Bacon? Taboo or Ambrosia?

[Paul H]

Hi everyone,
Apologies if this is a repeat subject, I only joined you all last night here on the forum.

Is bacon ok for T2s to eat?
There’s so much mixed info that is available on the internet.....

I haven’t eaten any since I was diagnosed in September... am I being too hard on myself?
Any hints/tips will be greatly appreciated

 

[Kaylz]

Yes perfectly ok to eat

What is it you've read that says otherwise? As most tend to lower their carbohydrate intake quite a common breakfast for instance is bacon and eggs as they contain negligible amount of carbs
xx

 

[Paul H]

Lots of info says that bacon is processed meat and should belong in the “no-go” zone. Also the salt content seems to be a warning zone for lots of sites but I think I’ve gone on too many U.S. sites to be honest with you.

If that’s not the case and I can eat bacon again .... you’ve just saved my day ☺️☺️
Thank you

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I avoid processed food.
Some do believe any meat with high fat is good, but I find it simply puts weight on me, and raises my cholesterol.
A lot of us just eat a normal healthy diet, take out the junk, and lose weight by cutting calories.
Some of us find eating high calorific fatty foods stops this from happening.

 

[Drummer]

I keep bacon frozen. When I want some I drop it into cold water to defrost then put the rashers into hot water in the pan for a minute, sieve it out and then fry it. It removes salt and other soluble chemicals.

 

[Paul H]

I’ve never tried it that way. Wouldn’t steaming it have the same effect then? That might be worth looking at a well. I’ll try both ... definitely

 

[EllsBells]

I make sure I buy really good quality bacon now - much reduced water and salt content so assume it's less processed - and better still, it doesn't halve in size in the pan! Sainsbo's do a Taste the Difference extra thick. Even better if you are close to a proper butcher,

 

[Drummer]

I’ve never tried it that way. Wouldn’t steaming it have the same effect then? That might be worth looking at a well. I’ll try both ... definitely

Steam would melt the frozen block of bacon - though might also heat it up and start to cook it before the whole block melts.
The hot water boil dissolves the salt and nitrates/nitrites which steam would not do.

 

[Ljc]

Hi. Some folks don’t eat processed meat/food others do, me included, I’ve eaten it all my life, I’m 68 now and see no reason to change, ie I adore corned beef.
With processed meat get he best quality you can as it has less carbohydrates than the ones that have had all the cheap fillers added.
I buy high meat content sausages and burgers , the stores best bacon , ie extra special, tastethe difference etc
It’s just that I don’t go mad and have ie 6 rashers , a pack of sausages etc .

Imo once you have your BGs (blood glucose ) under good control If it’s something you really enjoy even if it’s high carbohydrates ie. a doughnut , you do not have to deny yourself forever, the occasional treat is fine, it’s if it becomes regular it us a problem.
Though like many on here , me too lol, you may well find your taste changes and things you used to crave you no longer really enjoy, I used to be a choc o holic, esp milk choc, now I find it far too sweet and sickly . Now give me a choice between a bar I’d milk choc or a handful of shelled walnuts and I’ll choose the walnuts lol .

The best advise I can give you is.
Eat to your meter, eg, if your glucose meter likes it , and whatever it is it’s not making you overweight or contra indicated for any other conditions you may have , then it’s fine.

 

[Paul H]

Hi. Some folks don’t eat processed meat/food others do, me included, I’ve eaten it all my life, I’m 68 now and see no reason to change, ie I adore corned beef.
With processed meat get he best quality you can as it has less carbohydrates than the ones that have had all the cheap fillers added.
I buy high meat content sausages and burgers , the stores best bacon , ie extra special, tastethe difference etc
It’s just that I don’t go mad and have ie 6 rashers , a pack of sausages etc .

Imo once you have your BGs (blood glucose ) under good control If it’s something you really enjoy even if it’s high carbohydrates ie. a doughnut , you do not have to deny yourself forever, the occasional treat is fine, it’s if it becomes regular it us a problem.
Though like many on here , me too lol, you may well find your taste changes and things you used to crave you no longer really enjoy, I used to be a choc o holic, esp milk choc, now I find it far too sweet and sickly . Now give me a choice between a bar I’d milk choc or a handful of shelled walnuts and I’ll choose the walnuts lol .

The best advise I can give you is.
Eat to your meter, eg, if your glucose meter likes it , and whatever it is it’s not making you overweight or contra indicated for any other conditions you may have , then it’s fine.

Thanks Lin.
That was a real help. Not knowing things like that at the start of all of us makes it so much harder. Looks like I’ll have to start testing myself as lots of people here recommend and do as you say “Eat to the meter”

I hope you’re well and staying safe out there
All the best
Paul

 

[Ljc]

Yes testing can be a big help. Sadly HCPs often don’t recommend it and will actually refuse to prescribe a meter and test strips. we believe this is a cost cutting measurement that could end up costing the nhs more in dealing with diabetes complications.

Do you already have a glucose meter , if not do ask your nurse just in case they will say yes.
If not . It’s the ongoing cost of the test strips for that meter you have to watch out fir as they are not interchangeable and many high street brands use strips that cost £15 or more for a pot of 50, you also do not need an all singing and dancing meter , just a basic one , many here use Gluco navii and it’s test strips as the strips cost £8 for a pot if 50.

 

[Ljc]

Oops I forgot to mention .
We use the mmol=l measurement in the uk.
Initially you get through loads of strips as you waste a lot of strips as it takes practice to get it right and or to persuade enough blood to make an appearance .
I suggest you buy at least two pots to start with, you will also need to buy more lancets , though it’s not recommended some of us economise on them.

 

[Paul H]

I’m meant to be starting my Desmond course on Monday. Would you think it be worth asking there got a monitor? The diabetic nurse called me once but other than that, I haven’t heard anything from her for a few months, which I find to be strange to say the least. I’m going to have to go “on the attack” here aren’t I and “pull them out of the woodwork” .....

 

[Ljc]

I’m meant to be starting my Desmond course on Monday. Would you think it be worth asking there got a monitor? The diabetic nurse called me once but other than that, I haven’t heard anything from her for a few months, which I find to be strange to say the least. I’m going to have to go “on the attack” here aren’t I and “pull them out of the woodwork” .....

You could try, but I think the answer will be no , it’s not necessary for you the Hb1ac is all you need.

Good luck with the course , I hope you find it helpful.

 

[Annette&Bert]

I just want to avoid saturated fats. I love cumberland sausages for e.g.

 

[NotWorriedAtAll]

I’m meant to be starting my Desmond course on Monday. Would you think it be worth asking there got a monitor? The diabetic nurse called me once but other than that, I haven’t heard anything from her for a few months, which I find to be strange to say the least. I’m going to have to go “on the attack” here aren’t I and “pull them out of the woodwork” .....

I got a meter very early on after my diagnosis. I made it clear I wanted to reverse my diabetes through diet alone and I needed a meter to help me do that and my GP surgery agreed and I've had a meter and strips on prescription ever since.