Weight & PKU

Whether you are returning to the PKU diet or you are on the diet, weight is often an issue.

We all want to be healthy and feel good about our bodies. What is important for everyone with PKU to realize is that finding a correct dietary balance is difficult for a lot of people, whether or not they have PKU. It may be somewhat harder for a person with PKU to plan meals, take the formula and restrict phe intake, but with a little planning, determination and support from your family and friends, finding your healthy balance will not be as difficult.

Watching one's weight is a universal problem. You need to maintain an eating plan that meets your nutrition, calorie and protein needs, but just like everyone else, diet and exercise play an important role in health and weight control.    

Although the special formula is your primary nutrition source, you also consume low protein modified and natural foods. Following an eating plan based on your body’s needs is important.
As you know, formulas can vary in calories and fat content. Work with your dietician to find the right formula or combination of formulas for you.

If you are avoiding protein, what else is there for you to eat that is healthy and not too high in calories at the same time? Simple sugars and fats are almost completely phenylalanine free, however they should not be consumed freely. A high fat and low fiber diet may be related to poor health.

You can try to:

1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables! They should make up more than half of the natural foods you eat.
2. Include low protein breads, pastas and other low protein foods in your diet but be mindful of serving sizes!
3. Be careful when preparing and eating food! Fats and oils (oil, butter, margerine, salad dressings) added in cooking or at the table adds extra calories.
4. Exercise! Exercising is part of being healthier.