Gaining

Hi gang. I'll try to make a looong story short so I can get to my concerns.

This year I got wholloped with depression, and that caused me to lose some weight and hit the couch, too bummed to eat. I finally got back to the gym (because I love feeling strong and muscle/chub combo) but then in another unrelated activity, tore an elbow tendon. I'm slowly back into gentle workouts now. So this year I've been sedentary more than usual, and losing weight.

I wanna put it back on *and more.* However... My blood pressure is a touch high. I also have a scale that reports visceral fat, and although I know it's not totally accurate, I watch the trend, and that's going up which I'm sure means blood sugars are up as well. (I'm predisposed to Diabetes.)

I saw the other thread about blood sugar and will be following that advice. I'm kind of bummed that I can't just "pack it on" and I'm not even "that big" yet.

I guess getting a lot of cardio in will help fix high bp? Clearly less sugar. AND still put some pounds on?? Has anyone been in this kind of position? Tips or advice?

If your blood pressure is too high, you need to cut your salt intake. Are you eating a lot of processed or pre-prepared foods? Do you cook with seasoning mixes? If you are, you're probably consuming a lot more sodium and you realize.

Also, cut back on caffeine. It constricts your blood vessels, which makes high blood pressure worse. Switch to tea if you need something to get you out of bed in the morning.

Raw sugar is soooo good. I love it more than table sugar.

Thanks for your replies!! I had forgotten about the salt factor, thank you for reminding me!

I will have to be a little more mindful of processed foods this summer. I think the best way to go for me will be to have enough healthy snacks *all day* so that if I do have some junk food I won't be filling up on it. I currently have one coffee a day, two on a "long day" so I don't know if that's enough to affect anything?

I've already started making small changes, so I think this is something I can handle properly as I - hopefully - gain more weight.

Beets and beet juice can also help lower your blood pressure.