Eating better - a Positive reinforcement

[reefedjib]

This is kind of a meandering post. The title is misleading, because in fact I am not eating better - I need to be. I have been trying cut down on carbs - I won't say low-carbing it yet. I still eat 250-500g carbs per day, some of it from surprising places.

Just yesterday I had my usual carb breakfast at McDonalds (bacon, egg and cheese biscuit <27g>, 3 hash browns<45g>, large OJ<57g!!!>) plus 2 Starbucks coffee (Triple Short One-Pump Mocha<15g>) and a coke, coming in at 196g carbs, then I went to Pei Wei for lunch and got the Chicken Pad Thai<122g> and hot and sour soup and had a coke for about 188g carbs, then last night I had mozzerella balls, sardines, and raspberries and topped it off with 2 62g carb lemonades finishing the day with 147g carbs! For one thing, it amazes me how much sugar is in fruit juice! The daily total is 531g carbs!!!

So how about on the plus side - I went the Whole Foods and got a bunch of prepared food that was no carb (London Broil, Greek Chicken, Salmon, Salad) that should feed me this week. I wrote to Minute Maid (Coca Cola) and told them I want a Diet OJ! This morning at McDonalds for the aformentioned carb special, I got the 3 hash browns but stopped myself from eating 2 of them. That alone saved me a measely 30g. I think I will get eggs and sausage tomorrow. Just now I bought a coke, feeling an urge and after I opened it I decided to throw it out! I am being more selective, but I have a LOOOOONG ways to go. Can I ever do it right? I dunno.

[plattb1]

This is kind of a meandering post. The title is misleading, because in fact I am not eating better - I need to be. I have been trying cut down on carbs - I won't say low-carbing it yet. I still eat 250-500g carbs per day, some of it from surprising places.

Just yesterday I had my usual carb breakfast at McDonalds (bacon, egg and cheese biscuit <27g>, 3 hash browns<45g>, large OJ<57g!!!>) plus 2 Starbucks coffee (Triple Short One-Pump Mocha<15g>) and a coke, coming in at 196g carbs, then I went to Pei Wei for lunch and got the Chicken Pad Thai<122g> and hot and sour soup and had a coke for about 188g carbs, then last night I had mozzerella balls, sardines, and raspberries and topped it off with 2 62g carb lemonades finishing the day with 147g carbs! For one thing, it amazes me how much sugar is in fruit juice! The daily total is 531g carbs!!!

So how about on the plus side - I went the Whole Foods and got a bunch of prepared food that was no carb (London Broil, Greek Chicken, Salmon, Salad) that should feed me this week. I wrote to Minute Maid (Coca Cola) and told them I want a Diet OJ! This morning at McDonalds for the aformentioned carb special, I got the 3 hash browns but stopped myself from eating 2 of them. That alone saved me a measely 30g. I think I will get eggs and sausage tomorrow. Just now I bought a coke, feeling an urge and after I opened it I decided to throw it out! I am being more selective, but I have a LOOOOONG ways to go. Can I ever do it right? I dunno.
Rob, you totally can do it right! I'm sure of it.

Tropicano makes a 50% less sugar, no pulp OJ. I'm not sure about the carbs. But, if you are one of those who HAVE TO HAVE your OJ, check it out ...

Try substituting fresh fruit for all that juice! It's just as good & way healthier.

[yannah]

try this....memorize and use it against carbs. I am not kidding, this works for me. sing this too the coke. than toss it out the window. but don't litter.... and sing it really loud to the hash browns. you need to feel better. the hash browns will not help you.

YouTube - Stereo MC's - Connected: Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiYbGsnzG_s)

[princesslinda]

Rob, how are you feeling overall? How are your blood sugars?

It sounds as though you are eating most of your meals out....eating out can be tricky, as I find portion control much harder, and getting a carb count can also be difficult.

Could you perhaps eat more of your meals at home? Perhaps have bacon/egg/cheese without the biscuit. Make it the night before and give it a quick zap in the microwave at home or work. For an OJ substitute, try the Tropicana Orange Ade...it's not carbonated, and has a "juice" taste to me. Also, Ocean spray has the s/f alternatives as well.

Try to avoid "drinking you carbs." If i'm going to have something carby, it is going to be something I can chew and enjoy rather than a drink that you just swallow.

There's no easy way to give up the high carb/high sugar foods you love...you just have to do it....and it's not going to get any easier if you put it off. You're in great company, as most of us have had to give up certain foods in the interest of better blood sugar control and avoiding complications.

We can make all sorts of suggestions, but only you can do what needs to be done...and you can do it! Eating out less can make it much easier on yourself. Stock your fridge and cupboards with things you can easily prepare that will be blood sugar friendly. Instead of 500 carbs a day, go down to 250, then 100, and so on...until you find a # you can stick with that gives you good results. It may make you feel much better physically as well.

[gocubsgo]

One thing that has helped me manage my carbs while eating out is to plan ahead. For instance, you could look at the McDonald's website and see what you can and cannot get away with. I *love* McDonald's breakfast, but hardly ever eat it. I usually will get the Egg McMuffin meal, and substitute the OJ for water, or if I'm up for it a diet coke. I also throw away the top half of the mcmuffin because I love the hasbrowns too much to NOT eat that and would rather not have both halves of the muffin. Even with the two slices of bread the egg McMuffin is 300 calories.

Don't get discouraged, go slowly. When I was first diagnosed I would measure everything out like juice for instance. Now I don't even drink juice at all, and regular coke tastes really bad to me! If your'e trying to make a switch between regular and diet coke (hello, no carbs!), I'd suggest you start with diet pepsi.

[reefedjib]

Rob, you totally can do it right! I'm sure of it.

Thanks! I just gotta go from thinking about it, and I have learned so much here about it, to actually doing it.

Tropicano makes a 50% less sugar, no pulp OJ. I'm not sure about the carbs. But, if you are one of those who HAVE TO HAVE your OJ, check it out ...

Try substituting fresh fruit for all that juice! It's just as good & way healthier.

I'll check out the Tropicano angle.

I did forget to mention that I bought a bunch of fruit yesterday, as well. I bought Cherries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Pineapple and Grapes. I love it all! :)

try this....memorize and use it against carbs. I am not kidding, this works for me. sing this too the coke. than toss it out the window. but don't litter.... and sing it really loud to the hash browns. you need to feel better. the hash browns will not help you.

YouTube - Stereo MC's - Connected: Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiYbGsnzG_s)

"Stumble and you may fall" indeed. LOL! Thanks for posting this, Kelli! And I won't litter, except for my cigarette butts if they are so inconsiderate as to fail to provide a butt can. grrr.

Rob, how are you feeling overall? How are your blood sugars?

I feel low energy, sleepy, achy sometimes, but my spirits are generally high - at least I am alive. I am in poor physical condition as well, but that's another beast to tackle.

Yesterday, My blood sugars were:
7:28 am 139 mg/dL
10:07 am 336 mg/dL
12:05 pm 282 mg/dL
1:01 pm 209 mg/dL
3:22 pm 313 mg/dL
7:49 pm 219 mg/dL
10:23 pm 299 mg/dL


It sounds as though you are eating most of your meals out....eating out can be tricky, as I find portion control much harder, and getting a carb count can also be difficult.

Could you perhaps eat more of your meals at home? Perhaps have bacon/egg/cheese without the biscuit. Make it the night before and give it a quick zap in the microwave at home or work. For an OJ substitute, try the Tropicana Orange Ade...it's not carbonated, and has a "juice" taste to me. Also, Ocean spray has the s/f alternatives as well.

I need to start trying to cook in. I don't like to do it because I don't like to clean up. I am a pretty good cook, though.

I'm gonna try that Tropicana Ade.

Ocean Spray Diet is one thing I am drinking a lot of. It tastes very good, especially the Cranberry one. I also try the Ocean Spray Light, which also has reduced carbs. I like the Grapefruit, even though I shouldn't because of Simvastatin. Grumble.

Try to avoid "drinking you carbs." If i'm going to have something carby, it is going to be something I can chew and enjoy rather than a drink that you just swallow.

I like this idea!

There's no easy way to give up the high carb/high sugar foods you love...you just have to do it....and it's not going to get any easier if you put it off. You're in great company, as most of us have had to give up certain foods in the interest of better blood sugar control and avoiding complications.

I know I am in good company. I feel bad I can't just do it.

We can make all sorts of suggestions, but only you can do what needs to be done...and you can do it! Eating out less can make it much easier on yourself. Stock your fridge and cupboards with things you can easily prepare that will be blood sugar friendly. Instead of 500 carbs a day, go down to 250, then 100, and so on...until you find a # you can stick with that gives you good results. It may make you feel much better physically as well.

I like the idea of setting an intermediate target. Thanks for the great ideas!

[reefedjib]

One thing that has helped me manage my carbs while eating out is to plan ahead. For instance, you could look at the McDonald's website and see what you can and cannot get away with. I *love* McDonald's breakfast, but hardly ever eat it. I usually will get the Egg McMuffin meal, and substitute the OJ for water, or if I'm up for it a diet coke. I also throw away the top half of the mcmuffin because I love the hasbrowns too much to NOT eat that and would rather not have both halves of the muffin. Even with the two slices of bread the egg McMuffin is 300 calories.

My plan tomorrow is to get the platter breakfast (scrambled eggs, sausage, hash brons, biscuit) and dump the hash browns and biscuit. I'll drink water as well - gosh I love OJ. I think it is kinda hard to eat a stacked biscuit without the top.

Don't get discouraged, go slowly. When I was first diagnosed I would measure everything out like juice for instance. Now I don't even drink juice at all, and regular coke tastes really bad to me! If your'e trying to make a switch between regular and diet coke (hello, no carbs!), I'd suggest you start with diet pepsi.

I suppose that would have been a better title for this thread: "Feeling discouraged", but I didn't want to start off so negative. I go slow and take Linda's advice to set an intermediate target.

As far as diet sodas go, no way! I cannot do it. They are disgusting to me. It's really too bad. I do need to try the Coke One or whatever, that's supposed to taste better.

Cheers!

[fgummett]

I think you already know what you need to do but if you like youtube for inspiration try out this one...

YouTube - Shawshank Redemption - "Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tkzc983aE0)

:cool:

[Moonglo]

C'mon Rob! :)

It's like ripping off a bandaid; if ya get it over with, you feel better much quicker!

I know eating habits are a more permanent thing, but you get the idea. ;)

I know you can do this!

[foxl]

... ripping off a bandaid ROFL! But seriously, get all those spikes over and it IS easier.

I watched my husband buy carb **** and throw it away a few times. And he still falls off the wagon. But he is doing better, too, for sure!

You can do it ... hang in there!

[GayleM]

OH my dear Rob! Are you serious? Really? :(

You've been DX'd for 2 years, are on all the meds there are plus insulin and your numbers are still out of control. I'm sure you already know what a diabetic death by mouth is all about and that hasn't made an impact on you per your numbers and eating habits you relay. So I am confused. What are you asking?

By your own post, you don't really seem interested in taking steps to control your disease and feel better and your numbers don't show it either. I don't register any concern on your part, really...am I not reading it correctly? I've read other posts from you where you talk about not having control with your food choices and it worries me that you don't care.

Seriously, I would love to offer some advice or help, but what is your goal?

I won't insult you by patronizing you, which is why this is a pretty blunt post. No one can make you make good choices in life, or in food. If knowing what is in store for you if you don't get things under control doesn't do it for you, nothing we say will.

Do you have a goal and have you talked with your doc about getting some help with the eating issues?

I am really sad reading your post....just trying a little tough love on you.

[DannyK]

I have to agree with GayleM.... Being diagnosed for two years and still having 531 carbs in one day? Seriously, that's just not right. I was diagnosed in Nov. '08 as T1 and was put on insulin immediately and to this day, I eat well, and never go over 70 carbs per day (not meal). Usually, more like 45-60. Your one day total carb count is more than my weekly count.

You really need to take charge of your eating habits, as we don't want to lose a member due to lack of self control.

[yannah]

we LOVE you, see....thats all!

[reefedjib]

OH my dear Rob! Are you serious? Really? :(

You've been DX'd for 2 years, are on all the meds there are plus insulin and your numbers are still out of control. I'm sure you already know what a diabetic death by mouth is all about and that hasn't made an impact on you per your numbers and eating habits you relay. So I am confused. What are you asking?

Well, I was diagnosed by a PA a couple of years ago, I don't recall the exact date, but there was no sense of urgency communicated. I took my meds and that was that.

It was only going to my current doc about 4 months ago that I got a sense of urgency...still I found it extremely difficult to change a lifetime of eating habits. I have never dieted before. Forget about exercise.

She increased my meds (Metformin, Glipizide). This had little effect on my numbers and she was dismayed. She started me on basal insulin, which I slowly started increasing. Still this had little effect on my numbers. About 4 weeks ago she started my on a correction bolus and referred me to a Nutritionist and a DE. Per my Nutritionists advice I started trying to cut out red meat and bring my fats down. Difficult to do, for me.

Then I found DF! You guys are great! I am learning lots! I want to go low carb. With fits and starts, I finally saw my numbers come down to under 200, which I posted about. My doc finally liked where my numbers are heading (7/20/09). Still I have a long way to go, right? Get my numbers under 120. Eat to the diet. Start exercising (I go see my PT tomorrow).

By your own post, you don't really seem interested in taking steps to control your disease and feel better and your numbers don't show it either. I don't register any concern on your part, really...am I not reading it correctly? I've read other posts from you where you talk about not having control with your food choices and it worries me that you don't care.

Seriously, I would love to offer some advice or help, but what is your goal?

I won't insult you by patronizing you, which is why this is a pretty blunt post. No one can make you make good choices in life, or in food. If knowing what is in store for you if you don't get things under control doesn't do it for you, nothing we say will.

Do you have a goal and have you talked with your doc about getting some help with the eating issues?

I am really sad reading your post....just trying a little tough love on you.

The fact that I am bugging you guys on this board should be evidence that I'm concerned. That I care. I don't want to have amputations or go blind or have renal failure. Those are horrible things to experience and live with, even before facing an early death. I don't want COPD, but I can't quit smoking. Likewise, I am finding it extremely difficult to change my eating habits - it's a habit.

My goal is to to eat better, get my numbers down to where they need to be and get healthier (Chol, Tris, Lose weight, tone up, cardio). Like I was in the Army.

Today was a little better:
Breakfast: 138g
Lunch: 85g
Dinner: 37g
Total: 260g

BGs
7:30 am 191
9:35 am 331
12:26 pm 198
9:10 pm 148
11:08 pm 173

I ate a late dinner, pre is 148 and 2 hrs past is 173 on 37g carbs. That is direct evidence of what low-carbing is all about!

I have to agree with GayleM.... Being diagnosed for two years and still having 531 carbs in one day? Seriously, that's just not right. I was diagnosed in Nov. '08 as T1 and was put on insulin immediately and to this day, I eat well, and never go over 70 carbs per day (not meal). Usually, more like 45-60. Your one day total carb count is more than my weekly count.

You really need to take charge of your eating habits, as we don't want to lose a member due to lack of self control.

I wish it were as easy as just doing it. People that can switch from not eating right to eating right in short order, kinda piss me off cause I can't. Makes me feel like a failure.

The fact that I am dilligently recording both a day's worth of BG readings (well my meter is anyway) and recording exactly what I have eaten throughout the day, in CalorieKing, should be viewed as a strong first step in taking control. I just need to take the second step consistently, eating to plan daily.

Thanks for all the great posts, everyone and thanks very much for the tough love, too.

[reefedjib]

we LOVE you, see....thats all!

:D Awww. I love you guys too! Helping each other out through all of this.

[Granny Shanny]

Well sweet thing, if you've been in the Army, then you know what discipline is about. It's just that it's SELF-discipline now. So put your better angel in control and title him Ol' Sarge. Then let Ol' Sarge put you through your paces.

BTW, stopping smoking is a lot easier than reforming your eating habits, and I speak from experience. Diet reform is the pits because we can't just stop eating completely. Fortunately, we don't have to smoke. So ditch the ciggies & just don't ever light up again. You'll not only have tons more money in your pockets, but you'll smell better too! :D :D :D

[reefedjib]

Well sweet thing, if you've been in the Army, then you know what discipline is about. It's just that it's SELF-discipline now. So put your better angel in control and title him Ol' Sarge. Then let Ol' Sarge put you through your paces.

:D :D :D Ol' Sarge likes his grits like all southern gentlemen. But surely the devil in me is the enemy.

BTW, stopping smoking is a lot easier than reforming your eating habits, and I speak from experience. Diet reform is the pits because we can't just stop eating completely. Fortunately, we don't have to smoke. So ditch the ciggies & just don't ever light up again. You'll not only have tons more money in your pockets, but you'll smell better too! :D :D :D

What!? Stopping smoking is easier than changing my eating habits??? Oh, Lord. I really like smoking and I really like eating.

I was thinking earlier today about all my favorite dishes. With the exception of one, they are all high carb dishes. And the one exception always goes with a high carb dish. :(

Here's to smelling better! ;)

[Granny Shanny]

I loved smoking too. I didn't quit because of any guilt about my health (or aroma!) or pressure from others or anything else.

I quit only because I found myself unable to afford the luxury. Rent & groceries trumped smokes. But still after 25 years, there are rare occasions when something trips that trigger, and I can all but taste that long first drag with my coffee after a great meal. Dadgummit!

[fgummett]

I really like smoking and I really like eating.So you are eating massive hits of carbs AND smoking? I would be less concerned about how you smell if I were you.

Seriously it is not the sheer amount of refined/concentrated carbs but their high GI values as well -- with OJ at breakfast... you might as well be drinking cola -- large amounts of almost predigested sugar go straight into the blood stream and spike that BG high... it also tends to make you hungrier for the remainder of the day.

Many of us find that the worst time of day for carbs is at breakfast (IR tends to be at its highest) so I would strongly suggest that you skip MacDonalds altogether.

For some a gradual cut back on carbs works, but for others -- including myself -- going cold-turkey was the answer. I found a dramatic difference in a matter of days by cutting them out altogether... the constant hunger went, the craving for carbs went, my BGs improved BUT I didn't go hungry nor feel deprived... I also enjoy eating: bacon, eggs, chicken, steak, pork, salmon, haddock, nuts, dark chocolate, red wine, cream, butter, cheese, broccoli, lettuce, green beans, asparagus... eat to your hearts content but just skip the carbs -- at least for a while until you are back in control.

[DeusXM]

What you need to start doing (and I'm a T1 so take this for what it's worth) is set yourself clear, measurable goals that can you achieve.

The first one you should do is based on this:

I had my usual carb breakfast at McDonalds

Everyone so far has been pussy-footing around this, but since I've got the reputation as the forum rude b**tard, I'm going to say it.

No sentence should ever include the words 'usual' and 'McDonalds'.

Eating at McDonalds every day is probably worse for your health than smoking. You really, really should not be eating breakfast at McDonalds every day. This is non-negotiable and in a sensible world is simply NOT up for discussion.

What is making things even worse is your breakfast order. I may be wrong but I'm fairly sure that a McDonalds breakfast doesn't come with 3 hash browns as standard, which means you are ordering more.

We all know that McDonalds portions are designed to be larger that what is required by a healthy person as it is and you are voluntarily eating even more than what McDonalds recommends!

Read that again: you're eating more than a company who is famous for causing obesity recommends. This should be massively shocking to you.

I've just checked the McDonalds nutritional information. Your breakfast biscuit has 480 cal, 3 hash browns has 450 cal, and your OJ has 250 calories in it. Mate that's 1180 calories in one meal and you're only supposed to have between 2000 and 2500 a day.

The fact is you know that your diet is horrific - but I know, it takes little steps to fix things. The best thing you can do is to stop going to McDonalds breakfast, full stop. Keep a diary, tick off every day you can go without a McDonalds, just do something to give yourself a clear and recognisable record of achievement. BREAK the habit. Get a new one.

There are lots of other little things you can do. Swap your regular coke for diet. Don't go writing to orange juice producers to demand they make a special OJ - just pour less into a glass for each serving, or dilute it with water and add some artificial sweetener.

You need to get out of the mindset that food has to come prepackaged and made in factories and start making your own meals and cooking for yourself.

But please, as a first step, stop going to McDonalds every day.

[matingara]

She increased my meds (Metformin, Glipizide). This had little effect on my numbers and she was dismayed. She started me on basal insulin, which I slowly started increasing. Still this had little effect on my numbers. About 4 weeks ago she started my on a correction bolus and referred me to a Nutritionist and a DE. Per my Nutritionists advice I started trying to cut out red meat and bring my fats down. Difficult to do, for me.

Then I found DF! You guys are great! I am learning lots! I want to go low carb. With fits and starts, I finally saw my numbers come down to under 200, which I posted about. My doc finally liked where my numbers are heading (7/20/09).

These are two of the most scary, telling and frightful paragraphs i have ever read on DF. AM I THE ONLY ONE OF THAT OPINION?

This poor man (Rob) goes to the Doc and the Dietitian and all he gets is MORE MEDS and the advice to STOP eating RED MEAT to bring his ****ing fat down.

and the REALLY SCARY part??? he had to come to DF to get advice - the first pieces of advice in two ****ing years that is ACTUALLY helping him regain his health!!!!!!

just what does this say about the world? what does this say about the so called "expert" dietitians? AND most of all what does this say about the 99.9% of this world's diabetics who do not have the good fortune to read this forum???

hmmmmmm?

-- Joel.

[reefedjib]

...so I would strongly suggest that you skip MacDonalds altogether.

But please, as a first step, stop going to McDonalds every day.

You'll be happy to know that as a first step in addressing my pathetic condition, I skipped McDonalds this morning. Instead, I went to a nice little french bistro for a Bacon and Cheese Omelette. I did have half of a Croissant. After the meal I had my mocha. Still, this all came to 21g of carbs instead of the typical 158g! A good start to the day. Thanks for your encouragement!

[GayleM]

[QUOTE=reefedjib;486243]Well, I was diagnosed by a PA a couple of years ago, I don't recall the exact date, but there was no sense of urgency communicated. I took my meds and that was that.

It was only going to my current doc about 4 months ago that I got a sense of urgency...still I found it extremely difficult to change a lifetime of eating habits. I have never dieted before. Forget about exercise.

She increased my meds (Metformin, Glipizide). This had little effect on my numbers and she was dismayed. She started me on basal insulin, which I slowly started increasing. Still this had little effect on my numbers. About 4 weeks ago she started my on a correction bolus and referred me to a Nutritionist and a DE. Per my Nutritionists advice I started trying to cut out red meat and bring my fats down. Difficult to do, for me.

Hi, Rob :)

THe meds didn't have any effect on your because you are sabatoging them with your continued awful food choices. You can have an IV with insulin, but if you continue eating the poison the insulin will not help you.

No trick to that. Meds can't cure you, meds won't give you the freedom to eat whatever you want without grave risks.

The fact that I am bugging you guys on this board should be evidence that I'm concerned. That I care. I don't want to have amputations or go blind or have renal failure.

Rob, I respect your willingness to be here and honest about what you are eating, etc. If you do care you will take steps to immediately stop at least some of your self-destructive behavior, like never stepping foot in McDonalds again.

I don't want COPD, but I can't quit smoking. Likewise, I am finding it extremely difficult to change my eating habits - it's a habit.

My goal is to to eat better, get my numbers down to where they need to be and get healthier (Chol, Tris, Lose weight, tone up, cardio). Like I was in the Army.

Yes, eating is a habit and one we do for various reasons. I get liking food ALOT. I and many others here have had to tackle and tame that beast when we got this disease. It can be done and it doesn't make life less wonderful when you do.

Forget smoking for the moment...that is less likely to cause immediate death and you have better odds at this point of having already damaged your cardiovascular system from your eating habits - based on your old A1C numbers, you were diabetic long before you were diagnosed officially and what damage that has been done cannot be reversed.

Don't concentrate on losing weight just right now either...and with your diet & no exercise I would be shocked if you aren't also facing weight issues.

If the idea of "forever" is hard for you, can you try just 2 weeks? Two weeks of keeping your daily carb TOTAL daily intake to say 150 carbs. Forget the calories, just control the carbs. You may feel crappy at first as your BG comes down and you will absolutely have very real psychological and physical cravings for carbs. This passes and you WILL feel better than you have in years.

Can you muster up the grit to do this for only 2 weeks? Is your life worth a 2 week committment to yourself? Nothing promotes success like success. And you will never change if you don't prove to yourself you CAN DO IT. I think you can.

If you can't, m'dear, I softly but earnestly suggest you ask your doc for a referral to a professional to help you find out why you can't. If you have so strong an addiction to food that even when your logical mind tells you it is killing you, you still can't stop, then it is - im my non-medical opinion only - far beyond anything a forum can help you with and a more serious issue than a forum should be relied on to help you with.



I ate a late dinner, pre is 148 and 2 hrs past is 173 on 37g carbs. That is direct evidence of what low-carbing is all about!

Yes, it was better and yes, that is evidence of carb control resulting in better BG. We know that is direct evidence...you say you do now...so what are you going to do with that knowledge now?

I wish it were as easy as just doing it. People that can switch from not eating right to eating right in short order, kinda piss me off cause I can't.

Then, as I said above, you need help beyond this forum and you should demand that your doc refer you to the right kind of help for that. You deserve that help!!!!

The fact that I am dilligently recording both a day's worth of BG readings (well my meter is anyway) and recording exactly what I have eaten throughout the day, in CalorieKing, should be viewed as a strong first step in taking control.

I couldn't agree more, it was a great first step! Now it's time to go to another great step and control that eating consistently.


Rob, I will shuddup now and no more preaching at you. :o

Take it all for what you will. I hope you chose life, but I won't bug you anymore.

TAKE CARE!!!!

[reefedjib]

These are two of the most scary, telling and frightful paragraphs i have ever read on DF. AM I THE ONLY ONE OF THAT OPINION?

This poor man (Rob) goes to the Doc and the Dietitian and all he gets is MORE MEDS and the advice to STOP eating RED MEAT to bring his ****ing fat down.

I am actually going to see the Dietitian today to get advice on carb bolusing. The doctor has not actually told me to do this, but I am saying I need to do it. The Dietitian says that I am taking it on myself like I am wrong to do that. Also, I mentioned I am trying to low-carb it and she was dismissive about that saying I need a balance. We'll see how this convo goes.

and the REALLY SCARY part??? he had to come to DF to get advice - the first pieces of advice in two ****ing years that is ACTUALLY helping him regain his health!!!!!!

just what does this say about the world? what does this say about the so called "expert" dietitians? AND most of all what does this say about the 99.9% of this world's diabetics who do not have the good fortune to read this forum???

hmmmmmm?

-- Joel.

It says about the world that all the experts are here because you are living it. Clearly the medical community is at odds with the practical solutions you espouse here.

[DeusXM]

You'll be happy to know that as a first step in addressing my pathetic condition, I skipped McDonalds this morning. Instead, I went to a nice little french bistro for a Bacon and Cheese Omelette. I did have half of a Croissant. After the meal I had my mocha. Still, this all came to 21g of carbs instead of the typical 158g! A good start to the day. Thanks for your encouragement!

That is a MASSIVE step forward, congratulations! :congrats:

And I bet it tasted a whole lot better as well.

Personally, I wouldn't eat as much as that in terms of calories in the morning but that's me personally. The fact is that you stepped out of that destructive cycle. Well done - keep it up. You can do it!

[plattb1]

You'll be happy to know that as a first step in addressing my pathetic condition, I skipped McDonalds this morning. Instead, I went to a nice little french bistro for a Bacon and Cheese Omelette. I did have half of a Croissant. After the meal I had my mocha. Still, this all came to 21g of carbs instead of the typical 158g! A good start to the day. Thanks for your encouragement!
That's great, Rob! Didn't I tell you that you can do it? If it takes baby steps, take them. If you can change some things cold turkey, do that .... (the turkey is low carb, ya know!)

When you see the results, you will be encouraged & even more motivated to do more.

My partner just celebrated 18 years of nonsmoking (after 20+ of smoking, including her entire military career.) You can do that, too!

Keep "heading in the right direction" - you'll get there & feel so much better for it.

[fgummett]

You'll be happy to know that as a first step in addressing my pathetic condition, I skipped McDonalds this morning. Instead, I went to a nice little french bistro for a Bacon and Cheese Omelette. I did have half of a Croissant. After the meal I had my mocha. Still, this all came to 21g of carbs instead of the typical 158g! A good start to the day. Thanks for your encouragement!It's not us that you need to make happy Rob. And I certainly didn't mean to imply you were pathetic just that -- as I said above -- it's time to get busy living or get busy dying... your choice ultimately.

In my view you sabotaged yourself above by having that half a Croissant and the mocha (what is wrong with coffee and real cream?)... my suggestion is -- for at least a few days -- to eat ALL the eggs and bacon you want... stuff yourself silly with the foods I listed above BUT don't eat ANY carbs... any food that has more than 1g carb per serving is completely off the menu... no calorie counting, not even carb counting... at least for a few days. What do you have to lose by giving it a try? It may not work for everyone but I was truly amazed by the difference it made to me.

Then later -- once you have control back -- by all means SLOWLY try adding back some carbs -- preferably in real whole foods -- but always with penty of fat and protein to mitigate the effect.

[reefedjib]

If the idea of "forever" is hard for you, can you try just 2 weeks? Two weeks of keeping your daily carb TOTAL daily intake to say 150 carbs. Forget the calories, just control the carbs. You may feel crappy at first as your BG comes down and you will absolutely have very real psychological and physical cravings for carbs. This passes and you WILL feel better than you have in years.

Can you muster up the grit to do this for only 2 weeks? Is your life worth a 2 week committment to yourself? Nothing promotes success like success. And you will never change if you don't prove to yourself you CAN DO IT. I think you can.

If you can't, m'dear, I softly but earnestly suggest you ask your doc for a referral to a professional to help you find out why you can't. If you have so strong an addiction to food that even when your logical mind tells you it is killing you, you still can't stop, then it is - im my non-medical opinion only - far beyond anything a forum can help you with and a more serious issue than a forum should be relied on to help you with.

I'll set targets of 150g carbs/day for 2 weeks. That's a goal attainable goal. I may need to seek some outside help if I can't do this.


I couldn't agree more, it was a great first step! Now it's time to go to another great step and control that eating consistently.

Indeed. In large part that is why I posted this thread.

Rob, I will shuddup now and no more preaching at you. :o

NO!! Preaching is good. It has been very helpful reading what you have written. Thanks for your concern!

TAKE CARE!!!!

As should we all! Thanks!!!

[reefedjib]

That is a MASSIVE step forward, congratulations! :congrats:

And I bet it tasted a whole lot better as well.

That's great, Rob! Didn't I tell you that you can do it? If it takes baby steps, take them. If you can change some things cold turkey, do that .... (the turkey is low carb, ya know!)

When you see the results, you will be encouraged & even more motivated to do more.

Thanks guys. I am glad I broke that small habit. I'll be sure to do the same tomorrow. I am going to avoid McDonalds entirely.

My after BG was 205, up from before 130. I think my (mg/dL)/(g carb) is 3.57 (correction factor/carb factor = 25/7). So, without actually identifying the peak, the difference in BG is 75. 75/3.5 = 21g carbs. It works! If I was carb bolusing I would take 3 units. Maybe extra 1 unit for a correction to bring me down to 105. I feel like I am starting to get this aspect of things.

It's not us that you need to make happy Rob. And I certainly didn't mean to imply you were pathetic just that -- as I said above -- it's time to get busy living or get busy dying... your choice ultimately.

No, pathetic was my word choice. This is supposed to be about positive reinforcement, so I shouldn't talk that way. It's just not easy or painless. I want to show myself progress.

In my view you sabotaged yourself above by having that half a Croissant and the mocha (what is wrong with coffee and real cream?)... my suggestion is -- for at least a few days -- to eat ALL the eggs and bacon you want... stuff yourself silly with the foods I listed above BUT don't eat ANY carbs... any food that has more than 1g carb per serving is completely off the menu... no calorie counting, not even carb counting... at least for a few days. What do you have to lose by giving it a try? It may not work for everyone but I was truly amazed by the difference it made to me.

I hear ya. I'll stop the coffee starting tomorrow. I do need to creep up on doing this as I don't feel cold turkey is my cup of tea.

Pasta is out, I've seen the spike.

Rice is out, I've seen the spike.

Bread is borderline, I have seen some spike, but not as bad. A pastrami sandwich on rye might work.

Potatoes are out, I've seen the spike.

It was useful to be measuring the food I intake and the resulting BG readings.

[foxl]

It was useful to be measuring the food I intake and the resulting BG readings.

BOY, is it EVER! Rob, did you see my "experiments" this weekend? I will have a lovely graph of a MMTT -- referred to in the literature as a "mixed meal tolerance test," to show my endo!

Keep up the postprandial testing!!!

[reefedjib]

BOY, is it EVER! Rob, did you see my "experiments" this weekend? I will have a lovely graph of a MMTT -- referred to in the literature as a "mixed meal tolerance test," to show my endo!

Keep up the postprandial testing!!!

I did see the posts about your testing. That's cool. Did you find some things you can safely eat? After I get my diet under control and get my dosages dialed in, I'll need to do similar testing.

I find that my doc (GP) has little time for charts and such. She wants to see the raw data and decide if I am within posted guidelines, then she moves on. This is due to several factors. She sees a lot of patients and doesn't have a lot of time with each one. Plus the insurance company pays her like $20/visit so she doesn't want to spend a lot of time, again. The charts are more for me.

[foxl]

Rob, I am a vegetarian so thus far it has been more about eliminating certain regularly-consumed foods ... I can substitute part black soy beans for my beloved frijoles negros.

I can substitute cauliflower for pasta. I can even eat 2 oz of carefully-handled pasta ... (do you know how little a 2 oz "official" portion of pasta is??).

I now am pretty certain I CANNOT eat an entire can of chickpeas, ROFL.

[dbaratta]

This is kind of a meandering post. The title is misleading, because in fact I am not eating better - I need to be. I have been trying cut down on carbs - I won't say low-carbing it yet. I still eat 250-500g carbs per day, some of it from surprising places.

. Can I ever do it right? I dunno.

Wow, if I ate that much carb in a day I would have to bolus non stop. That is me. Here is what happens to me when I have too much carbs, not only do I have to bolus a ton of insulin to make up for it, but all that glucose stores in the liver and even if I do okay 2-hours later with a good BG reading, I am suffering over night with a nice unhealthy liver dump and rising numbers into the 300-400 range.....that is me. Some people don't have that serious a problem with carbs, but you seem to need to cut back according to your A1C's. For me, my carb limit is 15g per meal only for a total of 45g per day and I normally only eat 30g. My nutritionists suggests eating 30 to 45g per meal. You sound like you have a carb addiction so just cut back slowly till you get where you want to be. (just my thoughts, take them or leave them):D

[dbaratta]

R

I can even eat 2 oz of carefully-handled pasta ... (do you know how little a 2 oz "official" portion of pasta is??).

I now am pretty certain I CANNOT eat an entire can of chickpeas, ROFL.

Pasta,,,,,ugh i am Italian, that was the hardest thing for me to give up. I have it once in a while and I am like you. Today for lunch I had green beans and 2 very small cheese ravoli. I mean very small. LOL But ya gotta have a taste once in a while, especially if you grew up on it. :(

[yannah]

I think I hate dieticians.

its like they hate us.

[reefedjib]

Today has been a good day. I thought I would share. I ate 134g carbs today. Dumping the McDonalds was key. I went and saw my Nutritionist and we dialed in what my starting carb factor should be and she "approved" of my starting to carb bolus. Carb factor of 10. She was still after me on the fats but I impressed her with my meal records and change in diet to eat more veggies and less red meat.

Tonight I took my first carb bolus. I took 10 units, 8 for 81g carbs and 2 for correction of 192 mg/dL. I have candy ready in case I misjudged it. Here's to hoping my after meal BG is nice and reasonably low.

[matingara]

Today has been a good day. I thought I would share. I ate 134g carbs today. Dumping the McDonalds was key. I went and saw my Nutritionist and we dialed in what my starting carb factor should be and she "approved" of my starting to carb bolus. Carb factor of 10. She was still after me on the fats but I impressed her with my meal records and change in diet to eat more veggies and less red meat.

Tonight I took my first carb bolus. I took 10 units, 8 for 81g carbs and 2 for correction of 192 mg/dL. I have candy ready in case I misjudged it. Here's to hoping my after meal BG is nice and reasonably low.

well done! you are a champ.. we are all waiting for your post meal numbers!

as for the fats, please continue to disagree and challenge the dietitian about this. you need to believe it yourself of course as well.

it works for me. cutting down carbs and ignoring low-fat paranoia is the ONLY THING EVER to bring my trigs into line.

:)

-- joel.

[GayleM]

Rob,

YOU DID GOOD!!!! 134 carbs is a simply fabulous step!!!!! :D :D :D

I hope you are as proud of yourself as you should be...seriously, that is a huge step!!! Huge. HUGE!!!

Please share your BG numbers with us - heck, every day if you want to.... ;)

At this point, if you are inclined to work with the dietician's suggestions of more veggies vs. red meat, you just do that. The immediate concern is getting your BG under control and stop the damage.

Once you have your carbs under control (and I am totally convinced you WILL get there) you can think through the food choices that YOU can most easily live with and we'll go from there.

Some of us do really low carb, some of us balance carbs and calories for weight loss and some balance for cholesteral. Regardless of what you chose as the right thing for you, you will find support and info.

But, for now, IMO just work on staying at around that 150 mark (or less, if you can) for carbs and TEST & RECORD your results and food choices - please consider testing 1 hour after eating to see how high you are actually going. That will be so valuable for you to determine what foods work well for you.

Well done! :)

[reefedjib]

we are all waiting for your post meal numbers!

Please share your BG numbers with us - heck, every day if you want to.... ;)

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm going to try a 52g carb breakfast this morning... When I bolused last night, it took longer than 2 hours to show the final BG, I am guessing because the 2 hour point is the max height of the spike and the max height of the bolus, too. I did spike.

Here are my many numbers:
5:56 am 149
7:48 am 130 - Before Breakfast
- Breakfast 21g
10:18 am 204 - After Breakfast
12:32 pm 138 - Before Lunch
- Lunch 17g
2:44 pm 169 - After Lunch
4:44 pm 165
- Snack 15g
9:02 pm 181 - Before Dinner
- Apidra 10 units
- Dinner 81g
9:59 pm 289
- Lantus 78 units
11:11 pm 236 - After Dinner
2:28 pm 117

Cheers!

[Reba55]

Rob, have you considered counseling? Maybe there is a reason it is so hard for you to take control of your health.

[Dis-N-Dat]

Oh Rob, I'm worried for you. Those numbers are screaming ORGAN DAMAGE to me.

As a recoving carboholic, what I had to do was go hard low carb, there was no middle groung for me because the carbs were keeping me hungry. I'd suggest ths for you with the idea that when you get your numbers in line you can slowly re-introduce carbs back into your diet little by little, "eating to your meter". If this doesn't work for you (as I recall you're an avid sailor and pretty active) I'm sure you can modify the principal to fit your activity level.

Remember, neuropathy is non-reversible as is kidney, liver and heart failure. The trouble is we don't feel these things as they're developing until the damage is already done. For your families sake if not your own, please take care of yourself.
(Sorry, I did rave on a bit didn't I?)

[reefedjib]

Oh Rob, I'm worried for you. Those numbers are screaming ORGAN DAMAGE to me.

As a recoving carboholic, what I had to do was go hard low carb, there was no middle groung for me because the carbs were keeping me hungry. I'd suggest ths for you with the idea that when you get your numbers in line you can slowly re-introduce carbs back into your diet little by little, "eating to your meter". If this doesn't work for you (as I recall you're an avid sailor and pretty active) I'm sure you can modify the principal to fit your activity level.

Remember, neuropathy is non-reversible as is kidney, liver and heart failure. The trouble is we don't feel these things as they're developing until the damage is already done. For your families sake if not your own, please take care of yourself.
(Sorry, I did rave on a bit didn't I?)

Yeah, I know. All I can say is that I am working on it with mixed success. I am slowly getting better. It scares the **** outta me. I got my FBG down to 130-140, but I still eat lots of carbs and see my PP bounce up to 200-250. A lot better than 350 FBG/500 PP BG, but still a ways to go to get to Bernstein's target of 85 FBG/??? PP BG. I'll continue to improve. Thanks for your concerns.

[lark 27]

Rob,

Good to read through the posts and see that you're making progress. Keep it up and know that we're all pulling for you to get those numbers in line and develop a meal plan that works for you. The good thing is that success breeds success. The more success you see, the more you'll want to keep seeing that success. Also, the more success you have and share others are going to be inspired as well.

Keep it up!

[Allison]

Rob,

Keep up the good work! Your eyes, kidneys, feet and every other part of your body will thank you!

I know you said you don't like to cook, but there are some really great recipes for low carb meals in the recipe section of this forum. Hey, with the money youre saving from your McDeath splurges, hire yourself a cleaning lady and she'll take care of the mess from your HEALTHY HOME PREPARED MEALS ;)

I'm not sure if you've started an exercise routine or if youre ready for that step yet, but I think the sooner you can the even better results you'll see and FEEL!! Walking is the easiest way to start!

Good luck on your journey and remember that NOONE here is perfect. We all make mistakes and fall off the wagon and get drug behind it for a few miles every now and then. The important part is never giving up on getting control of that wagon again.


PS if you ever need even more of a reason to skip McDeath's, watch the documentary called SUPERSIZE ME.

[reefedjib]

Keep it up!

Rob,

Keep up the good work! Your eyes, kidneys, feet and every other part of your body will thank you!

Lark and Allison,

Thanks for the encouragement. I am finding it difficult to stick with a diet, but I am focussed on it - it will happen. I had Proscuitto and Cherries for dinner and the Cherries elevated me (241 PP). I am also drinking Ocean Spray Diet, which has just 2g sugar/serving - they use Splenda and it tastes good.

I am going to a weekly Personal Trainer session and it feels great to work my muscles. Will go back tomorrow for some cardio (Rowing).

I am slowly getting the hang of this diet and exercise regimen. I'll keep at it.

Thanks again,