@cocheze, I did not see an answer to this and let me hasten to say that the answer from each person will depend on their beliefs and practices. An ultra low carb person is going to say they would not eat any breaded meat or potato.
I am not a role model anywhere for anyone with diabetes but I personally can’t see a huge problem with once in a while eating half of a piece of a normal breaded meat entree (I don’t see breading so much anymore) and a small portion of a potato. You could probably even scrape some breading off. And, given that food example, there may be a salad that you could have with oil and vinegar. Unless you don’t eat salads. Since you say you eat 60 carbs/day instead of the ultra, ultra low carb approach.
If you eat with that host/ess again, then you could ask ahead if they would mind just leaving your piece of meat undressed. And politely say ‘no thanks’ to any potato/pasta if that is your choice.
This assumes you are initially eating in a home where the host/ess hardly knows you.
I just read on a GI index site that it is the amount of pasta that is the problem as most people eat more than a half cup of pasta, the so-called normal serving!! [Yes, I know some won’t even eat a strand of pasta or a bite of potato. Talking to others here though.]
You will get used to picking what you can eat and saying no thanks to the rest. You do not have to explain your decisions. Just smile.
I am with you @Daisy_Mae 150%
And my choice is to keep my blood sugars in as healthy a range as possible. There is nothing I “can’t” eat, but there are many foods I choose not to eat because I would rather be healthy. Everyone has their own priorities. I find myself much happier and healthier when I stay low carb and tending to the quality and quantity of foods I eat 100% of the time
I’ve found it’s easiest for me in many instances to just accept the offer and, if it’s wrapped candy, put it in my purse for my husband or…I’ve also been known to accept whatever it is and throw it away in a manner no one will notice. My body, my choice. I just try not to hurt anyone else’s feeling in the deal.
If offered something I can’t eat I politely decline, If necessary I might add that I’m diabetic and that eating that would make me fell ill. As a T2 not on insulin who tries to avoid going high, my body is not used to it and in fact I feel ill at any reading > 150, so this is no exaggeration.
This seems to stop the “Oh you can have some just this one time” routine. In fact in most cases I think people respect me for forgoing whatever good tasting food I am declining as it shows I’m taking my disease seriously. It helps to have a little backup food just in case there is truly nothing I can eat, I favor nuts for this.
I’m always ready for a teachable moment if someone shows interest, quite often the other person has a friend/relative who is not taking care of their T2 and are open to a discussion of what I eat and cannot eat and why. I know I have a tendency to go on and on once started, so I keep and eye out for glazed over eyes and change the conversation as soon as they appear.
I always find these food discussions interesting. Like most individuals on the DOC I’m a diabetic and just like Bill Murry in the movie Groundhogs day everyday is a diabetic day and it’s never going to stop. We live in a parallel Universe and no one is going to understand our feelings about food. Food is a very personal physical and emotional subject and it has a direct 24/7 impact on our health.
There is no social food etiquette for a PWD, we each have diffrent requirements it’s as individual as our odor. I never feel like I’m hurting someones feelings buy not eating their food or not drinking their drinks. If you have ever attended a diabetes function or support group you saw immediately that everyone at the event displayed diffrent needs and responded differently to food. When I go to a family function it’s always about the food and when I go to a local insulin users group it’s never about the food it’s about companionship. I try to never impact my friends and family’s activity’s with my Betes…if I do not fit in at the moment I find something else to do (example: You guys go eat Pizza and I will meet you at the move later)…everyone is happy.
I agree, DrBB. I just tell my coworkers the truth. I work in healthcare so they know what I’m talking about but they still offer me things I am sure I can’t have and don’t take. One lapse in my resistance causes my numbers to rocket for about 24 hours or more. I’ve had bs as high as 400 and as low as 60. When my bs is controlled, I feel very good. DM is one of those silent diseases…most of the time, no one can tell there’s anything amiss. I am thankful for that.
I’ve done that too, Shadow2. For the longest, I took that man’s candy and threw it away later. When I started just declining and he got mad and nasty…kinda changed that for me. “No thank you” is a complete sentence and I don’t have to explain myself.
