@fromthehill I'm so glad to read your post! We have to watch out for our own selves, definitely. Yep, there are foods we miss. Up until a year ago I was told no orange juice because of the potassium. So I went years with no oranges or fresh juice. Then I had to go on potassium supplements due to medications. So now I can have an orange every so often, and really enjoy it. For me, I prefer to err on the side of caution.

Like @endelfam, sometimes there is a cheat item that finds its way to my plate. But I know it ahead of time. I beat myself up for it, eat it anyways, and know it will be a long time before it happens again! One of those is the "happy family" chow mein at my favorite Chinese place. Beef, chicken, pork, and shrimp mixed together. I cannot have pork or shellfish due to gout. But it is only twice a year. It's a little reward for my diligence all the time.

Do you find that being mindful of your eating habits and how you manage has helped you feel better about yourself, despite the naysayers who think diet doesn't play a big role?
Ginger

Ginger