I Want Carbs!!!!

[maya0606]

Hi Everyone!

H I just wanted to ask this question to you guys... I just feel bad doing it so i was wondering if anyone has cheating days on there carbs for exmaple for teh past two weeks you eat so healthy very LOW carbs than on one weekend u buy a small bag of chips or M&M's bag( the big or small?:eek: ) marshmallows!!!

I just feel bad when i do so wanted to know your stories what you usualy do and also could it effect ur weight by doing it only once a week!? :T

[nicole]

Cheating days, lol.

I have those everyday. Its fine to eat that kind of stuff as long as you take insulin to cover the extra carbs, and eat it in moderation. Don't go crazy and pig out on it all day. It doesn't hurt to have a snack here and there;)

When your BS is good, you can treat yourself to a little something, but like I said take insulin to cover it.

[Type1Ely]

Maya,
don't feel bad for cheating by eating higher carb foods. But, make sure its only every once in awhile, or don't eat the whole portion and share with someone. My weakness during the holidays is Starbucks coffee:) I love the holiday flavors-pumpkin spice latte, gingerbread latte, and peppermint latte! I get one almost always when I'm at the mall shopping-it gives me an energy boost and its my treat. I do make sure I take a little more insulin just to make sure my levels are normal afterwards. So, just be careful of how often you carb cheat-we're not perfect and can't always eat low-carbs every mealtime.

[shutterbug]

Well.. I've been cheating a lot since my previous a1c. I have a small piece (may be 2) chocolate, M&Ms now and then. I have had more carbs than usual for the past week or so. Today I just decided that I will return back to my good boy days :)

tonight I'm having chicken sausage with lots of veggies for dinner.

[maya0606]

The thing is when i eat sweets for example Lemon pie MY FAVORITE!!! I feel like if i put insulin I am going to gain weight!!! but would I if i do it once every 2 weeks or 3 weeks? how often do you guys do it?

[Gordonm]

Cheating, no it is not cheating. It is living. You cannot expect anybody to not ever eat anything that they do not like. I just bolus a little extra and I'm usually OK. I ride my bike a lot and have been able to eat some of the things that I normally don't eat. Today I rode 40 miles and have been eating more than normal but my BS has been low. :D It all just takes figuring this out. Trial and error. :)

[notme]

I agree with Gordonm. I never consider something I eat as "cheating". There is always foods around that don't fit in to our diet plan, but as long as you keep them to a minimum, you can have them like anyone else. You just have to use your common sense. If a person who does not have diabetes ate to many M&M's, cookies or cake, they would gain weight also. But, once a week will not hurt anyone. Take the extra insulin and get a little extra exercise and you won't gain anything.

[Mich]

ONE: Whoever posted the recipe for flourless Peanut Butter Cookies on here should get a medal.
1c peanut butter (5 carbs per two T)
1c splenda baking sweetner
1 large egg
1t vanilla
Mix, roll walnut sized, squash with a fork & bake at 350 for 12 min. Doesn't take long. Keep in a baggie in the refrigerator.
Makes 9 Each one has less than 7g carbs. Taste good enough to think you're cheating.

TWO: Werther's Sugar Free Butterscotch. Or Dove sugar free chocolates. (TARGET has both.)Mmmm. And NO SPIKE!

THREE:And since it's hot outside: Dreyers NO SUGAR ADDED LOW CARB Slow Churned Ice Cream. Soooo creamy.

You could combine #1&3 and serve them to real people (non:) diabetic) and they wouldn't know the difference.

Mich

[Psycho Penguin]

Cheating days, lol.

I have those everyday. Its fine to eat that kind of stuff as long as you take insulin to cover the extra carbs, and eat it in moderation. Don't go crazy and pig out on it all day. It doesn't hurt to have a snack here and there;)

When your BS is good, you can treat yourself to a little something, but like I said take insulin to cover it.

This. I'm going to rant one day but **** it. I like my snacks. I like my bread. I like my pasta. I'm not going to let a condition stop me from enjoying my life. I just take more insulin to cover it.

(Note: I don't eat many "sweets", my snacks are mostly cheese nips, fig newtons, toast, etc.)

[domsko67]

Interesting points of view. I'm fairly new to all of this (diagnosed type 1 Dec 07) and I'm now starting to look at aspects of my diet to see where I can improve control and get my HBa1c down. I have always eaten lots of pasta, bread, noodles etc but I was thinking that maybe I should try to cut these down and adjust insulin accordingly.

The impression I got when I spoke to my diabetic team was that carbs were an essential part of the diabetic diet as they obviously help to balance out the insulin.

Any suggestions?

[DeusXM]

If you're a T1, you're supposed to take insulin to match your carb intake. Less carbs>? Then take less insulin. And vice versa.

I still eat bread, potatoes, pasta, pizza - all the stuff that people with diabetes apparently 'shouldn't', and it doesn't cause me any problems because I cover it with insulin. What I do watch, however, is calorie intake. Eating loads of high-carb foods means eating loads of calories, which will make you fat if you don't burn them off. I eat what I like, and I like what I eat. With a BMI of 22 and an A1C of 6.6 I'm obviously getting something right.

[domsko67]

aye, I have the same attitude as you deus. I play football 3 or 4 times per week and I've always worked at my physical fitness so provided my a1c results start moving in the right direction then maybe this isn't something for me to worry about at this stage

[ant hill]

As I was getting the mail from the postbox I have a postcard from Ohio and it showed some Buckeye Candy!! Thanks to Nifr who has sent me the card. :D

So here is the card that she has sent me.
http://rxreed.net/images/2006/09/buckeye-candy.jpg
Gee they do look dangerous do they as long that I have my short acting bolus. ;)

[Lizzie G]

im with all the folks that say they eat what they like carbwise, as long as they count it and take the right amount of insulin....however, i do try and cut back on excessive carb days if im not exercising as they're a sure fire route to weight gain for anyone.

i have found whats really helped for me for eating guilt free, is to have a total understanding of my ratios, how they differ at different times of day, when im sick, if i have done a lot of exercise, and also how to time my shots to match the GI. its helped me see myself as a normal person, so if i didnt have diabetes my body might itself release a unit of insulin for my slice of toast, but instead i happen to inject it. then if i fancy another slice of toast, i inject another unit. i am so used to this that it rarely occurs to me i inject myself at least 6 to 8 times a day, i happen to do with a needle what most people do with their pancreas,but it has become my way of life, and its almost as unconscious as when my pancreas used to do it for me. i dont know whether this comes across clearly or not?!

oh an afterthought. whilst i was struggling to get used to diabetes and my ratios, timing of shots etc i did find it easier to go low carb, and i took a lot less insulin as a result. i was also trying to lose weight at the time (and i did). now my TDD has gone from about 16 to about 28 units and my weight is incredibly stable, so dont be scared...its the calories that get you, whether they come from fat or carbs so as long as you're not taking in more than you need then you shouldnt worry about whether a higher proportion of carbs needs more insulin etc, if you gain weight you need to cut back....i think common sense is the best tool whether you happen to be diabetic or not!

[DeusXM]

I play football 3 or 4 times per week and I've always worked at my physical fitness

If you're exercising that much then to be honest you probably need more carbs and calories than most people anyway. The great thing about exercise is that it pretty much eliminates any of the problems allegedly caused by carbs.

[techgirl12]

just being diagnosed 4.5 months ago... I never changed my eating habits (now just covering all my carbs with insulin). I never counted carbs before I was diagnosed... but I haven't 2nd guessed what I've been eating.
I never had issues with weight gain in the past... been pretty stable for years until i lost 8 lbs pre-diagnosis. And now I'm doing the opposite of what most college freshman are doing... no freshman 15 for me :)

doc says its cuz I was NEVER physically active before college, so now the walking and day to day activities are what keeps my weight in control and partially down. plus i have a strong metabolism

anyway I'm off to take an exam... :(

just my input ^^^

[maya0606]

I weight 128- 130lbs 5'2-3 is 1500 caloris a day -300caloris of halfan hourr cardio is 1200calories a day for me good????

my problem is I gain weight very quickly so what i am trying to do now is put lesss insulin I am now putting 8 to 10 units a day is that ok thats basicaly 80 to 100carbs would it be enough for my work out??

[jbrowning2612]

I've found about the only way for me to really control my BG levels is to eat low carb. Probably less than 20 a day. I just couldn't seem to find that right balance eating what I wanted to and taking insulin to "cover" it. It never covered mine. I always spiked and it just got so frustrating. I'll just stay low carb and "cheat" every once in a while.;-)

[maya0606]

so if you dont mind asking how much carbs do you eat a day? 20?? isnt that low??? i eat about 80 to 100 if you ciould give an idea of what you eat on lunch and dinner with out carbs

Thanksss

[Erin]

I weight 128- 130lbs 5'2-3 is 1500 caloris a day -300caloris of halfan hourr cardio is 1200calories a day for me good????

my problem is I gain weight very quickly so what i am trying to do now is put lesss insulin I am now putting 8 to 10 units a day is that ok thats basicaly 80 to 100carbs would it be enough for my work out??

I'll try not to rant, but here goes. Reducing your insulin to lose weight is never a good thing. High blood sugar does make you lose weight, but in a very unhealthy way. You do not want that. You'd be putting yourself at risk for complications and you'll also have less energy and feel bad all the time.

Reducing your insulin because you are reducing your carbs is fine. The only way to tell if you are taking the right amount of insulin is by testing your blood sugar before and after each meal. How are your readings 2 hours after each meal? Greater than 180 (some people say 140) and you need more insulin.

I think 1500 calories a day is slightly low for an active young woman. Make sure you are eating lots of vegetables and getting enough calcium. Also drink lots of water and test test test that blood sugar. I think spreading your "cheat" day out so you allow yourself a few bites of something you enjoy every day is healthier (and more enjoyable) than restricting yourself for most of the week and then binging one day. but whatever you do, make sure to match your insulin to your carbs.

[maya0606]

oh no no I am putting less insulin because of the low carb intake, but i'll be honest i use to lose 20lbs in a month sometimes less because I would not put insulin on purpose so i could lose weight! and of course i was tired very depressed. but right now i am doing my best to maintain it. Now sense you said 1500 for an active young woman is not enough how much is enough I burn about 300Calories a day by doing 30 min cardio so thats basicaly 1200 is what i have left in my body...

I also drink 2L of water everyday

[Erin]

Well, mypyramid.gov is a good guide. I think they'd advise around 2,000 daily for you and me. I cut that to 1,800 when I'm less active, but I try not to go lower than that.

[ant hill]

Hello Maya, what do you do in a tipical day. Low carbing is fine but I would throw caution to the wind if you just lowering doses of insulin. :(
Look at Insulin + food or carbs = power for the body and that will help you physically. ;) Low carbing is good for people who don't exercise regularly!!! and they who work in an office all day is becoming to be the normal thing for most people and low carbing is now the practice.

Low cxarbing and exercise don't work!! Period. :mad:

[maya0606]

Hello Maya, what do you do in a tipical day. Low carbing is fine but I would throw caution to the wind if you just lowering doses of insulin. :(
Look at Insulin + food or carbs = power for the body and that will help you physically. ;) Low carbing is good for people who don't exercise regularly!!! and they who work in an office all day is becoming to be the normal thing for most people and low carbing is now the practice.

Low cxarbing and exercise don't work!! Period. :mad:

well work out is something i have to do or else I wont feel good about my self... but how much is a good calory I feel like 2000Cal is to much for me for sure I will gain

[ant hill]

sorry Maya if I did come across hard. :( but I cannot see exercise and little food would work. What will work is good quality food in small servings is a good thing.

What do you like in food Maya? I like fish (Especalily king prwans YUM!! :D)

[Lizzie G]

I weight 128- 130lbs 5'2-3 is 1500 caloris a day -300caloris of halfan hourr cardio is 1200calories a day for me good????

my problem is I gain weight very quickly so what i am trying to do now is put lesss insulin I am now putting 8 to 10 units a day is that ok thats basicaly 80 to 100carbs would it be enough for my work out??

Hi Maya

I swim an hour a day (sometimes more sometimes less) at training intensity (i compete). i eat a LOT of carbs. im a tiny bit taller and a tiny bit heavier than you but a small frame. when im working out i need about 2500 calories a day to maintain weight (and this is with healthy blood sugars). on average i probably have maybe 200g carbs per day, sometimes more sometimes less. whilst im swimming i consume 40g per hour fast acting carbs in addition. try and think about what you are eating and not be so focused on the amount of insulin you are taking. its food that makes you gain weight not the insulin, the insulin is just the key that lets the energy get into your cells and follow the path to wherever its going to end up. yes you will lose weight if you take less insulin but thats because you are consuming less calories...its the food that drives it not the insulin.

[maya0606]

sorry Maya if I did come across hard. :( but I cannot see exercise and little food would work. What will work is good quality food in small servings is a good thing.

What do you like in food Maya? I like fish (Especalily king prwans YUM!! :D)

I actually liek everything I am not picky at all I love all my veggies and all my meats and seafood.... so if u were me if u do 30 min cardio everyday i should eat how many carbs than?

[maya0606]

is this good enough??




Breakfast Calories:170 Fat:14 Carbs:4 Sodium:480
2 Sausages
Roats Beef Calories:50 Fat: 0.5 Carbs:2 Sodium:590
Cottage cheese Calories:50 Fat:0.3 Carbs:1Sodium:11

1 egg Calories:70 Fat:5 Carbs:200 Sodium: ??

Snack
Yogurt Cal:40 Fat:0 Carbs:10 Sodium50
Sunflowers Cal:230 Fat:20 Carbs:8-4Fiber Sodium:0

Lunch
Smoked salmon sandwich:Cal:250 Fat:5 carbs:19 Sodium:450

Snack
Yogurt+ almonds Cal280 Fat23 Carbs:20-5Fiber Sodium 0

Dinner
Smoked Salmon Cal90 Fat5 fcarbs0 Sodium450
Veggie soup Cal100 Fat2 Carbs15 Sodium100

Granola bar before workout of 30 min cardio (I burn about 300calories) Cal100 Fat2 Carbs20 Sodium50

TOTAL Cal1430 Fat76.8 Carbs71 Sodium4162


I drink about 2 to 3 litters of water a day

[jenniferS]

Very well stated!! This is how I think, too!

[ant hill]

Maya, I find that a feast that I will have in a weekend or two. I am a great fan of fish of any kind and I can just see that the pennys will find heaven faster but then again I don't want you to eat like rabbits do. Everything in good moderation. But that's just the food, Its the exercise that is apart of the whole deal and in today's modern lifestyle we can relax too easily.

Maya, I don't want you to look stupid but look at the exercise more than the food. ;)

[maya0606]

Maya, I find that a feast that I will have in a weekend or two. I am a great fan of fish of any kind and I can just see that the pennys will find heaven faster but then again I don't want you to eat like rabbits do. Everything in good moderation. But that's just the food, Its the exercise that is apart of the whole deal and in today's modern lifestyle we can relax too easily.

Maya, I don't want you to look stupid but look at the exercise more than the food. ;)

yeah but the food choice is most important when u want to lose weight, its 80%of your succees in it the work out is helping it

[drummingfool]

A healthy balance of both is neccesary.

I've heard it said that diabetes is 30% exercise, 30% diet, 30% common sense and 10% cookies. :) I thought that was pretty good.

As long as its done in moderation, treats are ok.

BUT! Back to the issue.

I like to take lunch meats, put cheese in the middle with some dill and dip it in mustard. Drink Fat-free milk with it.

No carbs, snack on it all day!

[maya0606]

A healthy balance of both is neccesary.

I've heard it said that diabetes is 30% exercise, 30% diet, 30% common sense and 10% cookies. :) I thought that was pretty good.

As long as its done in moderation, treats are ok.

BUT! Back to the issue.

I like to take lunch meats, put cheese in the middle with some dill and dip it in mustard. Drink Fat-free milk with it.

No carbs, snack on it all day!

well I came back from my doctor today :( BAD NEWS well I was expecting it i went backhome for a month an half for vacation in the summer and ofcourse I ate a lot and LOST a lot of weight!! ofcourse because my sigar was high 24/7 so my A1C today was 12.5 YUP!!! good job... NOT

I am soo disapointed in me :(

[ant hill]

Aww Maya, OK is not at all good but this is whare testing is the key to better control. Insulin timings I find a good key to better control and with the food is knowing what potential that food has.
For instance Pizza is indeed delicious but then is knowing how we can takle it and also too like it's time for lunch and you see a high BG so have your shot and wait half an hour then eat or walk and test say 10 minuets after. Your basel is another matter as this will get the average BG down.

Maya, How much do you weigh? the reason I wanted to know is that there is a calculable dose according to your weight for the basel insulin. ;)

[maya0606]

Aww Maya, OK is not at all good but this is whare testing is the key to better control. Insulin timings I find a good key to better control and with the food is knowing what potential that food has.
For instance Pizza is indeed delicious but then is knowing how we can takle it and also too like it's time for lunch and you see a high BG so have your shot and wait half an hour then eat or walk and test say 10 minuets after. Your basel is another matter as this will get the average BG down.

Maya, How much do you weigh? the reason I wanted to know is that there is a calculable dose according to your weight for the basel insulin. ;)

I weight between 128lbs to 130lbs i am 5'2-3

[ant hill]

OK Maya, And what insulin are you taking? :)

[maya0606]

OK Maya, And what insulin are you taking? :)

I take humolog 10 carbs on 1unit and lantus b4 bed

[ant hill]

O K :) I was just thinking to rase the lantus a Unit for a few days and look at your average BG and do this at your own risk. Also if you can do half unit doses if you can.

You are a lite person and I think that you are sensitive to insulin so buy doing this slow increases of Lantus is just to see that you get comfortable with the increase in doses.