So I'm about the pickiest eater around. I have no problem whatsoever eating low fat. However, I have a HUGE problem eating and drinking low sugar and sugar free foods and drinks due to the sugar substitutes they use. I also cannot stand yogurt of any kind or cottage cheese...two foods I see mentioned a lot. I don't wanna give the impression that I don't want to work my future sleeve, BECAUSE I SO DO!!! But I just cannot do sugar substitutes of any kind. They literally make me gag! I don't have a problem adding a lot more Protein to my diet though. Just so long as it isn't in the form of something with sugar substitute.

Is there anyone out there who eats a higher protein/low fat diet without so much focus on the carbs? As long as I'm concentrating on getting my protein (and liquids) in and staying within my calorie allotment, is that okay?

I so don't want to fail at this, but I just can't live on a bunch of sugar substitute food and beverages!

Thank in advance for any words of wisdom!

~Amy

I actually agree with you 100%. I do not like artificial sweeteners at all. I have accepted them for the time being in Crystal Light (one glass per day with Protein supplement) and many of the protein supplement powders have them. Long term, I plan on using lean meats, cheeses, and legumes as protein sources. I have a hard time accepting that we need sugar substitute forever.

Yogurt and cottage cheese can be added to other things. If you can manage sour cream, you can probably add plain yogurt to your diet in similar ways. I am planning to make a lasagna with vegetables and cottage cheese this week. I am not saying that this would be palatable for you, but sometimes using ingredients in different ways can help.

I am looking forward to any help with getting off the sugar substitutes, so I am right there with you.

Me, too. Prior to surgery you couldn't get me to go near anything with Splenda, Sucralose, any of those fake things. Usually they gave me a headache and I associated them with cancer. However, in weighing the pro's and con's of staying obese, I realized I was at risk of worse co-morbidities and cancers than without the fake stuff. I'm like Amanda 3.0, just see it as a temporary solution until I'm at goal and stabilized. Any information about weening off the stuff would be great. Personally, I prefer plain Water with lemon before adding drink mixes. My main source of the fake stuff is the SF Jell-O which I make with unflavored Protein for an extra boost. Again, something I look forward to switching down the road. I don't drink coffee and don't add anything to my teas.

Prior to surgery, I had never liked cottage cheese. But then I tried it with a tiny amount of unsweetened applesauce and found it was quite delicious. Sometimes your palate changes a little after surgery. But I do find it important to keep carbs low and contained to green leafy veggies, a few of the good fibrous fruits, and the occasional flax/multi cracker. The weight loss has been worth it! I try to buy the nitrate/preservative free chicken and turkey meats, organic whenever possible. I know this is a temporary-ish situation, and eventually I can never use the Jell-O and hopefully cut down on the protein mixes.

If you hear of any solutions, let us know!

I'm glad to see there is someone out there who feels the way I do. Another person answered a post and inadvertently kinda answered this one. She focuses on Protein and, although she looks at the carbs, she doesn't give them concern. I like that. Besides, I think by focusing on getting in the required protein with natural foods our carb count will naturally be somewhat lower. Heck, for me it will be a lot lower than what I eat now!

I'm having a problem with Protein shakes too. I'm in the buying samples phase to try and find something I can stomach. So far, I've tried Slimfast and it was totally disgusting. I've also tried Chike and it was gross too. Not quite as bad as Slimfast, but still not good. I bought a small tub of some brand of Protein powder (can't remember the name) at the Vitamin Shoppe tonight to try but have yet to do it. Ugh! It is going to be a long wait to get past the protein powder stage!

Thanks for your comments Amanda and congrats on your weight loss!

Thanks Emlefe. I'm starting to feel better about being able to be successful without having to choke down sf stuff for the rest of my life. As far as drinks go, I'm good with plain 'ol water. I'm also a huge fan of unsweetened tea. I really don't need any of those other sf beverages. Oh, and try orange squeezed into your water if you like them. It is good and refreshing too.

Most Slimfast is full of sugar and is off limits for me now. My stepdaughter loves it though and she is finishing my old Slimfast stash.

I had weaned off my sweet tooth prior to surgery but accepted a lot of products for the sake of getting Protein. I am looking forward to natural foods again within the year.

I don't like sugar substitutes, but I do find that I can use Truvia (which is true sugar of a different plant) in a few things. However, it is extremely sweet so I use it cautiously.

I use truvia also. It seems to taste better to me than Splenda and sweet n low.