[lisac77]

... and there are about 3 things on there that I will eat <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"> .<br><br>
I have sensory integration disorder/sensory processing disorder (whatever you want to call it). I am very, very sensitive to the texture of the foods I eat. Anything that is overly fatty (like dark meat chicken on the bone) or gristly (some steak and pork) -- I can't STAND eating those things. The list of "appropriate foods" for my type (the protein type) has like 2 meats that I will consider eating. <b>2</b>. I won't eat fish due to texture/taste issues.<br><br>
I can't stand the texture of eggs or mushrooms (both of which are approved foods). There are only 6 vegetables that are approved for protein types. No chicken breast or turkey breast (fowl is supposed to be dark meat only). Beef is allowed but it would practically be my whole diet.<br><br>
No bread, onions, peppers, garlic, pasta, beans only in an extremely limited amount... the list of "can't haves" goes on and on.<br><br>
My energy level is good. I exercise regularly (and it is quality exercise), I have lingering issues with PCOS that are slowly coming under control with my exercise routine and especially since I've stopped drinking sodas.<br><br>
Do I need such a limiting diet or would it be better just to focus on good nutrition and a wide variety of foods I enjoy?

 

[shelbean91]

I'm not a nutritionist by any means, but if you so severely limit your food choices, you're more likely to cheat and then quit. I'd find healthy foods you enjoy and go with them.

 

[Panserbjorne]

I am a protein type too. I use it as a guideline. I'm not terribly strict about it unles I notice a problem with a food that I have eaten. For instance I can't eat fruit on an empty stomach without fat or protein, so I just make sure to have some fat or protein with it.<br><br>
The science is good, but kind of incomplete. IT gives a great idea of how your body functions best, but there are ways around following the plan to a T. For instance you are supposed to eat a very high fat diet, so dark meat is optimal...trust me, white meat isn't going to be a problem, it just might not make you feel as full for as long as dark meat might.<br><br>
Don't focus too much on the "can't haves" Try to interpret it more as: the allowable foods are those you can eat with abandon, as they are health promoting foods. The list of "can't haves" are foods that don't have quite as nice of an effect on your body, and should be limited slightly. The more you eat this way the more you will realize that every body is different. Just because you are a protein type doesn't mean that you will have the same problems other protein types have, KWIM?<br><br>
Besides, if following the whole protein diet super strictly means that you feel 100% better it may be worth it and make it easier for you to not feel so cheated. I have celiac disease. In the beginning I desperately missed french bread. I knew it was bad for me, but I wanted it. Then everytime I cheated and had some I'd become super sick-but I only recognized this because I had been avoiding it. Now, it may look sort of good, but I don't have the temptation!

 

[lisac77]

Thanks!<br><br>
I agree with both of you <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> . I don't mind trying to add more protein and healthy fats into my diet, nor do I mind leaving the starchy/higher carb foods for the end. That sounds quite reasonable.<br><br>
However, the thought of never having so many foods that I enjoy again... well, that's not going to work out as well for me.<br><br>
Firefaery, what you said about dark meat makes sense. I just hate it. Can't stand it, don't want it!! So maybe I'll just have to double up on the meat when I'm eating low fat meats.<br><br>
This has given me things to think about!