A relatively new diabetic seeking help

[VicGZ]

Hi everyone,

A few months ago I was diagnosed with diabetes type 2, which wasn't surprising considering my high blood pressure (even with tablets), stress and obesity. Now I also have swollen ankles and signs of kidney problems, my GP hasn't give me any medication, at least not yet.

I want to change my diet since, although I don't eat a lot, it's unhealthy. The main problem is that I don't cook (even if I could cook I don't really have time for it) and I'm really picky about vegetables (not so much about fruit) so I have multiple questions since I don't really know which way to go:
- Is there any sort of regular meal delivery service I could rely on for lunch and dinner or affordable places with a variety of healthy options?.
- Are food replacement plans really a thing for diabetics?. Several companies offer full diet plans with 1400 calories or less, which are mainly for people who want to lose weight, but they would also need to be sustainable.
- Is intermittent fasting a good idea?. I have never tried it but I know of people that, while they could relatively handle it, it affected their mood and/or sleep.

I'm open to all comments around these questions and anything I might be missing, including "forget it and seek a specialist!"

PS: To add something positive, I don't drink or smoke, never did.

Thanks!

 

[Inka]

Welcome @VicGZ 🙂 It’s great you’re looking to improve your diet. Do you know what your HbA1C was when you were diagnosed (that’s the blood test to diagnose diabetes)? Knowing that, will show you how far into the diabetes zone you are and so give you an idea of how much you need to change your diet.

Non-carby veg like broccoli, etc, is lower carb than fruit, so do up your veg. Most people with Type 2 find they need to limit their carbs to varying extents. That is, reduce foods like bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, cake, biscuits, etc.

What’s the issue with finding time to cook? Do you work long hours? If so, batch cooking and freezing portions is very helpful. You can also get easy meals where most of the prep is done for you. There are also convenience items in supermarkets eg frozen cauli rice which you can microwave. I’m not sure there’s a specific diabetes meal delivery service because people with diabetes eat a variety of diets. You could, however, look for lower carb ones.

Yes, the soup/shakes diets are a possible option. There are a number of threads here about them. I’m trying to remember who followed such a diet but my mind has gone blank.

Lots of Type 2s here have made really positive changes all through their own efforts, so don’t be daunted. I’m sure you can too.

 

[Leadinglights]

Even if you can't cook, meals don't have to be complicated, cooked meat, salad, coleslaw no prep involved, Omelettes, eggs, high meat content sausages.
You can find ready meals with a lower carb content than others, some of the weight watchers or slimming world ones are not too bad if they don't include rice, pasta or potatoes.
Wiltshire foods or Oakland do have some lower carb meals but they are quite expensive.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @VicGZ

We have lots of different people here following lots of different ways of eating. The most important thing is to find a system and set of approaches that work for you, that are sustainable, and which give you the results you are looking for.

It can be difficult when your natural taste/texture inclinations are pulling in a different direction to your diabetes’ needs (there is some research that this can be part of the genetic reason why some people are more prone to developing diabetes). But your tastebuds and palate can adjust, adapt and change. Hopefully with a little experimentation you will be able to find a broader selection of foods that you enjoy much more than your former ‘grab and go’ choices.

Ready made solutions tend to be quite highly processed, and may include a whole bunch of chemicals/ingredients that don’t really belong in the dishes in order that they can have a longer shelf life, and withstand reheating.

There’s a section of the forum where people post recipes, suggestions and questions around food.

Food/carb queries + recipes

Coming to terms with diabetes and food can be very difficult - this forum is for all your food and carbohydrate queries and a place to post your favourite recipes!

forum.diabetes.org.uk

Alternatively, you could post an idea of your average menu here, and folks could comment based on their experience and things they have found work for them?