I should join you on this quest, but I have a couple things in particular I am focusing on. One is where I now stand cognitively with PCS, possible treatments and accepting I am different then I was prior to my head injury.

Second, I need to quit smoking.

I am interested in chia seeds though. Are there certain health benefits to them? I will certainty try the pudding recipe.

I used to work for an endocrinologist and personally, I think the diabetic diet is great. The portions are perfect and it designed to maintain blood sugar and metabolism. It may be worth taking a look at.

Hi Dave and others
Thanks for the recipe suggestions - I'd forgotten about spinach & feta parcels - used to make them occasionally - unfortunately filo pastry is very expensive here - but I could do an omelet/fritatta version just using eggs. I usually add spinach to pretty much any pasta dish I cook. The chia dessert sounds yummy - will give it a try - like the almond milk idea - would give a lovely flavor.

Sounds like you're really getting to grips with your diet planning Dave - did you find cutting down quickly to a low calorie count difficult or have the hunger pangs eased? Re the 'doing something with your hands since giving up smoking' - a friend also had the same problem and he solved it by snacking on sunflower seeds - un-husked ones - it takes time to get the seed out (distraction) and the seeds are not that fattening. And dare I say it the TV or radio might give you some amusement over the next few days - yep cricket again! It's probably only going to be live on Sky here (and in the middle of the night) so highlights viewing only for me.

As for how I'm doing - fell off the wagon yesterday - long day: 4 hrs driving to and from hospital for first neuro appt. (another 2 hrs) - was exhausted and gave in to a craving for fish & chips takeaways on the way home. I don't feel too bad as it's the first takeaway in months. Did better today - had a meeting in another city with lunch and had salmon & spinach pie with salad. Dinner tonight is homemade Chinese hot & sour soup - one of my favorites and pretty healthy - when I get some energy back I'll post the recipe if anyone's interested.

Well, I had a great phone talk with my Doctor today, who was VERY supportive about my diet, and agrees that 950-1250kCals is an ideal target to achieve my goals.

I also have a panel of blood tests booked in 3 weeks to check early for deficiencies, and to see if I can tolerate any increase in Calcium - which all the multivitamins seem to contain.

Last night I took the drastic step of measuring my stomach at it's largest circumference. This is my problem area, as I have said, and I am unhappy. No figures - too depressing to count down from so high - I will (hopefully) Post running totals of losses going up.

Angie,

You need a good, balanced diet - possibly with supplements - to deal with PCS. As for smoking, I quit just before my Cancer/Diabetes dx and - even with all that and the weight - still feel better for it.

Bluesfan,

The hunger is still there because the Metoclopramide empties my stomach, more than anything else. For my evening meal, the addition of a few extra steamed vegetables or plain microwaved mushrooms - being low calorie - eases the problem while I get used to the quantities.

I used to eat more sunflower seeds than a parrot in my youth, but now my arthritis leaves me with no dexterity. I will just have to fidget. The Cricket is no distraction, it's only live on Sky Sports here and I don't subscribe. I do watch the highlights, but when it's a foregone conclusion… lol.

Don't beat yourself up over one take-away. You will soon regain that loss. The salmon and spinach pie sounds good, and we are always up for a nice Chinese recipe of any kind.

Dave.

good luck dave in your journey!
bizi

Dave, I think that you are doing really well .

Microwaved mushrooms are high on my list of yummy things as well.