Hi,
I loved all the same foods as you, and developed some strategies over the past 2 1/2 years, to help avoid them. Not that I never cheat, but I can stick to diet for the most part now. It takes time to change all those habits, but just be patient, and don't give up, you will give in, but then just right back on your healthier plan.
Following NSD is great for getting your weight (and pain) down. Eliminating ALL sugars (except fruit) as well, will really get you to 100% normal (weight and pain).
So increase your veggies first. I go to the farmers market every week and buy lots of cabbage, brocoli, cauliflower, artichokes, swiss chard, garlic, onions, parsley, etc. Whatever is in season and is not starchy is best. I can even get fresh, local, organic cultured butter with grey sea salt, which is fantastic on steamed veggies and healthy for us. I use coconut oil for sauteing or roasting. Make fermented sauerkraut with the cabbage and eat this with EVERY meal.
http://myankylosingspondylitis.blogspot.com/2008/04/lacto-fermented-sauerkraut.htmlEat all the protein you need as well. NO processed meats, only fresh whole foods prepared yourself. Beef, chicken, pork, salmon, turkey, etc.
Substitute all sweets with fresh fruit. In season, ripe and non starchy (no bananas, apples, citrus for me). I ALWAYS have enough fruit cut and cleaned, enough for a day or two, ready to eat; pineapple and grapes. Clean and cut up fresh a couple of times per week, so they don't get moldy, etc. I keep lots of bosc pears in a bowl on the counter, so they can get very ripe, I use these is a green juice smoothie daily, which is great to satisfy a sweet craving and great for detoxing.
Your safest salty snack would be roasted almonds. You have to prepare them yourself, by blanching and soaking first, to remove starch and impurities, then bake with grey sea salt. Then store them in the freezer. Don't eat unlimited, but in moderation is OK. Try 1/4 cup per day.
I will also grill a bonesless chicken breast in lemon and garlic and grey sea salt, then slice eat, and dip it in guacamole I make myself with avocados and grey sea salt. It's a good substitute for chips and dip.
Check the diet specific forum for some of my favorite recipes.
