What To Fix...Needing Suggestions...
By twoey68
@twoey68 (13627)
United States
October 8, 2007 10:45am CST
Ok, I need some suggestions so I'm going to see what MyLot members can come up with.
As most ppl here know, I'm Diabetic. I control it by eating every 3 hours...normally I have a bowl of plain rice crispy cereal with 2% milk. The doctor wants to put me on medication but as long as I can control it through my eating schedule I want to put off going on medications as long as possible.
My problem is that milk-even the 2%-has alot of fat in it which is causing me to gain more weight...not a good thing...not to mention that it costs a fortune now. I need to figure out something that I can eat every 3 hours that will take about 3 hours to break down that isn't as fattening. I know fruits and veggies are a better choice but they break down much faster which means I'd have to eat more often...not to mention the cost of trying to eat fruits and veggies around the clock.
Now, I don't expect nutritional guideance here but basically suggestions that I then might be able to run past the doctor and have her help me to pick the best one.
So, let's see what you can come up with. What would be the best thing that is slow to break down, not as fattening, quick to fix and low cost?
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
16 people like this
31 responses
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
8 Oct 07
I would go for skim milk. You can buy skim milk powder and mix a batch to have a glass of milk in the am and the morning. You can also buy low fat yogurt and mix it with fruit, and maybe a little honey. You can have rolled oat porridge in the morning, maybe an apple, have a handful of either almonds or walnuts during the day, but preferred mixed.
I am not Diabetic but I do have to lose weight, and what I do is to have a breakfast of either porridge, or an egg with herbs cooked in a little oil olive, have yogurt with fruit and nuts. I have a salad with whatever main course in the evening, and a soup (try low salt types) or a sandwich made with whole grain bread at lunch. You have to avoid fats and too much sugar. Sorry I cannot help you that much.
6 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
9 Oct 07
Actually you did help alot :). I like the yogurt...maybe with a little granola and fruit in it. I love salads but have to be very careful with the dressings. Since winter is coming soups will be really good too.
I made me a regular can of bean with bacon soup today and it really made a difference then what I'm used to with just the cereal.
Thanks for responding!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@blademaiden (734)
• Romania
21 Feb 08
I agree. You should use 1% or skim milk instead of 2% or whole milk. That will help. If you are heavy it will help to lose some weight. Eat more vegetables.:)
1 person likes this
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
8 Oct 07
If you eat things that have protein in them, they will stick with you longer than carbs and fruits etc. Examples would be like, peanut butter, nuts, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, cheese. Hope that helps!
6 people like this
@BlueStarMom1 (931)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I to have diabeties and eat little amounts often. I read a couple of books that you might try reading. One is "Reversing Diabetes" and the other is "The Diabetes Solution. I found out in them that when you eat carbohydrates they turn to pure sugar in your system - so you blood sugar goes up.
they recommend a high protein diet. I went on it about 5 years ago and sure enough I got my blood sugars in control and found that once I got off of so many carbohydrates I didn't crave them so much.
But you want to know what happened? I started slowly losing weight ( wasn't trying to just wanted to get sugar levels down). Well it just kept coming off a little at a time- 1 lb. here -1lb there and wala here I am 5 years later 60 pounds lighter.
I just went to the doctor last week, hadn't been in since January and I had lost another 6 pounds. But best of all my sugar levels are down and with eating more protein I don't feel so hungry.
@kareng (54724)
• United States
8 Oct 07
What about a bowl of oatmeal? I know you can't load it with sugar but it is a healthy alternative and usually sticks with you for several hours. It is also inexpensive!
@sweetgirl_k1 (3972)
• United States
8 Oct 07
I'm not very knowledgeable as to what all diabetics can and can't have. I would just try to eat food that has a lot of protein in it. That way it would make you feel fuller for longer and wouldn't break down so fast. Could you use the fat free milk instead of the 2% milk? I know some people don't like the fat free milk.
4 people like this
@KarenO52 (2950)
• United States
8 Oct 07
My suggestion is to make some oatmeal made from steel cut oats. It's not like instant oatmeal, it takes about 20 min. to cook, but you can make enough to reheat as you need it, and it fills you up so you won't be hungry. You do need to add a little protein to it, and for that, you could add a little skim milk if you want to avoid the fat. You could also add some ground or chopped up nuts. A little bit of cinnamon added helps the taste. For cold cereal, Kashi is great. It's got the fiber, like the steel cut oats to help keep your blood sugar stabilized.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I've never heard of those kind of oats. I don't eat alot of oatmeal...mostly b/c I was raised when we ate it to cover it in milk, sugar and butter. Talk about a diabetic coma waiting to happen LOL The way your talking suggesting making it is alot healthier. Thank you for letting me know.
Thanks for responding!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@KarenO52 (2950)
• United States
9 Oct 07
Oatmeal made that way is one of those good complex carbohydrates that take longer to break down, so they're good for you. I've been trying to avoid getting type 2 diabetes, since my mom and two older brothers have it. I figure if I eat good most of the time, and exercise, I've got a better chance at not getting it. So far, it's working for me.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
8 Oct 07
The first thing that came to mind, twoey, is the possibility of using Nonfat Dry Milk. I know that some people don't like the taste, but I have been using it almost exclusively for 5 or 6 years now. I don't find the taste to be unpleasing. I use it in cooking as well. Maybe you could give it a try.(:
4 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I have a hard time with some dairy things on my stomach and powdered milk is one of them. Sometimes I can mix some in with reg. milk but it still generally makes me ill. I think I am going to forego the whole milk and cereal anyways as it seems I need to be doing more protein.
Thanks for responding!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
8 Oct 07
Brown rice. Brown rice is rather slow to fix but I've found it more filling for less increase in blood sugar levels than anything else. Snacks = celary & raw carrots.
These are not food, but sure help with diabetes. Bicycle riding and walking. Any kind of physical work.
BTW: Yes, I'm diabetic, too.
If you go on medicine, be extra careful with glyberide. It actually does a very good job and it is very easy to go too low.
4 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I hadn't thought of brown rice. Thanks for the suggestion. With winter coming fresh fruits and veggies will be hard to get but I know they generally always carry carrots which I love. Walking is hard for me b/c my legs from the knees down swell horribly and make getting around hard. I'm ok in the house where I can go barefoot but outside I have to wear shoes and they can be torture once my feet start swelling. I do though need to come up with a program of basic exercises to do in the house...especially with winter coming.
I am trying to stay off any medicine for it for as long as I possibly can. I know at some point I'll have no choice but the longer I can stay off it the longer I'll be able to use it when the time comes before they put me on injections. *shudders*
Thanks for responding!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
8 Oct 07
Since I am not even close to being a dietician I can only suggest something that I would do. If you like chicken, maybe you can broil it and only eat a small portion and maybe a small salad 2-3 times a day. Use a light dressing and maybe even marinade the chicken in a light dressing.
This is a shot in the dark as I am the world's worst eater. My habits are horrible.
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
8 Oct 07
There are a lot of power bars...protein/nut bars that use the glycemic index as a basis for their ingredients. I would think they would be good to use. Kashi is one of the brands, and Power Bars is another.
3 people like this
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
8 Oct 07
YOu need PROTEIN. I can't imagine eating cereal all day. Rice crispies are pretty empty, and that isn't going to tide you over at all.
You need LEAN meat protein. Sliced chicken or turkey. YOu could try peanut butter, or snack on unsalted nuts, like peanuts or cashews or almonds. Toss a handful of nuts in with your veggies and fruit - they will help tide you over, and allow you to eat more fruits and veggies.
You can also try skim milk, or fat free milk instead of 2%. You could try eating yogurt instead of milk and cereal. There are a lot of foods out there you can try.
Sorry, but I think eating FRESH fruits and veggies are most cost effective than eating processed foods. You can also try growing your own fruits and veggies, too.
4 people like this
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
8 Oct 07
Twoey,I think you are doing great with what you have to deal with...I really do not know a lot of quick fixes but i can suggest a few things....My husband is also diabetic....Instead of buying beef, i buy ground turkey..I use it just as i would ground beef or hamburger..It can be seasoned well and it has no fat...I buy it at HEb and Walmart..the price at Hed is 99 cents for a 1 lb roll,and it runs about 1.39 a roll at walmart...I also buy that Lactaid free milk, it comes in @% but that has fat,so i get the one that says fat free..you could use that on your cereal in the morning..It is good,it has a thicker like substance to it like whole milk,and is much better,that will cut out the fat in the morning with your cereal..You can also snack on that fat free popcorn, which we do,and it makes you feeel that you are eating normal,you know like everyone else...It helps our mind LOL..I wish I could be of more help..You take care and you are doing good..
4 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
9 Oct 07
My Mom has suggested the turkey as well but I never knew it was any different then beef in nutrition. Most milks I have stomach problems with so I'm really thinking of trying to eliminate the milk and cereal issue all together. Someone suggested nuts to snack on...they'd have to be unsalted but hey...sounds like a plan.
I'm glad you gave me your suggestions. Thanks for all your help.
Thanks for responding!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
8 Oct 07
I know nothing about diabetes as far as what you HAVE to eat an what you NEED to avoid so forgive me if any of this is less than helpful. Could you swap out the rice crispies and 2% milk for puffed rice or wheat and fat free milk? Or oatmeal made with water? Have you heard of the no flour, no sugar diet? It's by Dr. Gott. I think the point of it is to avoid the high proessed flours and sgars that break down fast....or is that the no white diet? ....where you avoid anything made with proessed flour and sugar (the white kinds) and insteag choose whole grain flours and unrefined sugars?
Well I guess maybe I'm not much help...oatmeal and whole grain pasta is all I can think that I know for sure would be cheap, quik and possibly less fattening while also being slow to break down.
4 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
9 Oct 07
Thank you...I've heard that processed flours and sugars are terrible for a person and although I love to bake...I can't eat any of it anymore. I'll look up the diet you mentioned and look into it.
Thanks for responding!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
8 Oct 07
I understand where you are coming from, I find myself having the same problem. I am not diabetic, but need to lose wait for my health. One of the things that I am trying now is yogurt. They have low fat, I believe they have non-fat also.
To me, it is quite tasty and one of the things that you can do between meals is drink a lot of water to keep you full until the next meal. I hope this helps.
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
9 Oct 07
If the only problem you are having with the milk issue is that it has a high fat content, try skim milk. It is lower in fat and still has the calcium you need and you can still have your cereal. I am not really sure about anything else. I thought of oatmeal and maybe a little honey and some fruit but I think the oatmeal might be a bit on the heavy side.
3 people like this
@wisconsin26 (3859)
• United States
10 Oct 07
What I don't understand is they say Milk helps your diet.. Somewhere in there I knew it really didn't... Milk will make a person gain weight there's no way around that.. I am really not so sure on what to suggest though for being a Diabetic... People i know just try and control there sugar levels and salt levels and eat normally... Sorry I am no help to you!
@sizzle3000 (3036)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I am not a doctor so I am not sure how healthy this suggestion is. My dad eats a lot of cereal with water on it. To me it sounds terrible but it has helped him through the years. He does not have diebeties but he does have a weight problem. He eats the honey nut cherios which are supposed to be good for you. I do not know if it would break down fast or not. I personally eat cereal without anything on it. I use sugarsmacks and cinnamen apple cherrios as a snack. I think that eating it this way is less sugar in your system and you don't have to worry about milk fat. How about popcorn. There are also cereals that are made for people with diabeties. Again I am not sure if any of these suggestions will help but I hope so. Good luck.
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
11 Oct 07
one of my favorite foods is low fat cottage cheese, and it can be served with vegetable or fruits or even sugar free jello, We used to make a dessert of sorts called an under the sea salad, and you laid fresh or canned or even frozen fruit on the bottom of a plate, poured enough sugar free jello over just to cover. with remaining jello mix to gether with cottage cheese and if you do not want the lumpy texture just blend with a hand blender or food processor, until creamy and pour over remaining fruit, it makes a very nice meal on a bed of lettuce and a few tomatoes, . So if you like cottage cheese and can afford tinned sugar free fruit, peaches, pears, apricots plumbs then you have a variety of lovely meals to eat from, and as well you are getting good nutrition and low fat, and even better low carbs. hope this works for you
2 people like this
@wisedragon (2325)
• Philippines
8 Oct 07
I don't know much about diet and nutrition, but as a physical therapist the best advice I can give you is to exercise regularly. This is the best way to manage your blood sugar level, maintain ideal body weight, and avoid medications. And it doesn't have to be vigorous exercise either. Even brisk walking will do wonders.
3 people like this
@HomeFlower (987)
• Canada
10 Oct 07
I eat Natures Path Kamut, Quinoa, Spelt cereal with Silk Light and a spoonful of freshly ground flax seed to try and control the overwhelming stomach pains. I'm not sure if it's less fat than what you normally eat but I suppose that would be easy to check.
Good luck and keep us posted
2 people like this
@clamarco808 (312)
• United States
11 Oct 07
Just be careful of having too much of anything, even fruits since they are still full of sugars. I agree with the skim milk part, even though it doesn't taste too great. How about soy milk or almond milk? Be sure to look at the labels on those though cause some of the flavored ones have alot of sugar too. Proteins are a good choice and again, be wary of the calorie count if you want to watch your weight. My brother & sister both have diabetes so that's where I learned to adjust meals, etc. Good luck & take care =)
2 people like this
