Asian food?

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Jean

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I would like to thank all the folk who've subscribed to this thread; I've found it so helpful and I'm very grateful.

I am now at the stage of reading some of the books you've suggested, most particularly on the subjects of how to come to terms with my type 2 diagnosis and on low carb diets.

Can I raise one other matter: it's piffling, I know - but it bugs me. when it comes to eating Asian foods - do you all give them a wide berth - or have you developed a system of controlled eating?

I have a particular reason for asking: my son has lived in Thailand for the last 14 years - and I just wonder what I'm going to live on when I'm over there! And then, of course, like so many I'm partial to Indian, Chinese....does anybody have a word of hope!!

Jean.
 
Hi Jean, I eat curries and chinese food, but make them up myself with sauces, rather than getting takeaways. I add tinned tomatoes in the cooking process and this helps 'dilute' the sugars that you get in the sauces. I think this is the main problem with Asian dishes - the takeaways in particular are often high in sugar, fat and salt so not very healthy. If you have the skill to make the sauces yourself then I wouln't think there was any problem as you control what is going in!
 
like northener i myself make my own curries so i know whats going in and what is actually in my food,making the sauces is really easy once you get the hang of it mind i make a few sauces with my job so i would say that lol
 
Jean, I would imagine a Thai diet is very healthy, not like the 'takeaways' we get here. As the others have said, if you can make your own, you can avoid the sugars in the sauces/takeaway versions - I'll post a basic recipe for curry later for you if you like, which you can adapt. Likewise, if you get a chinese cookery book (or look up some recipes on the internet) they are actually healthy - not covered in monosodium glutomate or sugar - but may not taste the same. As far as the carbs go, I guess it will be the rice you need to think about?

There is a carb counting booklet on this site (you have to register, but it's free, it's under 'resources' I think) which gives the carbs for takeaway foods, you might find helpful: http://www.bdec-e-learning.com/
 
Hi Jean,

Now I'm nowhere near an expert on the matter, but my housemate is an amazing cook who primarily cooks Thai food. Thai rice and jasmine rice are long grain rice, which is longer than basmati. Basmati rice is medium GI, and the longer the grain, the lower the GI. Not sure about noodles - I know my Colins Gem GI book has something about that which I can look up for you if you like, but if you're careful with the rice and noodles, Thai food is great option :D
 
Thank you for all the helpful advice. (I do have the Collins carb counter - but I didn't know that about long-grain rice. I also have a curry recipe.)
To summarise: the advice is saying you have to take care about the sauces (if buying from a restaurant) and the rice and noodles. That unfortunately doesn't seem to leave much that's low carb. Have I got this right?

Do specialist Chinese and Indian restaurants (as distinct from takeaways) serve anything that's low carb? Does anyone have knowledge of carb output in dishes served by our most reputable Asian restaurants?

Jean
 
I generally avoid curries and anything spicy, it has an undesirable effect on my tummy.

My suggestion would be to go to the library and see what Asian cook books they have, or do as I do, ask friends for help. I have several Asian friends, and when hubby wanted an authentic curry for a treat I called in a friend. She helped me make one that blew his socks off.

Anything you prepare yourself gives you controll over what goes into it and you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Remeber whole meal and whole grain has a better carb laoding than the refined stuff. Good luck.
 
Hi Jean,

My wife and I went on honeymoon to Thailand and the food over there is really tasty and healthy.

Being Type 1 I didn't have to worry too much about the carbs as I adjusted my insulin accordingly.

They eat a lot of fruit over there - especially for breakfast (I loved Dragon Fruit), and they do lovely salads as well which would be a good low cardb option.

You should be able to eat as much meat as you like as it's all protein, but some of the sauces can contain yoghurt and coconut milk, etc which might raise your BG slightly. And they do eat a lot of rice and noodles.

The people over there are extremely friendly so if you're unsure whats in some dishes just ask and I'm sure they'll be happy to tell you.

NiVZ
 
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