Breakfasts

[Sally W]

@Hitchcock & Hollywood have you tried testing at all? I like eggs but find as I eat them for lunch sometimes I like to vary a bit. I usually eat a few teaspoons of kefir & Greek yoghurt then 2 small slices of Hi Lo bread which is high protein and fills me up all morning (there are others like livlife & hovis lower carb, which I avoid, as I tend to eat mostly natural foods without the hydrogenated fats & it doesn’t have any. You may find you can tolerate eggs with half a piece of whole grain toast too. Some people avoid all carbs & others tfind ways of maintaining a good blood sugar with lower carbs rather than minimal. Also, you could look at making granola with ground linseeds, desiccated coconut, seeds & nuts and having this with a bit of yoghurt or berries. Michael Mosley does some excellent books that have lots of breakfast ideas with variety, lower carbs & they’re all delicious (PS are you a Hitchcock fan - my favourite films )

 

[trophywench]

Nah - not just Yarkshire who can speak plain!! LOL Born in a place where they sold beer by the pound.

Perhaps aging girls who were, when girls, not wishing to gain weight are at an immediate advantage being able to recognise a carbohydrate at 100 paces? Or perhaps we had to listen when our cookery teachers demanded to know which food group this that or the other food happened to be in - whilst lads should have been learning how to wield eg chisels and welding torches, presumably?

 

[Hitchcock & Hollywood]

@Hitchcock & Hollywood have you tried testing at all? I like eggs but find as I eat them for lunch sometimes I like to vary a bit. I usually eat a few teaspoons of kefir & Greek yoghurt then 2 small slices of Hi Lo bread which is high protein and fills me up all morning (there are others like livlife & hovis lower carb, which I avoid, as I tend to eat mostly natural foods without the hydrogenated fats & it doesn’t have any. You may find you can tolerate eggs with half a piece of whole grain toast too. Some people avoid all carbs & others tfind ways of maintaining a good blood sugar with lower carbs rather than minimal. Also, you could look at making granola with ground linseeds, desiccated coconut, seeds & nuts and having this with a bit of yoghurt or berries. Michael Mosley does some excellent books that have lots of breakfast ideas with variety, lower carbs & they’re all delicious (PS are you a Hitchcock fan - my favourite films )

Hi Sally, I bit the bullet and got my head around how to use my testing kit and have started today - it took me 5 attempts on the first go as there was no blood coming out of my finger !! I tried my little finger on the hand and that worked 🙂 The result was 7.9 before breakfast and then I had 2 egg omelette with a 1/4 of butter in the pan, S&P, black coffee and 2 hours after it was 7.4.
I have not heard of Hi Lo Bread but I'll ask my husband or daughter to look out for it in the shops as I'm shielded atm. Some nice suggestions you gave there and I'll have a look at Michael Mosley for inspiration.
Yes I am a Hitchock fan and my favourite film is "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" 🙂 I do love the Hollywood Stars - old school 🙂 I like autobiographies as well - Jackie O's life intrigues me as well.... love the glamour 🙂

 

[Hitchcock & Hollywood]

Nah - not just Yarkshire who can speak plain!! LOL Born in a place where they sold beer by the pound.

Perhaps aging girls who were, when girls, not wishing to gain weight are at an immediate advantage being able to recognise a carbohydrate at 100 paces? Or perhaps we had to listen when our cookery teachers demanded to know which food group this that or the other food happened to be in - whilst lads should have been learning how to wield eg chisels and welding torches, presumably?

I like the fact you do speak plain .... keep up the good work 🙂 Personally I could always eat carbs when a young girl and was always a healthy weight... one night I woke up post children and didn't recognise myself 🙂 Yes I love carbs !!

 

[rebrascora]

Looks like your omelette was a great choice judging by those readings.
Don't be frightened to experiment with different fillings. I will have 3 or 4 different veggies in my omelette, like onion, mushroom, courgette, sweet pepper and aubergine and usually some cheese and then have it with a large side salad and coleslaw and that will keep me going all day.

 

[rebrascora]

@Hitchcock & Hollywood

It really helps if you wash your hands in warm water before testing.... gets the blood flowing and the skin softened. Obviously you need to dry them thoroughly before testing. You may find it beneficial to watch a few You tube videos on using a BG meter if you are not familiar with them as that can sometimes pin point mistakes or help overcome problems. The pricker is adjustable if you haven't figured that out. I have pretty dry hard skin so I usually need it on the deepest setting and even then I find my little finger and ring finger to be the best candidate and the side of my thumb.
If I have been doing something manual like sweeping my stables or digging the garden just before testing, I can get blood out of any finger very easily, so maybe consider doing some exercises for a few minutes before you test and see if that improves your success with getting blood if warm water doesn't do it.

 

[rebrascora]

Well, surprise, surprise!... My third swarm emerged this afternoon, settled on a small outer branch of the plum tree adjacent to the hives and was an easy job to snip the branch off with the pruners, carry the branch to a waiting swarm box and shake them into it. They are just settling in and will go to their new home later tonight or tomorrow morning. Can't believe how well behaved my bees are being this year.... I normally have to wade through swamps and shoulder high brambles carrying step ladders and loppers, not walk out of the back door across the lawn snip them off and drop them in.... I could get used to this laid back style of beekeeping!

 

[Sally W]

Hi Sally, I bit the bullet and got my head around how to use my testing kit and have started today - it took me 5 attempts on the first go as there was no blood coming out of my finger !! I tried my little finger on the hand and that worked 🙂 The result was 7.9 before breakfast and then I had 2 egg omelette with a 1/4 of butter in the pan, S&P, black coffee and 2 hours after it was 7.4.
I have not heard of Hi Lo Bread but I'll ask my husband or daughter to look out for it in the shops as I'm shielded atm. Some nice suggestions you gave there and I'll have a look at Michael Mosley for inspiration.
Yes I am a Hitchock fan and my favourite film is "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" 🙂 I do love the Hollywood Stars - old school 🙂 I like autobiographies as well - Jackie O's life intrigues me as well.... love the glamour 🙂

Good result on testing. It took me a while but you get used to it fairly quickly. Should have said Hi-Lo is great as it’s normal bread with lots of seeds but it’s only available I think at Sainsbury’s.

Me too on the old films. Funnily enough Im about to start a new biography & can’t pick between Hitchcock or James Stewart as I’ve a full bookcase & it’s an ideal time to get stuck in. Not seen that film - but will look out for it. Fave film is probably Rear Window (James Stewart & Grace Kelly are favourite actors too)

 

[Hitchcock & Hollywood]

Well, surprise, surprise!... My third swarm emerged this afternoon, settled on a small outer branch of the plum tree adjacent to the hives and was an easy job to snip the branch off with the pruners, carry the branch to a waiting swarm box and shake them into it. They are just settling in and will go to their new home later tonight or tomorrow morning. Can't believe how well behaved my bees are being this year.... I normally have to wade through swamps and shoulder high brambles carrying step ladders and loppers, not walk out of the back door across the lawn snip them off and drop them in.... I could get used to this laid back style of beekeeping!

I'm so pleased you are having an easier time of it this year (with regards to being a busy bee beekeeper) 🙂 !!

Thanks for the tips re blood taking - I do wash my hands before use but not necessarily the hot water as it takes a few minutes to warm up... probably over exagerating that!! Seem to have mastered that now and yep the dial is on No 5 (my choice).

I was a little scared by my first day results :

Before Bkfast: 7.9 and 2 hrs later 7.4
No lunch
Before Dinner 5.1 and 2 hrs later 4.9
Before Bed 4.4 - this scared me as I thought I may go hypo in the night (Never have before but I have started an additional diabetic tablet called Trajenta which is a Linagliptin) I had a cheese and wholewheat cracker and during the night it was 5.2. This morning it was 5.5.

I was worried the new tablet that I also take with Metformin (4 tablets) was making my blood sugar too low or it could have been I may not have had enough carbs and I missed lunch. Anyway today I'll have 3 meals and see how go.

 

[Hitchcock & Hollywood]

Good result on testing. It took me a while but you get used to it fairly quickly. Should have said Hi-Lo is great as it’s normal bread with lots of seeds but it’s only available I think at Sainsbury’s.

Me too on the old films. Funnily enough Im about to start a new biography & can’t pick between Hitchcock or James Stewart as I’ve a full bookcase & it’s an ideal time to get stuck in. Not seen that film - but will look out for it. Fave film is probably Rear Window (James Stewart & Grace Kelly are favourite actors too)

Thanks for pointing in the right direction to the shop. I would go straight to Hitchcock 🙂 He is a character! I love Grace Kelly (I've read hers). I actually have not seen Rear Window that it is saved for me to watch and I also love Bette Davies 🙂

 

[Sally W]

I’ve read Grace Kelly’s (Robert Lacey) such a sad life I felt. Even went to see her grave in Monaco & sought out the cliff top from To Catch a Thief, where I think she died. (Must look up abetted Davies as we have similar taste)

 

[rebrascora]

Those are pretty great readings. I wonder if you really need the Linagliptin now you are eating lower carb. It might be something to discuss with your GP/nurse if you plan to continue low carb. My concern with that drug is that if people don't change their diet and the pancreas is being put under increased pressure to produce more insulin, eventually it gets tired and it's ability to produce insulin reduces which may mean that eventually supplemental insulin needs to be injected. If you follow a low carb way of eating you don't need the Linagliptin to encourage the pancreas to produce more insulin because you need less insulin as a result of dietary changes.

5.5 this morning is a fab reading!

In my opinion, I would rather have just 2 meals a day or even one and a snack at bedtime if needed rather than eat a meal when I don't feel hungry as that is just unnecessary calories and will cause you to put on weight (or not lose it). By all means have lunch if you didn't have a big breakfast and/or you are genuinely hungry but don't feel obliged to have lunch because of your medication. You have the ability to test your blood so if you don't have lunch but feel low later then test and you should be carrying something with you to treat a hypo if you were to have one.
It looks like your overnight BG was pretty steady and hopefully that will give you some peace of mind and confidence for the future but if you want to come off the linagliptin you might also mention to your HCPs that you are anxious through the night and ask if you can have a few months hiatus from it and see how you get on with just your new eating regime and Metformin.... especially if you are able to report weekly with average BG results to show that your diet is working..... that would be the route I would take.

 

[Hitchcock & Hollywood]

I’ve read Grace Kelly’s (Robert Lacey) such a sad life I felt. Even went to see her grave in Monaco & sought out the cliff top from To Catch a Thief, where I think she died. (Must look up abetted Davies as we have similar taste)

I would love to go to Monaco... always have had it on my wish list. Yes - I agree with you about her life

 

[Hitchcock & Hollywood]

Those are pretty great readings. I wonder if you really need the Linagliptin now you are eating lower carb. It might be something to discuss with your GP/nurse if you plan to continue low carb. My concern with that drug is that if people don't change their diet and the pancreas is being put under increased pressure to produce more insulin, eventually it gets tired and it's ability to produce insulin reduces which may mean that eventually supplemental insulin needs to be injected. If you follow a low carb way of eating you don't need the Linagliptin to encourage the pancreas to produce more insulin because you need less insulin as a result of dietary changes.

5.5 this morning is a fab reading!

In my opinion, I would rather have just 2 meals a day or even one and a snack at bedtime if needed rather than eat a meal when I don't feel hungry as that is just unnecessary calories and will cause you to put on weight (or not lose it). By all means have lunch if you didn't have a big breakfast and/or you are genuinely hungry but don't feel obliged to have lunch because of your medication. You have the ability to test your blood so if you don't have lunch but feel low later then test and you should be carrying something with you to treat a hypo if you were to have one.
It looks like your overnight BG was pretty steady and hopefully that will give you some peace of mind and confidence for the future but if you want to come off the linagliptin you might also mention to your HCPs that you are anxious through the night and ask if you can have a few months hiatus from it and see how you get on with just your new eating regime and Metformin.... especially if you are able to report weekly with average BG results to show that your diet is working..... that would be the route I would take.

You seem to totally understand me 🙂 My consultant's letter advises Linagliptin then if that doesn't work its Gliclizde then inject! I have been keeping my food diary to show my GP with the exact same plan! Building up an evidence base so that I can come off Linagliptin.
Many thanks for your continued support 🙂

 

[Felinia]

Lots of great advice here. Looks like you've got the message about less carbs. I was told 4 medium slices from a small loaf (or equivalent) - per week, and one 80gm portion fresh or frozen fruit - no added sugar - per day. Incidently I was told no bananas. So I bulk out my breakfast egg with grilled mushrooms and a tomato. I do have a small portion of Oats or one Oatibix every now and then, with unsweetened almond milk and my fruit portion. Since being on lockdown, and not getting up to dash off to the swimming pool most mornings, I have been having brunch instead. If I get peckish before dinner, I do have lots of drinks of tea or water, or 200ml Gazpacho. I was also told two small new potatoes was a portion - mine are about the size of a ping pong ball (not marbles) and I am enjoying them. Have you thought of getting an app to measure your carb and calorie intake. I got mine as soon as I was diagnosed and it's been invaluable in keeping my carb count under control. Also it cuts out all the paperwork!!

 

[trophywench]

OOOOOH - I adore gazpacho, but it hates me. Anything really really cold and heavy with garlic has the same effect - ie trapped wind. TMI.

Often wondered, if you microwaved gazpacho, would it taste as nice?

 

[Hitchcock & Hollywood]

Lots of great advice here. Looks like you've got the message about less carbs. I was told 4 medium slices from a small loaf (or equivalent) - per week, and one 80gm portion fresh or frozen fruit - no added sugar - per day. Incidently I was told no bananas. So I bulk out my breakfast egg with grilled mushrooms and a tomato. I do have a small portion of Oats or one Oatibix every now and then, with unsweetened almond milk and my fruit portion. Since being on lockdown, and not getting up to dash off to the swimming pool most mornings, I have been having brunch instead. If I get peckish before dinner, I do have lots of drinks of tea or water, or 200ml Gazpacho. I was also told two small new potatoes was a portion - mine are about the size of a ping pong ball (not marbles) and I am enjoying them. Have you thought of getting an app to measure your carb and calorie intake. I got mine as soon as I was diagnosed and it's been invaluable in keeping my carb count under control. Also it cuts out all the paperwork!!

Yes less carbs is the way! That's interesting about bananas. Took your advice and have downloaded an app (had to get my daughter to show me how to use it) ha ha. It was the less paperwork that sealed the deal 🙂

For 1200 calories it stated that 50% of this should be carb... I was mentally screaming noooo I can't but then had a play around on it and could lower the carb - I wasn't too sure what % the carb should be on 1200 calories so lowered it to 40%.... will keep testing and see how i get on.

 

[Drummer]

You are right to scream no when it comes to the normal advice on carbs - it is just insane.

 

[Felinia]

Yes less carbs is the way! That's interesting about bananas. Took your advice and have downloaded an app (had to get my daughter to show me how to use it) ha ha. It was the less paperwork that sealed the deal 🙂

For 1200 calories it stated that 50% of this should be carb... I was mentally screaming noooo I can't but then had a play around on it and could lower the carb - I wasn't too sure what % the carb should be on 1200 calories so lowered it to 40%.... will keep testing and see how i get on.

Hi
I don't know which app you used, I use Nutracheck, but they are all much the same. These are the figures I have been working to, also on 1200 cals a day

Carbs: 75gm per day (25% cals)
of which sugars 45gm (15%)
Fat: 50gm per day (37.5%)
of which saturated 12.3gm (9.25%)
Protein: 112.5gm per day (37.5%)
Fibre: 30gm per day
Salt: 6gm per day

I rarely get close to the Protein limit, but do allow a 15gm leeway on my total carbs. That's still well under the maximum 130gm carbs DUK recommends. It did take a bit of juggling at first to find out what suited me best. Some people eat a lot less carbs, and some more. I plan in advance and enter my figures first thing - just takes a couple of minutes each morning. Then I keep my digital scales handy on the kitchen worksurface for when I prepare and will weigh my key foods, like potato, chop, soup, fruit, milk, porridge. Otherwise I use the app portions, like 1 slice, 3 small. I have a bowl which takes exactly 250ml soup and I weigh out 170ml milk first thing into a jug. When it's gone, I drink water. I don't bother now weighing non starchy vegetables and salads. It's just a way of life now, much like adapting to being in lockdown!!!

 

[Hitchcock & Hollywood]

Hi
I don't know which app you used, I use Nutracheck, but they are all much the same. These are the figures I have been working to, also on 1200 cals a day

Carbs: 75gm per day (25% cals)
of which sugars 45gm (15%)
Fat: 50gm per day (37.5%)
of which saturated 12.3gm (9.25%)
Protein: 112.5gm per day (37.5%)
Fibre: 30gm per day
Salt: 6gm per day

I rarely get close to the Protein limit, but do allow a 15gm leeway on my total carbs. That's still well under the maximum 130gm carbs DUK recommends. It did take a bit of juggling at first to find out what suited me best. Some people eat a lot less carbs, and some more. I plan in advance and enter my figures first thing - just takes a couple of minutes each morning. Then I keep my digital scales handy on the kitchen worksurface for when I prepare and will weigh my key foods, like potato, chop, soup, fruit, milk, porridge. Otherwise I use the app portions, like 1 slice, 3 small. I have a bowl which takes exactly 250ml soup and I weigh out 170ml milk first thing into a jug. When it's gone, I drink water. I don't bother now weighing non starchy vegetables and salads. It's just a way of life now, much like adapting to being in lockdown!!!

That's really helpful to know - thank you - gives me a guide. The app I have is My Fitn*ss P*al - I'm still waiting for my youngest to buy me a pair of scales from the shops as I'm shielded and can't get out

Its the way I need to go especially as I have good news - I did speak the GP @rebrascora and he has agreed for me to stop Linagliptin as I explained I'm changing my diet and recording my BG. He does want to speak to me in 2 weeks though to see how I'm getting on. I'm still taking my Metformin which I'm ok with. I just tried making a chickpea tagine but over spiced on the chilli so not pleasurable at all even with a dollop of greek yoghurt! Anyway off to look at more low carb receipes (I can't spell that) ha ha