Low Fat Cookbook

[JennieAtkinson]

Can anyone recommend a good low fat/fat free cookbook?

We have just had a hectic few days as my husband was rushed into hospital on Sunday and has now found out he has to have his gall bladder removed due to the horrendous number of stones in it. He is going to be on a low fat diet from now on.

I do cook pretty low fat meals anyway (did weight watchers a couple of times to lose weight so know the value of food) but a recommendation for a good cook book would be great.

Many thanks peeps

[Hazel at the Hill]

That sounds pretty 'orrible, Jennie - I do hope it doesn't come to surgery, but if it does, that he gets well soon.

In the meantime, any cookbooks by Rosemary Conley should hit the mark - she developed her low fat diets as she was facing gall bladder surgery too.

[Two_Sheds]

That's terrible news. What causes gallstones?

edit: Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones, also high cholesterol, and high oestrogen (women). Conversely, people who lose a LOT of weight rapidly (not gradually) are at greater risk for developing gallstones.
Fasting is bad too: Going for long periods without eating - such as skipping breakfast- may decrease gallbladder contractions. If the gallbladder does not contract often enough to empty out the bile, gallstones may form.


Gosh, complicated stuff. It looks like you need a small amount of fat per meal, but not too much. So not a fat-free diet, more like a Mediterranean one (lots of fresh veg, with fats from nuts, seeds, olive oil etc).

[HayleyB]

I had mine removed about 4 years ago, it was complicated as my anatomy was the wrong way around. Nearly died on the op table then spent two months in hossy half in Addenbrookes was a pretty awful time.

But anyway my first meal outside of my bed was in the Burger King at Addenbrookes (couldn't believe there was one in a hospital), chips, shake and burger. I Left hospital about a week later (couple of days before Xmas) and have always eaten what I like and drink lots of vino. All I get is an odd feeling on that side that feels like someone has wedged a football under my ribs when I've overdone the vino and that's it......

[JennieAtkinson]

Thank you everyone. Very interesting! And thank you too for all your best wishes to OH, I will pass them on.

Like Snowdrop, my husband has always been very fit and healthy, great metabolism, but he had a bad accident seven years ago which left him partially disabled and it is believed to be partly the drugs he is on which have led to the situation as well. Both he and my son can pretty well eat anything without putting on weight, but .... you don't know what is happening inside either.

Very interesting to hear too that those of you who have had the gb removed have reverted to a "normal" lifestyle afterwards. He will be very pleased to hear that! I felt so sorry for him last night as he looked at his cup of tea made with red milk and a couple of dry crackers (not his normal home-made by him shortbread!)

And thank you too Hazel for the reminder about Rosemary Conley. I had completely fogotten about her. I got her Hip/Waist Diet book many years ago and that should still be up in the loft somewhere. (I never throw a book away!)

[Flummery]

Hi Jennie. Mine was removed - keyhole (Remind me not so stand so near the front door again!) about 4 years ago. I was not told to change my diet either. I specifically asked about this. I was told that fatty foods would have irritated it when I had the gall bladder - Recommended to eat cottage not 'real' cheese for example, while waiting for the op. But I was definitely told that once the gallbladder was removed there was no need to eat a modified diet.

Hope himself gets on well. It's a condition with a cure these days.