Hello - Newbie

[Paula1973]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a newbie to the thread - Paula, age 47 Mum of 2 young children...

I was diagnosed about a month ago (high risk, both parents had diabetes - now passed away) - HbA1c was 55 and I'm doing what I can now to get the numbers down...

I first started cutting carbs completely but after 3 weeks, I found it impossible to stick to, as it is hard to be that strict when also cooking for primary aged children!! I should add that I have spent the last 20 years yo yo dieting, with low carb being the only way I can lose weight. I'm overweight at the mo (put more on in lockdown) so am trying to shed what I can, but still experimenting to find a more sustainable way to manage.

I started researching high fibre carbs and have heard a lot about Millet - does anyone eat this to help lower sugar levels? How to you cook it / serve it? Did it have a positive impact on your sugar levels.

On another note, I've found this diagnosis so overwhelming - I relate to a lot of the other newbies here. Am trying to be as positive as I can, but really do struggle on certain days...

Thank you all and happy to have this support forum.

Paula.

 

[Felinia]

Hi and welcome
Most people are initially overwhelmed by the diagnosis, but the good news is that you are only just in the diabetic range. So with adjustments to your eating, you will hopefully reduce your HbA1c, and lose those extra pounds. As you have found, cutting out carbs completely is impossible, as even a simple salad without dressing will have around 10gm carbs. All vegetables have some, as does dairy. You cannot live on protein alone - you will be missing so many essential minerals and vitamins.
I suggest you experiment with daily carb levels until you find what suits your body. I tried between 50gm and 130gm, settling on 90gm. That way you can eat with your family, but just have small portions of carbs, and lots more veggies and salads. We used to give millet to our budgie - otherwise I know nothing about it!!

 

[ianf0ster]

It is quite possible to cook meals for 'normal eaters' and still lower carbs yourself.
Just do simple substitutions: cauliflower rice for rice, cauliflower mash for potato mash, boiled/roast celeriac for potatoes, bean pasta for normal grain pasta berries for tropical fruit etc.
Or if that's unacceptable, just make those substitutes on your own plate.
Where there's a will there's a way.

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi Paula1973, welcome to the forum.

It's natural to feel overwhelmed as it's a lot to take in but you'll get there. As mentioned, you're only just above the normal range so a few dietary modifications and exercise should produce positive results.

Cooking for the family can be difficult if they've got a particular way of eating established. I wonder if you could make food with veg as the main dish instead of the side? Lets say you're doing a roast, could you cook meat, veg and rice then leave the rice off of your plate and just have the meat and veg? I've found making a big loaded spinach salad helps and I par it with whatever protein is on the menu.

 

[Paula1973]

Thanks so much for your advice!

 

[Drummer]

Once you settle into the routine you should soon get it sorted out.
I brought up my children when I ate low carb to control my weight and feel well. They did have more carbs than I did, but not as many as most children. They grew up tall and slender - never had tantrums as tots nor acne as teens.
There are lots of low carb veges, salad stuff and berries which are - in my opinion, a lot nicer than millet.
I make bubble and squeak with mashed swede, eggs and left over veges. Curries are served with chopped cauliflower, and my cauliflower cheese is liked by many.
I have not put on weight in lockdown, sticking to the 40 gm daily maximum I set myself.