I started my changes in eating in March of 2021 after a bowel blockage, caused from previous bowel cancer surgery. . I have been trying to educate myself but all computer info seems focused on weight loss rather than health. Here's how I go at it. 1st) I check everything for sugar. Added sugar on the label, other artificial sugar in the ingredients list, and all the chemical names that include a sugar in disguise. I try to buy organic and wash everything that can be washed before I eat it (eliminated pesticides). I eat lots of fruit and vegetables including well washed skins, which hold most of the vitamins. I went thru' about 5 months logging everything I ate just to get a handle on my total carb, added sugar, and Sat. fats, calories, and eating habits. I upped my protein. I cook almost exclusively with olive oil. I eat tuna, salmon, and chicken occassionally, but I think they are all dangerous. I never was much on red meat, but now I rarely eat hamburger. I eat WW bread. When I eat canned vegetables or fruits, I wash all the juice/syrup/water off. What isn't filled with sugar- is filled with salt. I rarely eat soup (salt), rarely drink fruit juice (I eat 6 prunes a day to be sure my bowels keep moving ) ...And I stumble a lot, fall off the wagon, but alway go back. I am off my antidepressants, off my blood pressure medicine, off henna-S (which is a stool softener + a laxitive). I am holding at 118 lbs, down from about 135. My blood sugar is under control and the only medication I take is Metformin. I go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. Take calcium, B12, Fish Oil and probiotics. My cholesterol is a little high but not enough to be worrisome. Do I miss fried foods and dessert? You bet. Do I get frustrated? You bet? Do I backslide? You bet. But, at 73, I haven't felt this good in years. I stopped looking at 'fad' diets long ago, but I may take a second look at the Keto diet based on Trekkie 3's comments. Good luck to all of you who are trying to get healthy! Don't give up.
You have some great motivation there, @pc2018 Based on your medical history, a true keto diet is not something I would recommend without the guidance of a registered dietitian. You have made some really excellent lifestyle changes. Keep up the great work!