Reality Check: Nutritionist Advice

[Blueberry]

Thanks, Tulip! I actually have tried that - for some pretty extended periods of time. There is so much conflicting research out there on soy - but I definitely agree there are questions! Most of what I use is fermented (miso, tempeh), with some unfermented (tofu - 1-2 times a week on average). When I have done periods of veggie/protein, the soy gets completely cut out - and it didn't make a difference.

To say I'm heavy on fruit now is probably a bit of a stretch. I'm eating 1-2 servings of berries a day (either fresh or unsweetened frozen mixed in yogurt). Not much other fruit, and the only juice is cranberry when I feel like I'm getting a UTI. I have been playing with adding grains back in over the last 1-2 months because I was feeling really tired all the time. It has helped some. I feel like my energy levels have stayed more constant (which is ironic, I know, since usually protein/veggie should be better for that).

Back to a thread I started I while ago - this could *all* be my frigging birth control pills - as you all have told me. Trying to psych myself up to taking those out of the equation and seeing what happens (yes, I have been a spoiled happy person taking them continuously - but it might be causing problems).

[tulip]

Oh BC pills can really screw up a body. I took them briefly decades ago and was heavy(ish) and my cholesterol spiked. I went off them and I lost the weight quickly and my cholesterol decreased (it is genetically high but was in the 300s when I was on BC pills).

Have you tried going off BC pills? I'm no doctor but I just cannot see how they would NOT affect all sorts of things that are connected to hormones. Metabolism is on top of that list.

[Blueberry]

Not yet. I went on them because of horrifically heavy periods - and hence have been reluctant to get off of them. My docs keep *swearing* they couldn't be the cause of the weight issues. I have been more carefully watching my portions, and I think getting off them is my next step.