Let me tell you about my client Frank who called me recently very distressed after his doctor diagnosed him with Type 2 Diabetes. He was very adamant about reversing this diabetes with me very closely to learn all he needed to know in as little time as possible. Frank insisted I spend an intensive two days with him.
I met Frank at his lovely home and made an inventory of the foods that he had on hand. I could see that the family was eating too many starches such as Rice-a-roni, Kraft Macaroni and cheese, Pasta, crackers, chips, granola bars, and high sugar cereals along with lots of frozen tortellini, ravioli, pizzas and hot pockets in the freezer. Frank said these freezer items were typical quick dinners when he came home late. Fruits and veggies were almost non-existent.
Frank, his wife Betty and I talked about what I saw. I explained his meals at home were too low in protein and fiber and toohighly processed. For example, I showed him how his cereals fell short of the goal of 5 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and less than10 grams of sugar per serving and recommended substituting Kashi Go Lean or Oatmeal. I showed him he must substitute his white flour products with whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes, legumes and quinoa that I wanted to introduce to him. I realized he just needed me to take him by the hand and put it all together for him.
Our visit to Trader Joe’s was an eye opener for Frank and Betty. I showed Frank all the great fresh, steam in the bag veggies, precooked beets and lentils and sweet potato fries that made great snacks and sides for dinner. He was surprised to see all the ready-made cooked chicken with different choices of seasoning that could be added to salads or sandwiches for lunch. He was excited about the Hebrew National 97% fat free hot dogs that are 40 calories each and taste great with baked beans or sauerkraut on Trader’s whole wheat buns. He bought potatoes because I told him the family can have a baked potato night and offer different toppings like broccoli or chili with cheese. We discussed the benefits of the 17 Bean and Barley Mix, quinoa, precooked brown rice in pouches, and whole wheat pasta and couscous that he was willing to try as well as all the great soups my clients love like the Roasted Red Pepper Soup, Lentil, and Black Bean soups.
Leaving with a full cart we were hungry and went for lunch at one of Frank’s favorite spots in town, Forli’s. He told me his favorite foods and I made a point to show him how he can enjoy his favorites as long as he balanced his meal with the proper protein, fiber and carbs. We both ended up ordering Calamari Steak sautéed in a lemon and wine sauce that came with veggies and roasted potatoes. I said to Frank he can have a slice of the great sourdough bread as long as he eats half of the potatoes. I also suggested that when he comes home late he should order a bowl of minestrone soup or one of Forli’s great salads or if he wanted a meal, eat half and take the rest home where he could have a dinner the next late night.
We continued our two day intensive program by (1) reorganizing his pantry according to the food groups (2) went to Safeway and Costco to discuss his normal purchases there and suggest new items and (3) went to two other restaurants he frequents with either clients or family to discuss recommended selections for lunch and dinner. We also discussed the need for aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week for 40 minutes.
It has been over a month since my 2-day adventure with Frank and we have been communicating thru e-mail and phone. Frank got a membership to a gym and I am glad to tell you that his blood sugars are now averaging 120 without problematic medication which is very close to normal. He is down 10 pounds and feels like a new man.
We continued our two day intensive program by (1) reorganizing his pantry according to the food groups (2) went to Safeway and Costco to discuss his normal purchases there and suggest new items and (3) went to two other restaurants he frequents with either clients or family to discuss recommended selections for lunch and dinner. We also discussed the need for aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week for 40 minutes.
Linda is located in her office in Alamo. She welcomes your call to discuss your personal nutrition challenges. Please visit www.LindaRD.com for more information, helpful tips, recipes and Linda’s blog or call her at (925) 855-0150
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