Low Carb Diet Forum (Post Your Questions Here)

[Claudia Marek]

This section is for questions about the diet(s). You can ask about specific foods or ingredients or where to find a certain low carb food. We would also love to add your recipes to our collection. You may post them here and when they've been checked and approved we'll move them over into the recipe section.

[Carolyn]

My doctor told me to have a banana every day for my potassium. But no bananas are allowed. What can I have instead?

Answer: Many foods have as much or more potassium than bananas do, but for some reason they are overlooked.

1 cup of tomato juice or sauce has more potassium than 2 bananas.
I cup of soy beans has as much potassium as about 1 1/2 bananas.
1 cup of chard, artichoke, cantaloupe, or winter squash have a little more potassium than one banana. A cup of spinach has the same amount, as does a cup of yogurt. 1 1/4 cup of milk has the same potassium as a banana.

Vegetables also are a good source: 1 1/2 cups of broccoli, zucchini, 1 cup of tomatoes equal your banana. Two ounces of almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts will do the trick.

Claudia Marek
_________________
Administrator, Guai Support Forum

[Carolyn]

Author ihurt2
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Virginia

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject: Protein

What are good forms of protein? Especially things like bars and snacks.

[Carolyn]

Date: Tue, 20 May 2008 18:01:56 -0400

If you're just starting the diet, Bruce, you're better off staying away from
bars. There are lots of snacking choices on the HG diet. Hard cheeses such
as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella. Soft cheeses like cream cheese. Pork rinds.
Nuts (limited if you're following the strict diet), hard boiled eggs,
leftover meat or shrimp, cottage cheese (limited to 1/2 cup a day on
strict), peanut butter with celery or apples (liberal diet only). Those are
just a few ideas.

Cris Roll
GuaiGroup Admin Team

[Carolyn]

ihurt2
Posts: 3
Location: Virginia

Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:19 pm Post subject: Fruit Juice

I noticed the HG diet says no fruit juices. But yet we can have some fresh fruit. I think we can eat an orange. Someone brought me some orange juice, it says 100% fresh squeezed (pasteurized) with calcium. Would that be we can drink on the HG diet?

Thank you.

[Carolyn]

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:25 am Post subject: Fruit juice on the HG diet....

I thought orange juice was not allowed but I just noticed on page 93 of the St. Amand/Marek book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia Fatigue" it says: "FRUITS Limit: 1 piece of fruit every 4 hours. No fruits except the ones listed, and don't drink fruit juice, except 1 cup of unsweetened orange, grapefruit, or tomato."

That said, the Guaigroup Administrators generally recommend that people do not drink any juice except tomato or V-8 (without sugar). It depends on whether you are hypoglycemic or carb-intolerant and also how your individual body reacts. Fruit has natural sugar in it (fructose) and considering how many oranges it takes to make a glass of it, in most instances orange juice contains too much sugar for us. You could try it and see how you feel: If you're shaky or tired or weak or if your digestion and bowels rebel or if you feel increased pain, it's too much for you. I drink the Crystal Light products, their Orange Sunrise is delicious and I don't miss orange juice at all!

Hope this helps,

Carolyn in SoCal

[Carolyn]

ihurt2
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Virginia

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:56 pm Post subject: Fruit Juice

Thank you. After reading post it just seems like common sense. Which seems to be alluding me these days. Thanks again.

[Carolyn]

Mary Ann Van Houzen
Joined: 17 Dec 2007
Posts: 3
Location: Holland, MI

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject: HG Diet for Irritable Bowel

Which diet, strict or liberal, do you follow for IBS? I have been following the liberal, since I don't want to lose weight, but I am wondering if I have a carb intolerance to wheat, that perhaps I should eliminate the wheat. Then, can one eat all the fruits and vegetables listed on both lists?

Thanks, Mary Ann

[Carolyn]

Carolyn
Joined: 12 Apr 2007
Posts: 293
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 1:20 am Post subject: Which diet to control IBS?

Hello Mary Ann, both diets work to control blood sugar and the symptoms of IBS. The only reason someone would use the Strict Diet is if they want to lose weight. So you should be fine using foods on both sides of the diet.
What makes you think you are allergic to wheat? It doesn't hurt to avoid it in your diet and see if your symptoms abate. If there is no change in your symptoms, it might not be wheat that is causing the problem.

Hope this helps,

Carolyn in SoCal

[Carolyn]

amy010203
Joined: 19 Dec 2007
Posts: 4

Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject: Beginning the HG Liberal Diet 3/1/08 - Questions

Greetings,

After re-reading Chapter 5 "Hypoglycemia, Fibromyalgia, and Carbohydrate Intolerance" and postings on the board and reading answers to questions on the list, I feel I am now ready to start the HG liberal diet which I will begin March 1, 2008.

I have a few questions:

1. I know that cereals like Oatmeal, Farina, Shredded Wheat and Grape Nuts would be acceptable as there is no sugar listed in the ingredients. My question is does serving size need to be exact -- measured?

2. I currently use "Organic Certified Smart Balance Whipped Buttery Spread". There is no sugar listed in the ingredients, so I should still be able to use this product, correct?

3. Should sugar free preserves only be made from fruit on the acceptable fruits list?

4. I know that "food starch" is not acceptable. Does the word "modified" in front of "food starch" make a difference? Also, if the word "starch" is in the ingredients but not listed as "food starch" it is still off limits, correct?

5. Regarding foods to strictly avoid, Chapter 5 lists garbanzo beans (chickpeas), lentils and molasses, but these are not listed on the HG magnet. Are they all still not allowed? Also, in the book, all vinegars are listed as being OK, but on the magnet, balsamic vinegar is not allowed. Is balsamic vinegar the only vinegar with sugar?

6. I have not seen V-8 Juice (regular or low sodium -- which I currently drink) without sugar listed in the ingredients. I believe I read on the list that V-8 Juice was acceptable. Maybe the addition of sugar to the ingredients is new???

7. I have discovered a product by HoneyTree, Inc. called Sugar-Free Imitation Honey. This would be acceptable like sugar free maple syrup, correct?

I think those are all of my questions for now...

Thank you,

Amy

[Carolyn]

Carolyn
Joined: 12 Apr 2007
Posts: 294
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:42 am Post subject: Questions on the HG diet from Amy.....

1. I know that cereals like Oatmeal, Farina, Shredded Wheat and Grape Nuts would be acceptable as there is no sugar listed in the ingredients. My question is does serving size need to be exact -- measured?

--Amy, all of these cereals look fine for the Liberal side of the diet EXCEPT for the Grape Nuts because it contains barley. No on the Grape Nuts.
It would be a good idea to measure the cereal. See how you feel after you eat it. Also if you're not trying to lose weight, you could probably give yourself a little more but these foods have quite a few carbs.

2. I currently use "Organic Certified Smart Balance Whipped Buttery Spread". There is no sugar listed in the ingredients, so I should still be able to use this product, correct?

--Yes, it should be fine.

3. Should sugar free preserves only be made from fruit on the acceptable fruits list?

--Yes. There are several kinds of so-called sugar-free preserves on the market. The ones with an artificial sweetener are my LEAST favorite. Fruit does not need that boost. Try to find all fruit ones or those sweetened with apple juice. There are many with grape juice but that is not on the diet, it's too high in sugar and carbs.

4. I know that "food starch" is not acceptable. Does the word "modified" in front of "food starch" make a difference? Also, if the word "starch" is in the ingredients but not listed as "food starch" it is still off limits, correct?

--Modified does not make a difference. Avoid this substance, especially if you are trying to lose weight and during the first two months of the diet.

5. Regarding foods to strictly avoid, Chapter 5 lists garbanzo beans (chickpeas), lentils and molasses, but these are not listed on the HG magnet. Are they all still not allowed? Also, in the book, all vinegars are listed as being OK, but on the magnet, balsamic vinegar is not allowed. Is balsamic vinegar the only vinegar with sugar?

--No garbanzo beans, lentils or molasses. All vinegars are OK. Claudia writes: "The diet says all vinegar is fine. Balsamic vinegar does have some carbs but wasn't popular when the diet was written. It should be fine in moderation."

6. I have not seen V-8 Juice (regular or low sodium -- which I currently drink) without sugar listed in the ingredients. I believe I read on the list that V-8 Juice was acceptable. Maybe the addition of sugar to the ingredients is new???

--I enjoy V-8 once in a while. The cans I have purchased do not have sugar in them. Do not buy or use the ones with sugar added.

7. I have discovered a product by HoneyTree, Inc. called Sugar-Free Imitation Honey. This would be acceptable like sugar free maple syrup, correct?

--We need to know the ingredients in this product before we can advise.

Hope this helps,

Carolyn in SoCal

[Carolyn]

Amy
Joined: 19 Dec 2007
Posts: 3

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:49 pm Post subject: Began HG Liberal Diet 3/1/08 - Additional Questions

Hello.

I know my first email has not been answered yet, but I thought I would send these additional questions anyway:

1. I have not been able to find sour dough bread without malted barley flour listed in the ingredients. There is no sugar listed and I know that sugar free sour dough bread is acceptable. Is there sour dough bread made without malted barley flour or is malted barley flour acceptable in this bread?

If this ingredient is acceptable in this bread, would this ingredient be acceptable in Grape Nuts cereal as well?

2. I know I can use the Splenda Flavor Accents and Splenda Flavors for Coffee which have Dextrose and Maltodextrin. I see that my sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast also has maltodextrin as does sugar free JELL-O and JELL-O and Royal brand sugar free pudding. From my reading, Instant Breakfast and sugar free jello and pudding are acceptable products. Is it that maltodextin is alright in sugar free products but not as an ingredient in products with sugars?

Also, the sugar free pudding (both brands) lists modified food starch in the ingredients. But this product is still acceptable, right?

3. On the liberal diet, does having triscuits or sugar free flat bread take the place of one or more of the ?up two three slices? of sugar free bread a day could it be in addition to having bread?

4. Horizon Organic shredded cheese (e.g. part skim mozzarella and reduced fat jack cheese) use cellulose to prevent caking. Does the cellulose act as a starch and make these shredded cheese products unacceptable?

5. I know oranges are an acceptable fruit. Does this include all varieties (e.g. naval, honeybell and clemintime)?

6. I found a sugar free ice cream called Premium Homemade Ice Cream Home Churned Smooth & Creamy No Sugar Added Butter Pecan. It has Polydextrose (as well as maltodextrin). Is this product OK?

7. My last question? is Neufchatel cheese considered a real cheese? It tastes like cream cheese. The ingredients are: organic pasteurized milk, organic cream, salt, organic locust beangum.

Thank you very much,

Amy

[Carolyn]

Carolyn
Joined: 12 Apr 2007
Posts: 295
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:11 am Post subject: Answers to Amy's HG diet questions #2......

1. I have not been able to find sour dough bread without malted barley flour listed in the ingredients. There is no sugar listed and I know that sugar free sour dough bread is acceptable. Is there sour dough bread made without malted barley flour or is malted barley flour acceptable in this bread?

If this ingredient is acceptable in this bread, would this ingredient be acceptable in Grape Nuts cereal as well?

-----Malted barley is very sweet, that's why it tastes good. I would not eat this for at least the first two months of the diet. You can try it after that and see how you feel. If you are hypoglycemic and not just carb-intolerant, this may cause problems for you. Remember, no Grape Nuts cereal allowed on either diet.

2. I know I can use the Splenda Flavor Accents and Splenda Flavors for Coffee which have Dextrose and Maltodextrin. I see that my sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast also has maltodextrin as does sugar free JELL-O and JELL-O and Royal brand sugar free pudding. From my reading, Instant Breakfast and sugar free jello and pudding are acceptable products. Is it that maltodextin is alright in sugar free products but not as an ingredient in products with sugars?

----Maltodextrin is allowed in small amounts. I wouldn't use this much during the first two months of the diet. Try and change the way you eat so you are eating fresh, wholesome foods. Some people try to eat the same way they did before, only substituting huge amounts of artificial sweeteners for sugar. This is not the best way to eat. Try the recipes and food ideas listed on this board-they are delicious.

Also, the sugar free pudding (both brands) lists modified food starch in the ingredients. But this product is still acceptable, right?

----The sugar-free puddings are allowed on the Liberal diet but they are limited because of the starch.

3. On the liberal diet, does having triscuits or sugar-free flat bread take the place of one or more of the ?up two three slices? of sugar free bread a day could it be in addition to having bread?

----It would be best to use these crackers in place of the bread, not as an addition to your two or three slices.

4. Horizon Organic shredded cheese (e.g. part skim mozzarella and reduced fat jack cheese) use cellulose to prevent caking. Does the cellulose act as a starch and make these shredded cheese products unacceptable?

----Cellulose is a non-digestible fiber and should be fine. The things to watch for in shredded cheeses are starch and potato starch.

5. I know oranges are an acceptable fruit. Does this include all varieties (e.g. Navel, Honeybell and Clementine)?

----All these oranges should be fine. I know that the Honeybell Tangelos are supposed to be the sweetest but I couldn't find the carb count on them.

6. I found a sugar free ice cream called Premium Homemade Ice Cream Home Churned Smooth & Creamy No Sugar Added Butter Pecan. It has Polydextrose (as well as maltodextrin). Is this product OK?

----Again, after the first 2 months of the diet, if you're not trying to lose weight and in small amounts.

7. My last question? is Neufchatel cheese considered a real cheese? It tastes like cream cheese. The ingredients are: organic pasteurized milk, organic cream, salt, organic locust bean gum.

----In the USA, Neufchatel cheese is similar to cream cheese but it is lower fat. On this diet we need good fat. I would compare the fat amount in both and see which one you feel best on. There should not be a problem with this cheese as far as I know.

Hope this helps,

Carolyn in SoCal

[Carolyn]

amy10203
Joined: 19 Dec 2007
Posts: 2

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:10 am Post subject: New Splenda Products

Hi everyone.

I am preparing to go on the liberal HG diet. As far as my immediate family, both of my grandfathers were diagnosed with diabetes. My mother is hypoglycemic and I occasionally experience symptoms like my hands shaking when going too long without eating -- so it seems I am hypoglycemic too. This way of eating is just so healthy and makes sense. And since it is also a good way of eating in general for those with fibromyalgia (even if one is not hypoglycemic), I think it is beneficial for all of us to at least try it :D

I am evaluating what I may continue to eat and what I need to change in my current diet (especially for the first two months when testing how you react to foods not listed on the HG diet is not allowed).

I thought I found a few products from Splenda that I would like to try called "Flavor Accents" (in lemon and in raspberry for flavoring water etc.) and "Flavors for Coffee" (I bought the mocha flavor). Well, all of it has to go back to the store. The first ingredient listed for these products is Dextrose. I did not remember that dextrose was not allowed on the HG diet until I returned home and reviewed my HG magnet. Just thought I would pass along this information for other newbies.

I'm sure I will be writing back with questions soon...

Best regards,

Amy

[Carolyn]

amy010203
Joined: 19 Dec 2007
Posts: 2

Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:03 am Subject: Follow-up Splenda Question

I recently wrote the post about Splenda "Flavor Accents" (in lemon and in raspberry for flavoring water etc.) and Splenda "Flavors for Coffee" having dextrose as an ingredient and that dextrose made these products unacceptable on the HG diet.

Last night, however, I noticed that dextrose was also listed on the Splenda packets box (but not on the Splenda granulated box). I understood that Splenda packets were acceptable as a sugar substitute on the HG diet. Is there an exception to dextrose regarding Splenda? If so, are the products above acceptable afterall?

Thank you,

Amy