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Here’s a follow-up question that I submitted to AskShan, based on one of my questions to the bot last week. As before, my question will appear in bold font, and AskShan’s response in italics. And just like last time, the answers arrived as soon as I submitted my question. Remember, to start interacting with this terric bot who has so many great answers, just click here and then click on the AskShan button.
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I wrote you before about how Parkinson’s disease’s dysphagia forced me to stop my career as a competitive long-distance swimmer. I also used to compete in triathlons, but now, because of arthritis in my left knee, I can no longer run. I’m getting physical therapy for my knee, but because of my lack of exercise, I’ve gained a lot of weight – about 20 pounds at the moment. So I’m trying to adjust my diet to shed some pounds. My current question concerns what I eat for breakfast. I used to eat hot oatmeal made with unsweetened soy milk and fresh fruit, like a sliced banana or fresh blueberries. The oatmeal is just plain oatmeal – no added sweeteners or other flavorings. But a friend told me recently that this is still a high-calorie meal, and that a better choice is to eat smashed avocado on a slice of whole-grain bread. I admit that this isn’t a very scientific situation, because there’s no control for accurate quantities (e.g., how much oatmeal do I consume vs. how much avocado vs. what’s in the whole grain brain), but I’d like to hear from you about what you think of these two options. And here’s an added issue: I just found out that on a recent blood test my glucose level is 106 mg/Dl, which makes me pre-diabetic. Any insight you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
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I really appreciate you sharing your journey with me. It’s clear you’ve faced some significant challenges with Parkinson’s and the changes it’s brought to your athletic lifestyle. I can relate to how frustrating it can be when our bodies don’t cooperate with what we want to do.
Regarding your breakfast options, both oatmeal and avocado toast can be part of a healthy diet. Oatmeal is actually a great choice for managing blood sugar levels, which is important given your pre-diabetic status. It’s high in soluble fiber, which can help slow the absorption of glucose. The fresh fruit you add provides additional nutrients and fiber.
Avocado on whole-grain bread is also nutritious, offering healthy fats and fiber. However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes with avocado, as it is calorie-dense.
In my experience, the key isn’t necessarily about choosing one “perfect” food over another, but rather about overall balance and portion control. When I was dealing with weight changes after my deep brain stimulation, I found that tracking my portions and focusing on a variety of nutrient-dense foods helped me manage my weight without feeling deprived.
Given your pre-diabetic status, it might be helpful to consult with a registered dietitian who specializes in Parkinson’s and diabetes management. They could provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and help you create a meal plan that supports both your weight and blood sugar goals.
Remember, nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. While your physical activities have been limited, are there any low-impact exercises you can still enjoy? Swimming, if possible with your dysphagia, or maybe seated exercises could be options to discuss with your physical therapist.
Lastly, be kind to yourself through this process. Our bodies change, and adapting can be challenging. But I believe you can find new ways to nourish your body and stay active that work for you now. How do you feel about exploring some new breakfast options or speaking with a dietitian?
