Diets - which way forward?

waxyspud
waxyspud Member Posts: 2
edited 21. Feb 2011, 09:29 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone,

I recently got diagnosed with OA in both hips and really need to lose some weight to help with the stress on my joints.

Docs have not really been much help re exercise/diet/drugs/lifestyle - I think they were embarrassed that after two years of my nagging them about pain it was an osteopath who insisted they get me x-rayed and the OA was finally diagnosed.

Am a bit bamboozled by what diet to go with and just wondered if there was anyone out there who might be in the same position or who has successfully tried something they could recommend? Any help and advice would be gratefully received.

I am 39, and a busy working mum with a toddler so would like something that can fit in with the rest of the family - I cycle two/three times a week but am currently in quite a lot of pain so exercise scares me a bit but need these hips to feel better so willing to give anything a go!

Feeling a bit lost with it all at the mo :-(

Thanks




xxxx

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    There's only one diet that works: eat healthy foods, eat less generally and move around more. I have mastered the first two but fail abysmally on the third as I am on crutches and cannot gambol about as I used. Weight gain is also a side effect of some of my medication (I have a different form of this affliction to you.) If you can no longer cycle, then swim: that is very good for you OAers I understand. If you are still able to walk then do that too, a little every day soon adds up. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • jillyb1
    jillyb1 Member Posts: 1,725
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Serve up the same meals as usual then remove a quarter of every item on your plate before sitting down to eat . You'll be amazed how well this works ; although the dog does tend to put on weight ! Jillyb
  • magenta
    magenta Member Posts: 1,604
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Waxyspud,
    I've been following a diet since August 2009.. Lost 2 stone in 3 months and have maintained my weight ever since. I'll PM you with the name of the diet. It's basically healthy eating. If you cook from scratch, it'll be quite easy for you. I have 2 kids, 7 and 5, and I also work and I've found it easy to follow.
    Have you been prescribed painkillers? Hope you get some relief and you're not in too much pain.
    Take care,
    Magenta x
  • jayneys
    jayneys Member Posts: 122
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI Waxyspud wishing you good luck with the diet ,you can do it . JAYNE X
  • katie5
    katie5 Member Posts: 242
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi I too suffer from OA - I found healthy eating and cutting out snacks helped me.

    i attended pilates which was run by a physio - i found that really good and not too strenuous - I've just bought a pilates DVD so can have a go at home hopefully. Still like to walk though thats my favourite exercise

    good luck

    Katie x
  • chris7
    chris7 Bots Posts: 2,696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi waxyspud

    I can't really add to the others advise here, but certainly avoiding the snacking would help, must be hard with a toddler as so tempting to eat the leftovers. :roll: Hope you can keep as mobile as you can as that certainly does help burn the calories but isn't always easy when it is painful for you. Good luck with it all and let us know how things go.
    take care
    Chris
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello :)

    I also am in need of shifting a few pounds, so I do understand. I've lost 2.5 stone with Slimming World before but I put some of it back on. They say it's not a diet, it's a healthy eating plan for life. I feel good when I'm on it and have no idea why I let myself get off track!! You still get your 'naughty treats' and you never have to be hungry.

    If need any tips/help, let me know. I'm also a member of an amazing forum for SW, so if you're interested, PM me.

    All the best!
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Waxy,

    Welcome to the forum and sorry i am late seeing this.

    I have the same problem but cus I done these stupid diets all my life the only thing that really works for me now is drastic and so not recommended.

    I also wonder have they given you pain relief as the best way is to eat less and do some kind of exercise but that's not easy if your in pain.

    Some find the weight groups effective and its all a case of trail and error. Does your gp have a diet nurse there at all? I saw one once and she had some good ideas just mine is complicated by the IBD and the siege thing from years of drastic diets and such like. Good luck though and nice to meet you. Cris x
  • Airwave!
    Airwave! Member Posts: 2,468
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Forget diets, think normal eating, its just a readjustment to healthy foods and portion control. As for exercise, I couldn't cycle, having stopped but with an electric bike I can manage again, things don't stop hurting so we need help with medication. At least all the other bits are in better condition!


    8) Its a grin, honest!