Nutritionist Follow-Up Complete

I met with Vanessa, our Keto Nutritionist, yesterday afternoon for a follow-up appointment. I can honestly say that when I got to my car to leave, I sat there for a few minutes with my head spinning. There is SO much information to take in, digest, sort through. It is extremely overwhelming.

For starters, every single food item that I took pictures of for her to calculate (7 of Raquel's current favorite things), are no longer allowed. This includes her whole grain waffles, gluten-free cereal and snacks, yogurt, etc. etc. etc. Really? Every single one? I've already eliminated all of the pasta, rice, bread, her beloved things like watermelon and sweet potatoes, and now I have to cut back even more? I now am completely getting why parents in my support-group say that meal times are the hardest part, because most cannot eat together as a family and that keto kids are typically allowed to eat their meal alone in front of the television so it's a distraction.

Because Raquel's urine testing is continuing to be either negative or trace - instead of at least moderate at this point - Vanessa tweeked the diet a bit and reduced the carbs more and increased the fat. She still wants her to have 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, but now I have only 4 meals and 2 snacks to choose from - she wants me to follow the meal plans IDENTICAL until she reaches ketosis. I have 1 breakfast to choose from and then 3 other menus to be included for lunch and dinner. I think Raquel will get bored with this. Again, the portion sizes are big and I pretty much will have to force the food in her if she puts up a fight. I was told that if she really enjoyed her breakfast that morning, to give it to her again that night for dinner and vice-versa. This is going to be really weird, but is supposed to get her in a state of ketosis quicker, and if her ketones don't improve after a week of following this diet as instructed, looks like more carbs will be reduced and then possibly adding some MCT oil to the diet. On the positive side, if ketone levels do improve, more food items will be gradually re-introduced. Let's just go with that for now.

Vanessa sent in a note to Dr. Mower requesting thorough blood tests to be done. I'm supposed to have another follow-up in early July, but will be emailing/faxing/calling weekly, whatever works the best, so she can stay informed as to how Raquel is adjusting, what her daily ketone levels are, and continue to make suggestions/recommendations.