlled diet can accomplish great things in people with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, it ISN'T the dietary composition that is usually recommended to lap-band surgical patients either before or after the operation--while they say 'eat lean protein,' and 'eat high protein,' their definition of high protein is no more than 30g of PROTEIN, and nearly twice that of carbs. Once you've had the lap band done, until it's reversed I'm afraid you've gotta dance with the one that brung you. Anything else could seriously compromise you physically.

I have discussed a high protein diet with my Dr. and he doesn't see any problem with it. He only said that he doesn't recommend cutting all carbs, because its not healthy... for anyone.

Any recommendations now that I've clarified my condition with the lap band? :)

[Gaelen]

I have not had the lap-band reversed, however I will say that many of the dietary warnings given by the Dr's are recommendations more so weight loss is achieved rather than for actual health risks. My band is wide open, and I have not had a saline fill. The reason for this in the beginning is that I lost weight without adding the saline. The reason for this now, is that if I have to have another knee surgery they will have to drain it (because it can cause aspiration under anesthesia), and each adjustment costs money. <snip>
I have discussed a high protein diet with my Dr. and he doesn't see any problem with it. He only said that he doesn't recommend cutting all carbs, because its not healthy... for anyone. Any recommendations now that I've clarified my condition with the lap band? :)

Yep. ;)
Get a copy of Protein Power, and figure out your minimum daily protein intake recommendation--I'm guessing by your size and weight it will be around 22-27g protein times three, or 66 to 81g protein per day. Protein Power will have you eating at least that amount of protein per day, plus 30-40g of carbs (effective carbs= total carb grams minus fiber), and a certain level of fats to make up the rest of your daily calorie intake. BTW, that's not 'high protein' -- it's adequate protein. High protein would be eating double that, and that's not something you'd necessarily want to do.

Once you've got those numbers for what you'd actually be consuming, nutrient wise, while following this plan, take the numbers and a copy of PP with you to your doctor, and propose to him exactly what you're going to do and how you're going to eat. I'd suggest, btw, returning to the liquid diet you did pre-op and immediately post-op, if your doctor is agreeable. You'll be able to control your intake better that way. Having shown the plan to your doc, if he's willing to supervise your nutrition as strictly as you were supervised when you first had the surgery, then absolutely, follow his recommendations.

Why do you have to get/keep your doc involved? Because as long as that band is in place, even wide open, it's created a change in the way your digestive system works that means just saying, 'sure, read the book and forge ahead' would be really reckless. I am in the process of surviving Stage IV colorectal cancer against all odds...but my doctor-patient relationships (and there are many) will only continue to succeed if I keep my docs in the loop about my diet, my symptoms, etc. They weren't initially all thrilled about the way I explained that I ate...but as long as I keep beating the odds, then they want me to keep on doing exactly what I've been doing. But if I want to continue to get the best info from them, I have to continue to give them the best info from me.

One more caution...based on the earlier results you posted, no one can promise you that you'll lose 15 lbs., X number of inches or a dress size in the next three weeks. Individual results vary even in much less stressful circumstances than prepping for a wedding. This way of eating--while it may have worked steadily or quickly for someone else--may not work either steadily or quickly for you. So I'd still check out those dressmaker/control garments options. Seriously. This is your wedding, girl...it never hurts to have a plan B. ;) And whatever you discover when working with your doctor, you have my best wishes for a wonderful wedding day. Just hang on to the perspective that it's only one day in a relationship that will have many other days in it...and those other days will have nothing to do with your dress three weeks from now. It will be all about *you* and your partner, and that's the most important thing.

Hope that helps. ;)

[mpatient24]

Actually, the two surgeries are quite different. If you'd like to familiarize yourself with the lap-band surgery, there's more information here (http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/nutrition.html); go to the links at the bottom of the page to see the description of the procedure.

People who have gastric bypass are encouraged to eat multiple small meals and to eat essentially controlled carb after surgery, although there usually aren't specific protein intake guidelines..

People who have had the bypass have to be extremely careful with what they eat. Many of the side effects include dumping syndrome, regurgitating... there are so many.


People who have lap band surgery are cautioned to ONLY eat three meals per day, because their stomachs haven't been reconstructed; the 'intake' into the stomach has been made substantially smaller by the creation of a small upper or pre-stomach and stoma into the larger stomach area. The size of the upper stomach and the stoma are controlled by the lap band, which is inflated/deflated with saline regularly. This makes it theoretically possible for someone who's had lap banding to continue to take in more calories than they need, and NOT lose weight--in other words, to continue to overeat. They may not lose as fast or as dramatically as gastric bypass patients--but they also don't run the same risks post-surgically and the banding can be reversed if they cannot tolerate the dietary life changes it involves. And because the amount of gastric enzymes their food is exposed to is limited by the greatly reduced size of the small upper stomach, they have to SEVERELY restrict fats of any kind. Anything they can't digest will basically be regurgitated rather than pass through the stoma into the lower stomach..

This is not entirely accurate, and the fat regurgitating is actually more associated with the bypass surgery. I've never thrown up, even when overeating or not chewing up my food accidentally. The lap band essentially makes an hourglass figure out of your stomach. The opening that can be adjusted with the saline completely open is about the size of a quarter. The saline can be used to adjust it smaller. This adjustment only makes you feel fuller longer, because it takes a longer period of time for the food to move from the upper pouch, into the lower to be digested. If you do overeat, it can be very painful until the food does move its way down into the lower area of the stomach. A way to relieve this pain is to drink water, which will soften the food, making it easier to pass through the opening. Dr.'s do not regularly advertise this information because they do not want those that desperately need to follow the rules due to diabetes and such to be able to cheat. The band is a weight loss tool, and only works as well as the person using it. It is not a fix all.


How do I know all of this? I have a friend who is undergoing the procedure after nearly a year of counseling, and I spent a good part of Friday looking up information for her about pre- and post-surgical diet, and in general reviewing my own understanding of the procedure so that I can support her in whatever way she needs me. Do I recommend taking a surgical approach to diet? No...but it's her choice to make, not mine..

This was not a choice that I made lightly. I researched for a long time, discussed it with my family, and several Dr's. I've never had any poor side effects, and I've never regretted the decision. It's been a year and a half since the surgery. I know a few other people that have had it and so far no regrets. However, I strongly urge anybody that would consider it to do the research, speak with their Dr's and their families.

I do not recommend the bypass personally. It is not reversible, and the side effects can make life miserable. I know 2 people who did the bypass and they wish they had gone with the band. They lost weight quickly but they take liquid supplements all day long, and they look physically ill.


Thing is, Gabriele, mpatient has a specific body condition for which this way of eating (carb control and adequate protein) is not medically supported. Whether we know it works for us matters not at all; it can seriously compromise someone who's had lap-band surgery unless his/her doctor is involved and supervising...and in this case, it doesn't sound like the doc is being consulted, much less supervising. Would it work? Sure, maybe...but I'm not sure mpatient was hoping to be a test case. ;).

No, not a test case. ;) My Dr. has been consulted, and as long as I take my multi-vitamin and I am eating, he's okay with the protein diet. He strongly prefers however that I don't cut out all carbs, but said for a short term it won't hurt my health. As with anybody else. I considered going back on the liquid/soft food diet I was on initially, but that is certainly not healthier than the foods all of you are eating here. I do not want a quick fix... well I do, but short term. We are working to change our lifestyle so that we can maintain our weight rather than continuing on the seesaw.


As you'll see when you investigate the link above, 'roughage' has to be pretty carefully chosen, prepped and consumed, and there are some foods that are basically forever off-limits to banded patients. As long as the band is in place, their food has to be reduced by either pureeing or chewing to mushiness, or they can't eat it--which makes a meat and eggs fast particularly touchy. .

I eat meat and eggs all the time. Steak and eggs is my favorite breakfast. Because my band is wide open I don't have to chew it to mushiness, I just have to chew it well. And even if I had a fill, as long as its chewed well, I'd never have to puree. Granted... it may be a different story for some, but not for me. I'm 26 years old, 4'9", and high risk for diabetes. 15 lbs on me is not 1 dress size, but 2 and sometimes 3 dress sizes.


Can a banded patient eat shakes and go on a three-week liquid fast similar to his/her post-op diet to lose some weight quickly? Maybe...but I'm not a bariatric surgeon, so I don't know it that's really appropriate. What I do know is that if someone has *gained* weight while banded, then there are other much more serious considerations for that person than whether a dress, even a wedding dress, fits--and those considerations need to be addressed by the medical practicioner working with the patient..

I've gained weight while having the band, because after my knee surgery left me disabled and stuck working from home and unable to drive myself places I got depressed and started eating things like ice cream. No matter what size your band is, ice cream is fattening, and goes straight through the first pouch and into the second to be digested because its liquid. I consumed many calories of ice cream, and milk shakes, while having no physical activity at all. I'm not making excuses. It was stupid, but that's what happened, and our long vacations with midnight chocolate buffets didn't help. I'm trying to get back on track, and I want to make sure I will fit in my wedding dress. My dress is a corset style and can not easily be modified. The modications would be very expensive and I'd like to avoid them.



All of that means that any dietary recommendations we make here without understanding mpatient's unique history would tapdance around practicing bariatric medicine without a license. Our opinion of our dietary recommendations or whether we think they make sense doesn't really count. That can be hard to accept sometimes, but unfortunately in this case, it's too true. :eek: The safest course for mpatient at this point is to get her supervising doctor involved, work on the dress fitting with the magic of creative tailoring and bodyshaping garments, and begin to address the issues of why she is gaining while still banded. OTOH, if the band has been removed, then maybe doing a pre-nup fast might work. Unfortunately, we still don't know what the answer is for that piece of the puzzle...and that answer is the $64 one in this case.

I have spoken with my Dr. though he hasn't seen regular supervision as necessary for me since my 6 month post-op visit. I can very sincerely say that I will not take any statements made here as medical advice. I only want to know what has worked with some of you here. Which foods are highest in protein, and what you would recommend to somebody. We can pretend I don't have a lapband. :D

Thank you for the concern, and the responses. I look forward to reading more.

[Gabriele]

Thanks Gaelen for clarifying about the difference in the surgeries, sounds pretty intrusive - can it be reversed easily and without lasting effects?

And glad you are doing so well after your colon cancer, that must have been qhite an ordeal to recuperate from, wishing you continued good health!

mpatient, I have to agree with Gaelen here, for the sake of your nerves, just try to make the dress fit for now, and get back on track with weight loss after the wedding.

Generally speaking though, I'm wondering if a high quality protein shake wouldn't still be a good way for you to try and cut back on food intake, while still getting the nutrients you need? It's my life saver, since I"m a total carb addict and find it easier to stay away from solid food for periods of time, rather than eat just a little.

In any case, Best of Luck to you with the Wedding!!! :)

[Gabriele]

mpatient, I just saw your lengthy reply to Gaelen, didn't see it before I wrote my response.

Just wanted to add - please let me know what you end up doing, if the dress fit, and how the wedding turned out, and we're always partial to pictures! :D

[Zuleika]

Which foods are highest in protein, and what you would recommend to somebody.


You don't necessarily need foods that are highest in protein, you need to limit your carb intake to about 30 ECC/day. Drink lots of water. To stay healthy and strong, you want to eat a minimum amount of protein every day, based on your height and weight. You can eat more than that amount of protein, but shouldn't eat less.