COPD and food

[maryaz]

I didn't get into Chat Friday but late tonight looking for some answers that I have wanted to ask for several weeks.

I know that there are many good cooks at Day to Day and love the sounds of a lot of the food. This question is for healthy eating though.

I have learned a lot about food but not near what I should. If I really want to stay away from foods that cause bloating being it is not good with COPD lungs, what are some good things to eat. I like vegetables and feel it is healthy eating except not in my case. Cauliflower, Broccoli and such not good due to bloating. Potato would be okay right? I try to watch weight but moreso I need to also eat foods that agree with me. I don’t seem to eat as much now and I need to eat nutritious foods.

[merryfl]

I really don't have much trouble with bloating. High fiber foods (like brocolli) can be a problem, but if you don't eat too much of it at a time, you should be fine. You can build up your tolerance to the fiber -- and you really should have as much fiber as you can tolerate. The brighter the color, the more nutritious.

I love potatoes. Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritious foods out there. You can bake, boil, fry or even microwave them. Asparagus are good for you, and carrots, too. If you fix a grilled chicken breast and a couple of vegetable servings, you'd have a good meal. Small servings are fine...you don't want to overeat. That will just make you more uncomfortable. Even a bagged salad with some sliced chicken or steak or even some canned tuna or salmon makes a good light meal.

[maryaz]

I like broccoli and may eat too much of certain fiber foods because I sort of use a weight watchers diet and there is more fiber in some of the foods from what I used to eat. I can use the input you gave me and watch what I am eating. I try to diet but also to avoid the bloating foods.

I love white potatoes and they can work for me because I don’t need a lot of butter just some. Not crazy about sweet potatoes but could probably acquire a liking of them somewhat. I love cooked carrots and like asparagus too. I have really got myself to eating small meals now since being in the hospital. Joe would fix my plates before, and put too much on them. Of course, I would it all. It is in front of me and I am going to eat it. I try to eat a lot of salad.

Do you use the bagged salad. Joe thought it didn’t keep so well and quit buying it, but sometimes I wondered if he lost track of how long it was in the frig. My son and wife use it and did fine when they were here. It would be easier for me. I do drink one coke a day and usually in the evening and that is not good.

I thought veggies were good for you. I quit eating cauliflower, which I like because of its effect. I was eating a lot of broccoli and then just found out that too was not recommended. I think I have little or nothing left to eat.

Hope Lee is doing better. Get him more fiber. Thanks for the input and it is helpful.

[sue]

I never had a problem with bloating until the last few yrs and it seems like everything i eat does. Pop especially so i switched to sweet tea. Dont need the calories but do need the caffeine. I use bagged lettuce as a rule.

[merryfl]

I have no problem with bagged salad -- just make sure to check the date before you buy it. If it is ready to expire, there's no sense in buying it...you'll just have to throw it out. I like the ones that have lots of vegies in them, or a variety of lettuces. Or both Sometimes I buy 2 different ones and mix them together.

I also buy pre-packaged cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, etc. Also, sliced squash, zucchini, etc. They're all ready to eat - already cut up and washed. You just add them to your salad. It's amazing how much stuff is available that you don't have to fix...and it's not terribly expensive, either.

[maryaz]

I am having trouble giving up my coke. It is only one a day and so far I am keeping it. Some days I don't even have one, but usually.

I will look into the pre-prepared veggies too.

Thanks,

[blondie]

In the freezer section I will buy frozen broccoli florets and the same for cauliflower I'll buy Chuck wagon corn and that's about it for veggies. I would love Asparagas, but too expensive for one person.

I buy alot of fruit in the summertime. I buy mostly grapes, apple slices (bagged). Sometimes peaches and nectarines.

Tabooli is always a healthy dish. Easy to make a tabooli salad. So refreshing. Recipe is on box.

[merryfl]

Pat - I like the sliced apples in the bag, too. They're expensive, but I like just having a couple of slices at a time. It's worth it to me. I saw frozen asparagus the other day. Wonder how that would be ?