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Carbs, carbs, carbs.... Newbie wants to eat out

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Krafty sue

Krafty sue

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I am newly diagnosed and trying so hard to be Good. But am finding that everywhere I look the answer is ‘carbs’. Not yet had any dietary advice and feeling very alone.
I am off out with friends for a birthday on Monday, we are off to Frankie and Benny's. Just glancing the menu has made me want to stay home. Even without diabetes the menu is not exactly healthy. I fancy the Caesar salad with chicken.....? What do I say yes to? What to,I ask ask to be left out? Starter? Dessert? I really do feel like crying because I am totally lost....
Advice and ideas very welcome.....
 
Ceasar salad with chicken ok - as long as you are not eating out every day it doesn't hurt to eat as you like , ie roast dinner, just eat one less potato, have dessert of your choice but just be good rest of day and week. You know high carbs are in all the white stuff, white flour, potato, pasta, rice,pastry cake etc etc. Have you been on the Desmond course yet, that may help also. Search carbs in whatever and you get an idea generally, its also to do with the portion size of carbs, 2 small roast potatoes are better than 3 large ones, one small piece of pie is better than large portion etc.

No need to get upset about it. Just enjoy your meal out, plenty of time through the not eating out days to do a more blood glucose friendly diet.

You might want to think about getting the carbs and cals book which is a pictorial of foods, carbs, calories on portion sizes.

https://shop.diabetes.org.uk/products/carbs-cals
 
Thank you loads. Not been on Desmond course or had any advice as yet... have foot check next week, so hoping to bring up question of when I can get dietary help.
Will order book. And will enjoy my night out.... like you say I will have more good days....
 
Hi Sue and welcome to the forum. It takes a while when first diagnosed, to sort out the best solution. There are many ways forward, and a low carb diet is a popular one. If you want to no more you might like to have a look at 'Maggie Davey's letter to newly-diagnosed Type 2s' which is in the Links section of this forum.
As for eating out, the most important thing is to enjoy the occasion and focus on the people rather than the food. As Jodee says one night isn't going to cause a problem.
Some tips I try to follow are: Say 'No' to the bread basket and choose a simple starter, maybe some olives or a small salad. For the main, I'll choose some fish or a steak with a side salad ( probably the most expensive things on the menu, but if I'm making this much effort then I'm probably worth it!).
The pud will be my main treat, I'll indulge with something chocolatey, but avoiding anything with sponge or pastry.
Then there is the wine. For me it makes the meal more enjoyable and special, and doesn't do that much damage as an occasional treat. The only danger is that it may lower resolve with choices!
But above all I hope you have a great evening
 
Thank you... that’s very helpful. The dessert info about sponges and pastries is fab, examples of good bad etc is helpful. I have been focusing on what I must not have, it’s nice to think that not everything is taboo if in moderation.
Again I am really appreciative of the comments and advice. Means a lot.
 
I always go for something with chicken and green stuff if that is what’s on offer.. if not a fry up ignoring anything bready or potatoey usually makes my glucometer happy. Meat and green veg is the way to go.
 
I always have steak and salad, it's my favourite anyway and I don't want a sweet. I do love eating out, never find it a problem and in the past I would have had a treat of Gin and Slimline tonic. 🙂
 
I had the meat balls for starter at Frankie and Bennies just didn't eat the bread and the salad with blue cheese dressing.... can't remember what the name of it is. As others have said, if it is a special occasion, don't worry too much about it. One meal a month where you are a bit naughty is not going to undo all your good work the rest of the time, but just don't go totally overboard.
 
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