Christmas

[Maz2]

At the risk of probably asking the daftest question ever I will ask it anyway.

I am at present high risk of diabetes and wondered what Forum members do with Christmas with regard to christmas pudding, christmas cake, mince pies, trifle etc. Do you decide it is best to have nothing at all or just a small portion of something from time to time - perhaps cake one day and another day pudding, but only small portions.

This is my first Christmas since I learned about this. I have already decided I had probably better not go to Starbucks or Costa and have their Christmas coffees like I used to.

Thanks.

 

[Amigo]

At the risk of probably asking the daftest question ever I will ask it anyway.

I am at present high risk of diabetes and wondered what Forum members do with Christmas with regard to christmas pudding, christmas cake, mince pies, trifle etc. Do you decide it is best to have nothing at all or just a small portion of something from time to time - perhaps cake one day and another day pudding, but only small portions.

This is my first Christmas since I learned about this. I have already decided I had probably better not go to Starbucks or Costa and have their Christmas coffees like I used to.

Thanks.

I had my first Christmas as a diabetic last year (though it probably wasn't!) and I struggled with this too because the shops are groaning with tempting goodies.
Christmas Day wasn't a major problem in honesty and I replaced the Christmas pud with an individual trifle. I don't care for mince pies and allowed myself the odd chocolate. It is possible to build them into a low carb diet by being careful about the amount of carbs in the actual meal. I've made it my business to find smaller portions of things and goodies that have an unusually low amount of carbs like the mini frozen chocolate eclairs from Iceland. If you're handy in the kitchen there's all kinds of low carb, delicious goodies you can make. Have a look on the recipe threads.

In honesty I've not given up on Costa coffees. I have the odd latte or flat white without too much of a hike but obviously avoid the marshmallow, choccie with sprinkles type drinks! To avoid wanting to get a cake with them I carry a small biscuit with me or an individual wrapped chocolate (80% stuff is best but I don't like it). Just knowing you can have something takes away the 'I'll have a caramel shortbread' temptation.

It's hard to get out of the 'deprived mindset' but I tell myself it isn't that I can't have them, it's because I'm making a conscious choice to choose better options. But you don't have to cut everything out and make yourself miserable. Eat by the meter would be my advice. Good luck 🙂

 

[AlisonM]

It's one day a year and if you have a treat then, no-one will blame you, it's when you make a habit of it that you get into difficulties. Even though I'm now on a proper insulin regime and can inject to cover what I eat, I learned when I was pretending to be T2 that I could have the odd treat now and then as long as I was 'good' the rest of the time, I still do it that way. In short, have yourself a little of the good stuff and don't beat yourself up over it.

 

[Maz2]

Thanks for the advice. It is those coffees with loads of cream and chocolate on I was thinking of Amigo. Thought somehow they might not be a good idea. I do like flat white though. I had given up lattes but I suppose the occasional one is OK. I had taken to having them in the pub after badminton at about 10 p.m on a Friday night which I suppose was a bad idea as it was not long before I went to bed.

I will certainly have another look at the recipes. I love cooking and now I only work part-time I can spend more time in the kitchen. I do find the recipes here very helpful. I have taken a particular fancy to the Flaxseed Bread and will have a go at that next week.

I have noted on the recipes some websites such as lowcarb.com so will have a look at that too.

I am inclined to agree Alison about it only being once a year. I will have a treat and then just leave it off at other times. I have already got used to missing out desserts every time I go for a meal. It all depends how often - if I go 2-3 times a month I will maybe just have one dessert and then not have another one for the next few meals, say only one over an 8 week period or so.

I have a metre and will have to start testing as I could really do with knowing what certain foods do to me. My GP thought it was maybe not worth it though as, because I am not a diabetic, I will get normal results a lot of the time. He also said he could not provide strips for me as they don't give them out unless you are diabetic. I think even then it may only be to Type 1s. I told him I did not expect to be prescribed them anyway. There is a high level of diabetes in the area where I live so the GPs could not possibly afford strips for those not yet diabetic as well. I don't mind buying my own. Diabetic patients have to come first.

 

[Amigo]

I know this should probably go on the recipe thread but it sounds to be a very scrummy, low carb chocolate cake suitable for Christmas and you seem to be looking for alternatives.

Low carb chocolate cake:

Serves: 15
INGREDIENTS
* 300g /10.5 oz dark 75% chocolate
* 175g / 6 oz butter
* 2 tsp vanilla extract
* 6 eggs
* 6 tbs double cream/heavy cream
* 4 tsp granulated sweetener of choice to taste


INSTRUCTIONS
1. Melt the chocolate and butter together over a low heat in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before adding the vanilla extract.
2. In another bowl beat the eggs, cream and stevia together for 3-4 minutes (use a stick blender or hand whisk). It will go frothy and remain runny.
3. Slowly add the egg mixture to the chocolate mixture in the saucepan, stirring all the time. As you add more egg mixture, the chocolate and butter will thicken to the consistency of custard.
4. Pour into a 20cm (8in) prepared tin . Grease a loose bottom cake tin with butter then line the loose bottom with baking paper and push through the outer ring so the baking paper adds a seal and stops the cake mixture from leaking.
5. Bake at 180C/ 350F for 40 mins

NOTES
Nutrition using other % chocolate
70% = 246 cal 12g carbs 7.7g sugar 21g fat 3.7g protein
75% = 250 cal 10.8g carbs 5.2g sugar 21.8g fat 4g protein
85% = 235 cal 5.7g carbs 2.9g sugar 22.3g fat 4.5g protein

 

[Manda1]

Mmmm chocolate cake x think I will give that a try too x thanks amigo x

 

[Maz2]

Thanks Amigo. Will give that a try. Sounds delicious.

 

[AlisonM]

@Maz2, you should be aware that milk and milk products contain lactose which is, of course, a form of sugar 😱. Some folk here use soy or almond milk instead and. while it takes a bit of getting used to, it's OK for stuff like lattes. I quite like the almond varieties. The fat in, cream and butter for instance, can slow the rise in blood sugars which would mean you hitting the spike later than expected. This diabetes business is complicated, sigh.

 

[weecee]

The Costa website has a full breakdown of nutritional information, inc carbs, about all their products , both foods and drinks so this helps to plan a visit there. Enjoy the little treats occasionally

 

[trophywench]

I'm intrigued as to how that holds together, although it is 'sort of' like chocified scambled egg/not quite a souffle I spose. I seriously wonder how big a tin you need to get the 16 portions - I mean is it sposed to be half an inch deep, or more like one tier of a Vic sponge? How long do you cook it for and how d'you tell when it's cooked?

I'm not just asking you understand - I think I need to try this - seriously! - and I'd rather not completely waste the ingredients, it would be a waste of time when I could have cooked something else with the ingreds - and just a shame.

 

[Maz2]

@Maz2, you should be aware that milk and milk products contain lactose which is, of course, a form of sugar 😱. Some folk here use soy or almond milk instead and. while it takes a bit of getting used to, it's OK for stuff like lattes. I quite like the almond varieties. The fat in, cream and butter for instance, can slow the rise in blood sugars which would mean you hitting the spike later than expected. This diabetes business is complicated, sigh.

Thanks Alison. I must admit I worry a little bit about milk. I do use unsweetened almond milk on porridge and also half almond milk and half water. I don't eat porridge as much as I did, just once or twice a week and use rolled oats not the instant variety. I am lucky in that I can eat it without it being sweetened. I cannot get used to almond milk in my tea or coffee as much as I have tried. I try not to go over 200 mls a day of milk. Will have to persevere I suppose. I did think lactose was not as bad as fructose though but may be wrong on this one.

 

[Robin]

I'm intrigued as to how that holds together, although it is 'sort of' like chocified scambled egg/not quite a souffle I spose. I seriously wonder how big a tin you need to get the 16 portions - I mean is it sposed to be half an inch deep, or more like one tier of a Vic sponge? How long do you cook it for and how d'you tell when it's cooked?

I'm not just asking you understand - I think I need to try this - seriously! - and I'd rather not completely waste the ingredients, it would be a waste of time when I could have cooked something else with the ingreds - and just a shame.

With those ingredients, it's got to be yummy, but sounds like it would make a cross between chocolate fudge and chocolate mousse.

 

[Dave W]

At the risk of probably asking the daftest question ever I will ask it anyway.

I am at present high risk of diabetes and wondered what Forum members do with Christmas with regard to christmas pudding, christmas cake, mince pies, trifle etc. Do you decide it is best to have nothing at all or just a small portion of something from time to time - perhaps cake one day and another day pudding, but only small portions.

This is my first Christmas since I learned about this. I have already decided I had probably better not go to Starbucks or Costa and have their Christmas coffees like I used to.

Thanks.

I think that you should enjoy your Christmas treats in moderation. Don't go daft with them and you'll be alright. I was diagnosed in December last year and the following day won a great big hamper of Christmas treats in the local school Christmas raffle - there were loads of gorgeous sweet things. I gave away most of them but still managed to scoff over the Christmas period a box of 6 luxury mince pies and half a Christmas pud. Didn't test my BG for a few days but really enjoyed Christmas. Hope you enjoy it too!

And there's no such thing as a daft question - only daft answers.

 

[Mark Parrott]

Keep an eye on the recipe section. I will be posting a recipe for a low carb yule log nearer to christmas. I will be eating the odd mince pie & bit of Stollen. It is Christmas & i'm not going without.🙂

 

[Maz2]

Thanks Mark. Will look forward to that.

 

[Amigo]

I'm intrigued as to how that holds together, although it is 'sort of' like chocified scambled egg/not quite a souffle I spose. I seriously wonder how big a tin you need to get the 16 portions - I mean is it sposed to be half an inch deep, or more like one tier of a Vic sponge? How long do you cook it for and how d'you tell when it's cooked?

I'm not just asking you understand - I think I need to try this - seriously! - and I'd rather not completely waste the ingredients, it would be a waste of time when I could have cooked something else with the ingreds - and just a shame.

A friend sent me it. She has made it successfully but I haven't as yet. It apparently should set like a more solid torte and is done in a 20cm (8in) cake tin. It should be cooked for 40 mins (sorry I missed that and have now included it).

 

[Stitch147]

For the 2 years before I was diagnosed I was trying to lose weight, so I just took it that Christmas is just one day and a roast dinner with a dessert. Last year was my first Christmas after diagnosis and I looked at it the same way. It's one day. I'll be doing the cooking, so it's less potatoes and more veg for me this year and I will be having some small pudding after.

 

[Rosiecarmel]

Christmas dinner in itself isn't that unhealthy. It's just the Yorkshire puds and potatoes that are full of carbs! But it's Christmas!!

My problem is after Christmas dinner, in my family, out come the chocolates! It's like my family don't eat chocolate throughout the year and binge at Christmas! Which obviously means I do too!

This year will be much easier, as my mother has retired. She was head teacher of a primary school so every year she'd come home with carrier bags full of chocolates from staff and students. As she can't eat it all on her own, my brother and me would end up taking loads home!

 

[Carolg]

I know this should probably go on the recipe thread but it sounds to be a very scrummy, low carb chocolate cake suitable for Christmas and you seem to be looking for alternatives.

Low carb chocolate cake:

Serves: 15
INGREDIENTS
* 300g /10.5 oz dark 75% chocolate
* 175g / 6 oz butter
* 2 tsp vanilla extract
* 6 eggs
* 6 tbs double cream/heavy cream
* 4 tsp granulated sweetener of choice to taste


INSTRUCTIONS
1. Melt the chocolate and butter together over a low heat in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before adding the vanilla extract.
2. In another bowl beat the eggs, cream and stevia together for 3-4 minutes (use a stick blender or hand whisk). It will go frothy and remain runny.
3. Slowly add the egg mixture to the chocolate mixture in the saucepan, stirring all the time. As you add more egg mixture, the chocolate and butter will thicken to the consistency of custard.
4. Pour into a 20cm (8in) prepared tin . Grease a loose bottom cake tin with butter then line the loose bottom with baking paper and push through the outer ring so the baking paper adds a seal and stops the cake mixture from leaking.
5. Bake at 180C/ 350F for 40 mins

NOTES
Nutrition using other % chocolate
70% = 246 cal 12g carbs 7.7g sugar 21g fat 3.7g protein
75% = 250 cal 10.8g carbs 5.2g sugar 21.8g fat 4g protein
85% = 235 cal 5.7g carbs 2.9g sugar 22.3g fat 4.5g protein

Mmm. Might give it a try

 

[Carolg]

For the 2 years before I was diagnosed I was trying to lose weight, so I just took it that Christmas is just one day and a roast dinner with a dessert. Last year was my first Christmas after diagnosis and I looked at it the same way. It's one day. I'll be doing the cooking, so it's less potatoes and more veg for me this year and I will be having some small pudding after.

I did that last year after I was diagnosed in November, small meal, more veg, made sugar free trifle(well at least sugar low) wasn't testing but enjoyed the day. Gave away sweets except dark chocolate with raspberry bits which I nibbled on till February. Still got the mini xmas pud in the cupboard.

Not being so good now though !!!