Ask Italian

[Flakie]

Weird one this! Went to Ask for lunch with a friend today and decided on a chicken and mushroom risotto even though it was obviously rice. Really nice but when I checked on their website I saw it was a massive 114 carbs per serving. Had it about midday and checked my BG at 5pm and it was 4.5! Did it twice as I didn’t believe it. Couldn’t check after 2 hours as I was still out and about. I was 5.8 before breakfast this morning. That is the lowest level I have recorded since I started doing it a few weeks ago.

 

[Sally W]

How strange. I am waiting for the microbiome testing to come here as I will definitely pay for it. If it individually identifies carbs that we are sensitive to it would be worth it. Risotto was one of my favourite dishes which I’ve avoided since my diagnosis. I’m going to buy a monitor I think!

 

[MikeTurin]

I have found that the cultivar of the rice could have an impact on starches and undigestible starches, and also the cooking method.
By the way you could try this at home
https://www.eataly.com/us_en/magazine/eataly-recipes/mushroom-risotto/

 

[Sally W]

I have found that the cultivar of the rice could have an impact on starches and undigestible starches, and also the cooking method.
By the way you could try this at home
https://www.eataly.com/us_en/magazine/eataly-recipes/mushroom-risotto/

I love mushroom risotto! I always rinse, cook and cool rice overnight Mike, is this what you’re referred to and when you say cultivar is there a certain type of rice you recommend? Thank you. I’d be so happy to eat risotto again.

 

[MikeTurin]

Avoid Roma, and Arborio (alas the ones best suited for Italian Risotto, as the Roma name could suggest ;-) ) Basmati or Baldo have a lowish starch content, and if you use the parboilled one you get a bit less carb release.
If you can find Baldo Integrale give it a try (and use the meter!) alas it's a bit difficult to find even in Italy. Not all Coop supermarket have it. Luckily in Coop markets you could write a request with a specific item you found in another of their supermarket and they phone you back when it's available.

 

[Sally W]

I’ll look out for those. I had read black rice is supposed to be better but it was high carb according to the packet. I need to buy a meter but no idea where to start and which has reasonable strip prices thanks

 

[Northerner]

I’ll look out for those. I had read black rice is supposed to be better but it was high carb according to the packet. I need to buy a meter but no idea where to start and which has reasonable strip prices thanks

Hi Sally, the meter we usually suggest is the SD Codefree Meter which has test strips at around £8 for 50 (other brands can charge around £30 for 50 strips 😱). In order to understand how to use the tests efficiently and effectively, read Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S 🙂

 

[Mark Parrott]

I'm wondering what risotto would be like with Bulgar Wheat. I find this is very low GI & is OK for me.

 

[Sally W]

I'm wondering what risotto would be like with Bulgar Wheat. I find this is very low GI & is OK for me.

Michael Mosley has a recipe for risotto with bulgar wheat in his blood sugar book. Some of his recipes are OK some are more about eating key ingredients rather than enjoyable food though. Would you like me to dig the recipe out for you?

 

[Sally W]

Hi Sally, the meter we usually suggest is the SD Codefree Meter which has test strips at around £8 for 50 (other brands can charge around £30 for 50 strips 😱). In order to understand how to use the tests efficiently and effectively, read Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S 🙂

Thank you. Is it painful to test? I’ve not done so as my GP won’t let me have a monitor but I’d like to start finding out which foods spike me

 

[Northerner]

Thank you. Is it painful to test? I’ve not done so as my GP won’t let me have a monitor but I’d like to start finding out which foods spike me

Not necessarily 🙂 Have a read of Painless Pricks, by Alan S to understand how to do it without it hurting (or, at the very least, minimising any pain 🙂) It's very short-sighted of healthcare professionals to restrict testing, particularly when people are unsure what items they tolerate well. It's all well and good saying 'eat a healthy diet', but by taking such a general, non-personalised approach you may end up consuming things you consider healthy, but have an adverse effect on you as an individual - and it might also lead you to removing things you enjoy and actually tolerate well. Only testing will tell you this - a 3 or 6-monthly blood test at the doctor's might tell you that you aren't doing great, but it can't tell you what you need to change! 🙂

 

[Sally W]

I completely agree. He tells me it’s not necessary but how did I end up with diabetes in the first place. Plus as you say eliminating foods unnecessarily is a shame too. I’m going to order a monitor and get going! Thank you

 

[Sally W]

Avoid Roma, and Arborio (alas the ones best suited for Italian Risotto, as the Roma name could suggest ;-) ) Basmati or Baldo have a lowish starch content, and if you use the parboilled one you get a bit less carb release.
If you can find Baldo Integrale give it a try (and use the meter!) alas it's a bit difficult to find even in Italy. Not all Coop supermarket have it. Luckily in Coop markets you could write a request with a specific item you found in another of their supermarket and they phone you back when it's available.

Mike you live in a lovely part of the world. I love Italy and this year stayed in Aosta: how lucky are you

 

[Mark Parrott]

Michael Mosley has a recipe for risotto with bulgar wheat in his blood sugar book. Some of his recipes are OK some are more about eating key ingredients rather than enjoyable food though. Would you like me to dig the recipe out for you?

I have the book. Didn't notice the risotto recipe, I'll have another look. Thanks.🙂

 

[Sally W]

Sorry Mark it’s in the Blood Sugar Recipe book not the original. Let me know if you haven’t got the book and I’ll send it to you.