HIV and And Healthy Eating...

HIV and And Healthy Eating at sometime in everyone's life we all want to lose weight. When someone is living with HIV they need more calories. This may seem bad for the person who is calorie counting to lose weight.In reality you really need these calories. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with enough protein and calories may help you keep weight on. It also can help your immune system stay strong to fight infection. Drink high-calorie protein shakes between meals. Try nutritious drinks, such as Ensure. Protein or energy bars are another good way to get extra calories between meals.Also exercise can be helpful.. Sometimes you may not want to get up or are having a hard time to get started for the day. Having HIV sometimes you get a little more tired so much easier. This could also be a side effect to your medicine. This is always a good reason to talk to your doctor. Start by meal planning even if you don't have much appetite ..Always have something for Breakfast.Start a exercise goal and start off slow try by walking 30 minutes a day. Exercise is Great! Exercise: Is safe.Improves strength and endurance,Improves heart and lung fitness. May help you feel less tired Enhances your sense of well-being.But don't forget to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is okay for you to start exercising. Start slowly if you haven't been active. Things you should keep in mind when eating more calories and changing your eating habits Nutrition is important for everyone because food gives our bodies the nutrients they need to stay healthy, grow, and work properly. Foods are made up of six classes of nutrients, each with its own special role in the body:
Protein builds muscles and a strong immune system.
Carbohydrates (including vegetables, fruits, grains) give you energy.
Fat gives you extra energy.
Vitamins regulate body processes.
Minerals regulate body processes and also make up body tissues.
Water gives cells shape and acts as a medium where body processes can occur. I never use to drink much water but Since I have added water to my daily goals I seriously have noticed changes. Weight has came off faster and my skin looks alot better and yes it helps control those unwanted bad eating habits.
There are no special diets, or particular foods, that will boost your immune system. But there are things you can do to keep your immunity up.
When you are infected with HIV, your immune system has to work very hard to fight off infections--and this takes energy (measured in calories). This means you may need to eat more food than you used to so eat more calories but on the healthy side. Adding more Protein also really does help.Protein-rich foods include meats, fish, beans, dairy products, and nuts. To boost the protein in your meals:
Spread nut butter on toast, crackers, fruit, or vegetables.
Add cottage cheese to fruit and tomatoes.
Add canned tuna to casseroles and salads.
Add shredded cheese to sauces, soups, omelets, baked potatoes, and steamed vegetables. increase calories is to add carbohydrates and some extra fat to your meals.
Carbohydrates include both starches and simple sugars.
Starches are in:
breads, muffins, biscuits, crackers
oatmeal and cold cereals
pasta
potatoes
rice
Simple sugars are in:
fresh or dried fruit (raisins, dates, apricots, etc)
jelly, honey, and maple syrup added to cereal, pancakes, and waffles
Fats are more concentrated sources of calories. Add moderate amounts of the following to your meals:
butter, margarine, sour cream, cream cheese, peanut butter
gravy, sour cream, cream cheese, grated cheese
avocados, olives, salad dressing
Eat yogurt on your cereal or fruit.
Eat hard-boiled (hard-cooked) eggs. Use them in egg-salad sandwiches or slice and dice them for tossed salads.
Add diced or chopped meats to soups, salads, and sauces. Just remember Don't over do it or you may gain unwanted weight. The goal should be is maintain a healthy weight and eat more healthy.Another great tip is consider talking to your doctor about prescribing a multivitamin. People with HIV need extra vitamins and minerals to help repair and heal cells that have been damaged. Vitamin A and beta-carotene Keeps skin, lungs, and stomach healthy.Liver, whole eggs, milk, dark green, yellow, orange, and red vegetables and fruit (like spinach, pumpkin, green peppers, squash, carrots, papaya, and mangoes). Also found in orange and yellow sweet potatoes It's best to get vitamin A from food. Vitamin A supplements are toxic in high doses. Supplements of beta-carotene (the form of vitamin A in fruits and vegetables) have been shown to increase cancer risk in smokers.
Vitamin B-group (B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12,Keeps the immune and nervous system healthy.White beans, potatoes, meat, fish, chicken, watermelon, grains, nuts, avocados, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables
Vitamin C Helps protect the body from infection and aids in recovery. citrus fruits (like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons), tomatoes, and potatoes
Vitamin E Protects cells and helps fight off infection. green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, and peanuts.Iron Not having enough iron can cause anemia. green leafy vegetables, whole grain breads and pastas, dried fruit, beans, red meat, chicken, liver, fish, and eggs Limit to 45 mg per day unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Iron may be a problem for people with HIV because it can increase the activity of some bacteria. Supplements that do not contain iron may be better. Ask your VA doctor.
Selenium Important for the immune system. whole grains, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, and nuts Limit to 400 mg per day.
Zinc Important for the immune system. meat, fish, poultry, beans, peanuts, and milk and dairy products. So until Next time my wonderful friends Happy Eating.

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Stigma, Positive Relationships, and Healthy Living

Comments

2 comments

Submitted by UnDeniable
0

This was so helpful and thorough!!  I really needed the pep talk on not worrying about my extra pounds...

Submitted by Christina.Carta
1

I agree I sometimes feel guilty I seem to find myself running to the fridge at times when depression hits hard. And i know how to eat right,I take one day at a time and just the littlest slip i too feel guilty. I think positive about it because we can reward ourselves sometimes but eating something that is not on oue diets or we really want that slice of cake. Dont feel guilty. Just work on it and take one day at a time. One thing i have learned dont weight yourself everyday. One a week will be okay and drink lots of water.

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