Hi guys,
Okay, at first I thought lesson five was well, boring. I had already given up caffine and had established a pretty regular exercise program. But now I think that whole attitude has backfired on me. Now I am kinda scared about eating. My anxiety has been acting up lately and I am having a hard time, wondering if it is being brought on by food or drink. I used to have a tall glass of O.J. every morning. Can I still do this? I didn't for about a week cause I ran out and did not get anymore untill thursday, so Friday morning, I had my regular tall glass, this is when my anxiety started to act up. Was it the O.J.? or me just thinking about the O.J. having alot of sugar in it and that it "could" cause anxiety, that actully helped me along with having anxiety? I eat fruit a lot. Schould I stop this? Oh, and chocolate. Come on, are we to not have any, ever, to maintain a anxiety free or at least a less anxiety filled life? I don't mean to sound so, well pissed, but help me out here,I am just so frustrated.
Anyone have any advice? It would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
tulip

Tulip

An occassional chocolate is okay of course BUT I think for awhile really resticting sugar consumption is a good idea. A tall glass of OJ is probably not the best thing to start you day as it will spike insulin levels dramatically which will then cause a release of adrenalin.

The best breakfast foods would be some good protien (fish, eggs, chicken) and maybe some steamed veggies - I know it doesn't sound like breakfast.

Are you familiar with the Zone diet? I think for us anxiety folks this diet is probably the very best as it revolves around balancing hormone levels.

barb

Maybe it's just you being afraid of the OJ? When I was pregnant, I used to drink about a quart of OJ a day (dr's orders )and never felt panic/anxiety/depression in the least. I didn't even know I was supposed to. I don't need to drink that much anymore so I don't. I wouldn't drink a tall glass of OJ every day, but I do have a small juice glass (4oz.) and it doesn't bother me.

As far as staying away from all sugar for the rest of your life, well, that's up to you entirely. I'll still have an occasional piece of chocolate but I know when to stop and I certainly don't sit around eating Twinkies anymore! I found my tolerance level is like zero to stuff like that. But the way I found out was to stop, then gradually reintroduce it. (But I never went back to Twinkies ) I don't think fruit is bad for you, in fact, I think it's good for you but many people have a problem with it so I guess it depends on whether or not you do. I don't really eat that much. If I get in one piece a day, I'm lucky.

I agree with Barbrae that protein would be a good breakfast food. Someone on this board once said that quiche was a good idea for breakfast and it sounded good so now when I make a quiche, I'm sure to save a slice for breakfast. But I don't think I'll be getting down any fish at 6am! LOL

Thanks guys,

I guess I just have to "feel" my way through this. I am thinking maybe of keeping track of what I eat and then how I feel afterwards. How long after eating say, chocoalte would you feel it's effects, if any? Maybe this will be the way to know what and how much of things I can and can't tolerate. Again, thanks for your advice.

tulip

there would be "almost" immediate effects from chocolate (caffiene) say within 20min or so to an hour. Constant intake of caffiene would also have longterm effects that would be hard to pinpoint to the source.

I think you should really consider cutting out the sugar. Some fruit should be ok, but as for the oj, there is so much sugar in that. You could cut sugars for a month or so then later on have a little bit here and there and see how you feel afterwards. It made a difference for me. I'm a chocoholic so I know how it is to not eat it. Almost impossible. lol. Give it a try and see how you feel. Most decisions are not written in stone and you can change your mind later on. Reena

Tulip,

About 2 years ago I discovered a book called "Potatoes Not Prozac" by Kathleen DesMaisons that really changed my life. I suggest you take a look at that book if you can - it would be great supplimentary reading for week 5. It goes into detail about the effects of sugar and refined flour on our bodies (brain chemistry), and "why/how" we can make changes in how we eat. She talks about serotonin, endorphins, etc. It isn't scary at all!! You just have to take itty bity steps, it isn't about perfection. Dr. DesMaisons also wrote two other books after the one I mentioned. One is called "The Sugar Addicts ___? ____? to Recovery". She also has a website, I think it is radiantrecovery.com

Once you take sugar out of your diet, you'll find that you won't even crave it anymore. It is really quite amazing! Orange juice is one of those things that I have noticed that sets me off. I can't say I get anxious afterward, but it does make me crave sweets & want to eat more during the day. One of the greatest benefits too is that I no longer have a weight problem. Just one less issue to deal with in my life.

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all your help. I'm gona try out your suggestions.

tulip