Diabetic??? If so, WHAT do you eat???

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Sorry, Kim, I can't offer any advice except to read the labels. I'm not diabetic, but my dad is so I've tried to start cutting out refined sugars (high fructose corn syrup as an example) now so if I ever do get it, it's not such a shock to my system to cut out my all time favorite drink - Coke!

Anyway, the thing I wanted to add is - I may be wrong and be thinking of another product, but I think it was Fruit 2-0 that I was looking at. I thought it would be a great switch for me from Coke. The only thing is, it has caffeine, which I'm also trying to cut out. I, too, have Gerd and I really believe the Coke-a-day is what was causing it. Also, I read, and my doctor confirmed, that Coke/Pepsi/similar product has some sort of acid in it that decreases bone density. So absolute number one thing to cut out? Coke or similar caramel colored caffeinated carbonated drinks! I don't smoke I don't drink much I don't have any real vices except my 32 oz Coke-a-day, and now I have to give that up.

However, back to the Fruit 2-0, as I was in the aisle at the grocery store, having rejected the Fruit 2-0 because of the caffeine and wondering now what am I going to drink, I came across some carbonated flavored waters with no caffeine. The one I buy now is the local store's brand because the national brand had sodium. The store's brand has nothing, no calories, no carbs, no sodium no nothing! Just exactly what is it that I'm drinking?

Like Denyce says, the absolute best thing to drink is water, and a lot of it. Unfortunately for me, water just doesn't cut it. Hopefully some day it will, but in the meantime the waters I mentioned above are my substitute.

Also, don't forget excercise! A lot of diseases (high blood presure, diabetes, etc) can be somewhat controlled by regular exercise. So the old saying of eat right and exercise regularly is more true than ever these days.

One last thing. Look for diabetic recipes online. I found some and I wasn't even looking for them so I know they're out there and relatively easy to find.

Good luck, Kim, and take care of yourself!

[aly]

I've had Type 1 diabetes for over 4 years now, with many ups and downs along the way. I am insulin dependant and working with my doctor right now to get a pump. I was really really bad about checking my blood, but I had some health scares a few weeks ago that really reminded me how important it is. Now that I'm checking my blood 4-5 times a day, its a lot easier to stay in control and know what to do instead of just guessing.

I have some wonderful recipes. My mother has been so supportive for me and makes me the best diabetic things. I will get in touch with her and have her give me some to share.

The diabetic aisle in the grocery store has sone good snacks. The Fifty 50 brand is pretty good. Also, nuts are low in carbs and healthy to snack on. I have a constant supply of nuts around because I LOVE to snack and they never mess up my blood sugar.

For the past couple years, I lived off of diet drinks. I drank SO much a day, it was almost disgusting. I became addicted to caffeine and it got pretty ugly. A month ago, I quit cold turkey and I feel a lot better now. My head is clear and I'm not nearly as moody. And most importantly, I FEEL healthier.

I never eat any sugars or white flours. I love those things too much, so its easier for me to just cut it out completely instead of allowing myself to have it once in awhile. After I completely cut it out, I stopped craving it. If I had a little once in awhile, I'd start craving it way too much. I know everyone is difference, but completely cutting it out worked best for me.

The main key I have found is ROUTINE. It is very hard to get your sugars under control after they've been high so long. I used to think it was nearly impossible! But I finally learned that when I keep on a semi-normal schedule, it makes it 10 times easier. I try to eat the same servings of carbs around the same time of day. Its been really hard with my crazy college life and shelter work, but I am really concentrating on doing it now, and my blood is thanking me for it!

I drink Friut 2-O, sometimes I also drink Propel (it does have carbs, but not too many), and there is a wonderful brand of juices that have 0 carbs and 0 calories and taste GREAT. I can't remember the brand name right now, but I'll check next time I'm at the store. They have peach, cranberry, lemonade, cherry, and lots of other good ones! I use these to make smoothies in the blender. Juice, ice, a little whipped cream or cool whip, and some low carb yogurt (and sometimes some fresh fruit). It is a WONDERFUL treat that I think you all should try. The smoothies really help me keep satisfied and eat less. The yogurt (and fruit if you add it) is the only thing that really has the carbs, and you can spread one container of yogurt for many smoothies.

We're lucky that all these low carb diets became pupular, because now there are so many low carb options at the stores!

Cary's has really good low carb syrup. My mom makes me whole wheat french toast with some cinnamon on it. Cinnamon is really good for you and somehow helps keep your sugar down.

Also, Stewart's has some REALLY good diet orange creme soda that is caffeine free.

I will be back later with more recipes!

[DJFyrewolf36]

My mom is a Diabetic and has high blood pressure so she has to be EXTRA careful with her diet. She has found a whole lot of sugar free treats though, way more than when she was diagnosed 12 years ago. That Splenda stuff is pretty tasty and so far as I can tell, doesn't mess with your blood sugar count too much *always best not to overdo it though, hint hint mom lol* I learned a trick having to live with a relatively sugar free diet growing up *I stopped eating sugary things to be suportive to my mom, Im glad I did, Im much healthier! Still gotta get off the sodas though...* I started to eat more fresh fruits. Every time I wanted candy or something I grabbed some fruit instead. You would be amazed at how satisfied you feel!! And it isn't unhealthy really unless you're like me and eat too much.

When mom went on a low carb diet she lost wieght *I think she is up to 25 lbs now* and has said her blood sugar levels have stabilized and so has her blood pressure. Instead of getting rid of all carbs, she decided to get rid of the processed ones *things made with white flour and such* and stick to the more natural varieties found in whole grain foods. A little more expensive but a whole lot nicer to your body from what I can tell.

I have to watch my diet carefully. Im hypoglycemic and if I don't spread my meals out through the day I get into some sirious trouble. Eating a candy bar or something is REALLY bad for me because my sugar spikes up really fast and then I have to prepare for a real ugly crash later. So I tend to still stay away from the sugary stuff even now that Im not living with mom.

[Karen]

Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
[B]Sorry, Kim, I can't offer any advice except to read the labels. I'm not diabetic, but my dad is so I've tried to start cutting out refined sugars (high fructose corn syrup as an example) now so if I ever do get it, it's not such a shock to my system to cut out my all time favorite drink - Coke!

Anyway, the thing I wanted to add is - I may be wrong and be thinking of another product, but I think it was Fruit 2-0 that I was looking at. I thought it would be a great switch for me from Coke. The only thing is, it has caffeine, which I'm also trying to cut out. I, too, have Gerd and I really believe the Coke-a-day is what was causing it. Also, I read, and my doctor confirmed, that Coke/Pepsi/similar product has some sort of acid in it that decreases bone density. So absolute number one thing to cut out? Coke or similar caramel colored caffeinated carbonated drinks! I don't smoke I don't drink much I don't have any real vices except my 32 oz Coke-a-day, and now I have to give that up.

However, back to the Fruit 2-0, as I was in the aisle at the grocery store, having rejected the Fruit 2-0 because of the caffeine and wondering now what am I going to drink, I came across some carbonated flavored waters with no caffeine. The one I buy now is the local store's brand because the national brand had sodium. The store's brand has nothing, no calories, no carbs, no sodium no nothing! Just exactly what is it that I'm drinking?

Most Fruit 2-O's don't have caffienne, just the "blended for energy" ones. The plain flavors without "extra goodies" have no caffeine.