Reasons to stay on diet
Some people who have been off diet say they experience the following benefits once they return: look and feel better, less moody, improved energy, better concentration (at school and work!), perform better at sport.
Tips to help you stay on Diet
Yummy foods: Make sure you include a variety of foods to help you stick to your diet. Eating the same food everyday may become boring and difficult to stick to. Try something new or add new flavours to existing recipes. On the low protein diet your food should always remain tasty. Also know what you like and enjoy those meals!
Make your food exciting: Always keep herbs and spices around. Don’t be affraid to try something new – ask your dietitian for ideas or check out our recipe section.
Spicy: Add spicy seasoning, curry powder or paste, cracked pepper, tabasco or chilli sauce to steamed vegetables to give them a fiery kick.
Sweet: End your meal with some pineapple or other fruit to get the sweet taste. Try your low protein cooking skills and make a low protein dessert as an occasional treat.
Creamy: Satisfy your creamy cravings with some marshmallow treats.
Fluffy: Change the texture of a low-protein baked item by using apple sauce instead of oil.
Crunchy: Toast low-protein bread to make your own croutons and add to salads.
Note: some of these ideas may need to be included in your protein allowance
References:
PKU Handbook [2005]. Australasian Society for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ASIEM) (Australia and New Zealand). Chapter 11: PKU teenagers and adults My PKU Binder [2011]. National PKU Alliance (USA). Chapter 8: 18+ to Adulthood.
