It’s not a good combination to be picky and diabetic I know. But I don’t like healthy food. Protein I know I should eat more of. But I don’t generally like meat. I am ok with cheese peanut butter and eggs. But those aren’t reallt good for you all the time. I like greasy fat filled food. And most of what I eat falls into the carb category. It has become apparent though that this needs to change. I don’t know what a good amount of carbs or protein or well anything is for a diabetic. I am sure they went over it with me when I was diagnosed but that was 15 years ago and things change and I don’t really remember. So how can I eat healthier without having to eat things I dont like ( meats I will eat chicken turkey and ham) and include things I do like ( pasta bread and some treats).
Ryan: A great place to start is The Diabetes Diet by Dr. Bernstein, which should be available at most public libraries. (It’s back ordered at my local book store.) Bernstein’s book contains some good quality low-carb meal recipes. Also, you can still eat pasta, bread, and some treats, but look for ones containing low carbs (for example, shop for bread containing 17 grams of carbs per serving size of two slices instead of 43 grams in one slice). Hope this helps. Been there done that…I’m starting to like my veggies and many former favorite treats now taste too sweet.
Oh thank goodness I am not the only one! Yes I have noticed over the years certain things I used to love are now just very sweet ( like frosting and regular soda). I am working on portion size. I am the kind of person that doesn’t eat out of hunger but just because it’s there. Or I will have a normal size meal and be full and then have more just cause it was soo good. I guess right now I need to use that mighty will power. Thanks for the info on the book I will check it out.
Hi Ryan,
Good for you!
Second Lucy’s suggestion to get Dr. Bernstein’s book. His “Diabetes Solution” is a great resource. I’ve found better recipes on-line at low carb sites than his The Diabetes Diet, but it does include a lot of good info.
Also, check out Jenny’s site http://www.bloodsugar101.com. It’s wonderful!
Do you know how many carbs you’re now eating? The ADA guidelines of 45-60 carbs per meal plus 15 carb snacks are far too high for most people to maintain good BG.
If you restrict carbs to get your A1c down & lose weight (if losing weight is also a goal), you have to eat sufficient protein. Do you like fish? I’m not a big meat eater either. Thankfully, I love fish. Protein is more filling than carbs. Other than helping your BG control, the added bonus of eating far less carbs is that the carb cravings go away. Being a former carb junkie I didn’t believe this, but it really is true. The less carbs you eat, the less you’ll crave. Another plus is that low carb isn’t low fat, so you’ll enjoy that part. Of course, try to eat good fats.
Another option is using protein powder. Many are unflavored & low carb. Pea protein powder, hemp powder & whey isolate protein powder are all good sources. Stay away from those made from soy because many diabetics have thyroid problems. Soy is antagonist to the thyroid. You can make shakes using protein powder, or add them to soups or in baking. I like protein powder in shakes because it’s more like a treat for a fast lunch or dinner. I use unsweetened almond milk (very low carb), unsweetened cocoa powder, protein powder & a bit of stevia for sweetening. Thick, yummy & filling.
From Jenny’s site is a calculator to figure out how much protein you need based on ideal weight, gender, activity level, gender: http://diabetesupdate.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-calculator-optimum-nutrient-balance.html