Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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So - my obese, statinated, type 2 diabetic husband, now 60 (much older than me, but we have young children) finally, last summer, started listening to me and going along with my suggestion he pay attention to what he eats. He lost a few kilos straight up on a Joel Furman type way of eating before I saw the paleo light... Since last summer we have mostly meat and fish with veggies, and I have allowed some potatoes and rice, maybe each one once a week.

He has (reluctantly, but he HAS done it, which is amazing) gone along with most of this, although eats the way he wants to if out... His blood sugars are much better. I haven't yet persuaded him off statins. But we are having a few issues currently - and I would really appreciate your suggestions:

His weight loss has stalled so I am paying close attention and realise he eats a HUGE bowl of fruit for breakfast maybe 4 or 5 times a week. I have come to think maybe all this fructose is not good - he thinks I am mad and flatly refuses to accept that there could be anything remotely unhealthy about fruit. As far as he is concerned, the more fruit, the better.

He IS prepared to try and modify this in the short term but is really unhappy at breakfast times when I feed him bacon and eggs; he wants his fruit back, and feels his system isn't right without it.

I'm very aware that we are all different - but after all these months of persuasion/cajoling/having to be super organised to keep him on track, I am getting tired and he is not seeing results.

I am not even sure if I should post this, as of course it is all REALLY complicated, and everyone is different... but I just wondered if any of you bright folks at PH might throw out a thought that helps us.

flag	asked Mar 13 2012 at 14:23 JaneA 21●2

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Some fruit at breakfast is probably fine. A huge bowl, well maybe not so much. Fructose is more likely to replenish glycogen in the morning - as opposed to just being converted to fat. Just make sure he is not eating it with polyunsaturated fats. That seems to be the dealy combo. – Dave S. Mar 13 2012 at 16:37

Dave, that's really helpful, thank you. And good to know I can relax a teeny tad, as marital harmony is always a good thing! – JaneA Mar 14 2012 at 20:09

HA · Answer 1 · 2012-03-13 14:32:33Z UTC

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He's diabetic and eating a huge bowl of fruit? If he knows that he processes sugar poorly, he should be aware that a big dose of fructose is not a great idea. That doesn't mean he has to have bacon and eggs-maybe he doesn't love that, but there are plenty of other choices. Maybe something with sweet potatoes, or with more veggies? He might be reacting to the huge dose of protein w/o produce attached.

But if he just wants what he wants, and you are confident it is bad for his health, I'd just stop buying it. If he wants it, he'll have to get it outside the house.

answered Mar 13 2012 at 14:32

HA
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Thanks for this HA - I'm coming to the conclusion that part of the problem is not only a LIFETIME of conditioning ("fruit is good for you, you will get scurvy and be constipated without it!") but also the fact that it is he who shops (...) Really good idea to add sweet potato or more veggies with the eggs, thanks. – JaneA Mar 13 2012 at 14:40

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sauerkraut, avocado and mushrooms sauteed in the bacon fat - with your bacon and eggs - just what the Doctor ordered – DudleyP Mar 13 2012 at 14:51

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You might suggest he try a smaller quantity of berries with some full fat yogurt and some slivered almonds or crushed nuts over the top. It sounds like he's very accustomed to his fruit, so if you decrease the amount and add some fat/protein to blunt the insulin response it may work better than telling him to change completely. – jj Mar 13 2012 at 15:02

jj - brilliant idea about the berries yogurt and nuts; and Dudley P - mushrooms would definitely go down well with him. Thanks folks. – JaneA Mar 13 2012 at 16:16

Yeah, jj has a good point, maybe try introducing new breakfast foods, but with a little side sprinkled with berries, maybe shredded coconut if he likes it. Might ease the transitions! – JeJ Mar 13 2012 at 16:25

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DudleyP · Answer 2 · 2012-03-13 14:49:56Z UTC

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You should ask him to read Dr. Kurt Harris on the subject of fruit

answered Mar 13 2012 at 14:49

DudleyP
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I'll go and have a look myself, thank you DudleyP. – JaneA Mar 13 2012 at 16:20

idoru · Answer 3 · 2012-03-13 15:09:16Z UTC

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What about replacing some of that fruit with yogurt? That could be acceptable compromise for both of you.

Or some omelette with fruit could be ok with him. Like:
http://healthfoodlover.com/hfl/2010/07/13/sweet-breakfast-omelette-eat-eat-toast/
http://healthfoodlover.com/hfl/2012/01/13/recipe-sweet-breakfast-omelette-sauteed-berries/

edited Mar 13 2012 at 15:09

answered Mar 13 2012 at 15:04

idoru
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Love the recipes for 'what to eat when you don't eat toast' omelettes, thanks! And yes, good idea on the yogurt. An acceptable compromise is what i need to find... Thanks – JaneA Mar 13 2012 at 16:18

Amanda · Answer 4 · 2012-03-13 15:10:46Z UTC

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What about get him to reduce his fruit to one small serving a day for 30 days and see how that effects his blood sugar and weight. He might be willing to try it for a short period, then at the end, he may be happy with the results?

answered Mar 13 2012 at 15:10

Amanda
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Thanks Amanda - we were supposed to be in a 'let's not have fruit for breakfast for two weeks and see the result' period, I thought mutually agreed - and then I turn around from cooking his breakfast this morning to find him eating TWO pieces of fruit whilst he is waiting... Cue one ranty me (not helpful to keep him on board) and an unpleasant start to the day. Hence my paleohacks question! all good responses, thanks so much. – JaneA Mar 13 2012 at 16:20

feeding a reluctant partner and needing results!

4 Answers