Fellow Diabetics

[Whitey James]

 

Looking to overhaul my diet to better control my type 2 diabetes.

Other than salads, what is your favorite diabetic friendly meal and favorite snack?

 

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

3 hours ago, Whitey James said:

Looking to overhaul my diet to better control my type 2 diabetes

Other than salads, what is your favorite diabetic friendly meal and favorite snack?

Turkey sammich on Keto bread's not too bad. Popcorn is okay. Breyers has a Smart Carb Ice Cream. Peanut butter is good for us, I mix it into my Steel Cut Oatmeal. Instead of sweet tea, (probably my biggest regret), I add Stevia to my tea. It's not as good, but it's not bad. 

One thing I stay away from is "Diet" or "Sugar Free" Anything. Aspartame or Sucralose do Bad Things to you. 

Edited February 16 by Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770

[Blackwater 53393]

2 hours ago, Whitey James said:

 

Looking to overhaul my diet to better control my type 2 diabetes.

Other than salads, what is your favorite diabetic friendly meal and favorite snack?

 

CARBS ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND!!!

I love me a salad now and then, but I have them no more than once a week!  Potatoes are high on the glycemic index too, so cut back or cut them out.  Certain beans are better than others, so check them out and remember which ones to avoid. Foe some reason, sweet potatoes aren’t as bad as regular spuds!!

 

You can have all the meats you want, but watch the fats and check your cholesterol levels regularly.

 

I reserve ice cream and candies as a treat and pretty much the same for cookies.

 

I found a great dietitian who worked really hard to help me find the proper medication regimen!  She coached, chided, and pressured me to get to where I am.  My A1c is 5.5 at my last checkup.

 

My kriptonite is sweet tea!!  I now alternate it with equal amounts of ice water, occasionally mixing some raspberry or blackberry flavoring in the water. Drink lots of water!!!

 

Next time we have lunch, I will give you a rundown on my med combination and what else I can think of!!

 

Stay away from the artificial sweeteners!! WAY AWAY!! Every one of them is carcinogenic and they also dehydrate you and I think they are borderline addictive!!

 

 

 

[Subdeacon Joe]

Not me, but my wife, although I'm on the edge.  Various vegetables dipped in blue cheese dressing. 

Olives or pickles and cheese.

Cottage cheese. 

Popcorn in moderation.

Jerky. 

 

Spiced, roasted chuckpeas.chickpeas.

Hard boiled eggs.

Egg salad on Romain leaves, or in packets of something like Bibb Lettuce. 

 

 

[Subdeacon Joe]

Oh!  Make your own mayonnaise.   It's idiot simple,  you know exactly what's in it, and you can add flavors to suit your mood.  Look up "immersion blender mayonnaise. "

[Warden Callaway]

Sawmill Mary is killing me softly with her cooking.  She bakes something every day.  She's got a sweet tooth and there is an abundance of sweet candy around. I'll ask,  "Is that on my diet?", she'll reply, "Shut up and eat it." She'll fill our plates in the kitchen and call me to come and get it. It's usually twice as much as I can eat. Sometimes I can sneak some back. If I don't clean my plate, I'll get "the look." She'll get a treat and bring one to me. I drink unsweetened tea, just water, or coffee black. No soft drinks or beer. I try to get her to stock fruit and nuts. Supper is often one slice of rie bread toasted with peanut butter. 

[Whitey James]

1 hour ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

CARBS ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND!!!

I love me a salad now and then, but I have them no more than once a week!  Potatoes are high on the glycemic index too, so cut back or cut them out.  Certain beans are better than others, so check them out and remember which ones to avoid. Foe some reason, sweet potatoes aren’t as bad as regular spuds!!

 

You can have all the meats you want, but watch the fats and check your cholesterol levels regularly.

 

I reserve ice cream and candies as a treat and pretty much the same for cookies.

 

I found a great dietitian who worked really hard to help me find the proper medication regimen!  She coached, chided, and pressured me to get to where I am.  My A1c is 5.5 at my last checkup.

 

My kriptonite is sweet tea!!  I now alternate it with equal amounts of ice water, occasionally mixing some raspberry or blackberry flavoring in the water. Drink lots of water!!!

 

Next time we have lunch, I will give you a rundown on my med combination and what else I can think of!!

 

Stay away from the artificial sweeteners!! WAY AWAY!! Every one of them is carcinogenic and they also dehydrate you and I think they are borderline addictive!!

 

 

 

When is the next lunch? March?

[Blackwater 53393]

41 minutes ago, Whitey James said:

When is the next lunch? March?

I was going to do one on the 27th of February, but my own issues will not let me do that.  I’m thinking Marxch 6th or 7th since it appears that not too many of our bunch are going to EOT.

 

I will make the announcement on Monday or Tuesday next week!!

 

I forgot to mention that you should be careful of the fruit you choose.  Some fruits are very high in sugar content.  You will find that real sugar in small quantities is far better for you than things sweetened with corn syrup. The body processes cane or beet sugar much better! Honey is also a better sweetener than the corn syrup.

 

Also!!  Be circumspect of your use of pasta!!  Some pastas are really high on the glycemic index too!! I just have it once in a while as a treat.

 

My dietitian told me that I could eat anything I wanted, ONCE IN A WHILE!  Just don’t make a habit of eating what doesn’t make you healthy!!

 

She specialized in diabetic health.  I learned a lot.  I wish that she hadn’t retired!

 

 

Edited February 16 by Blackwater 53393

[Subdeacon Joe]

1 hour ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

CARBS ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND!!!

 

And carbs is carbs, not just sugar.   Flour,  starchy vegetables, grains, sugar, it does matter

 

That said,  some carbs, complex carbs, are less bad than simple carbs.  Whole grains, some starchy vegetables, and legumes for example. 

[Blackwater 53393]

It takes time, but you can learn what works for you!!  It may not work for everyone and it CAN change!!

 

The last fifteen months have been my best since I was diagnosed!

 

AND YOU HAVE TO STAY ON TOP OF IT!!!

 

 

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

Some fresh fruits are good for you. Apples, pears, berries, bananas and grapes. For your salad, if you prefer Ranch Dressing, Buttermilk is best. As for pasta, Whole Grain is okay. It doesn't have quite the texture of egg noodles, but it doesn't have the starch either. 

If you're going to eat stuff that's not so good for you, (french fries), get an air fryer instead of deep frying them. Air frying chicken patties is good too. 

Edited February 16 by Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770

[Widder, SASS #59054]

I've reduced my bread consumption.

 

I like oatmeal and sweeten it with SPLENDA.

My tea is sweetened with SPLENDA.

 

My cola's are super free.

AND...... I try to drink a 'Premier Protein' drink everyday.  I like the strawberry/cream flavors.

 

I still sneak a cookie or piece of cake sometimes.   At 73, I ain't gonna give up everything that

I enjoy.

 

..........Widder

 

[Subdeacon Joe]

Another thing, think of carbs as a daily budget,  you have only so many to spend in one day.    Spend them however you want,  but learn to make good nutritional choices.  Nutrient rich foods,  high fiber foods,  not empty carbs/calories. If you blow all your "budget" first thing in the morning you'll have a harder time with meals later in the day. 

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

1 hour ago, Widder, SASS #59054 said:

I like oatmeal and sweeten it with SPLENDA.

My tea is sweetened with SPLENDA.

 

..........Widder

Not such a good idea. "Sucralose may increase blood glucose and insulin levels: Sucralose may negatively affect the very people who are using it to decrease sugar consumption and stabilize blood glucose levels. A study found that sucralose increased blood glucose levels and insulin levels while decreasing insulin sensitivity".

https://draxe.com/nutrition/sucralose/

[Subdeacon Joe]

7 hours ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

Not such a good idea. "Sucralose may increase blood glucose and insulin levels: Sucralose may negatively affect the very people who are using it to decrease sugar consumption and stabilize blood glucose levels. A study found that sucralose increased blood glucose levels and insulin levels while decreasing insulin sensitivity".

https://draxe.com/nutrition/sucralose/

 

 

I see "Dr. Axe" and red flags go up.  He's usually considered a quack trying to sell his pills and books.

Studies are all over the place on sucralose, although most of them say it's generally safe.  NIH and the Mayo online site say that it's safe and has few negative effects.  A search for "Diabetes and Sucralose" came up with this overview:

• Sucralose and type 2 diabetes

  A study found that sucralose had no significant effect on blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes who took sucralose for three months. 

   
• Sucralose and glycosylated hemoglobin

  A study found that sucralose had no significant effect on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a marker of blood sugar levels, in people with diabetes. 

   

Studies in people without diabetes

• Sucralose and blood glucose

  A study found that sucralose lowered blood glucose in healthy people when consumed with carbohydrates, but not in people with type 2 diabetes. 

   
• Sucralose and insulin sensitivity

  A study found that consuming sucralose with carbohydrates impaired insulin sensitivity in healthy adults. 

   

 

Other considerations

• The FDA considers sucralose safe for people with diabetes. 
   
• The WHO has an acceptable daily intake of 15 mg/kg of body weight for sucralose. 
   
• Low-calorie sweeteners like sucralose are often used in foods and beverages to reduce sugar intake. 

When I searched Honey and Diabetes the Google AI brought up this summary:
 

Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Some studies have suggested that honey may have beneficial effects on blood sugar control in people with diabetes. However, other studies have shown conflicting results. 

 

Studies on Blood Sugar Control 

 

Several studies have investigated the effects of honey on blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. A 2015 study found that consuming 50 grams of honey per day for 8 weeks significantly lowered fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, a 2019 study found no significant effect on blood sugar levels after consuming honey for 12 weeks. 

 

A 2020 meta-analysis of 12 studies concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the claim that honey improves blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Studies on Insulin Sensitivity 

 

Some studies have suggested that honey may improve insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes. A 2017 study found that consuming honey increased insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. However, a 2018 study found no significant effect on insulin sensitivity. 

 

Other Potential Benefits 

 

In addition to its potential effects on blood sugar control, honey has been shown to have other potential health benefits for people with diabetes, including: 

 

Reducing oxidative stress, Improving heart health, and Reducing inflammation. 

 

Safety Considerations 

 

While honey is generally considered safe, it is important to note that it is high in sugar. People with diabetes should consume honey in moderation and consult with their healthcare provider before making any significant changes to their diet. 

 

Conclusion 

 

The evidence on the effects of honey on diabetes is mixed. Some studies have shown that honey may improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, while others have found no significant effect. More research is needed to determine the true potential benefits and risks of honey for people with diabetes. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming honey for any medicinal purposes. 

 

Pick your pick and choose your choice, you can find something to back any position.  But overall there seems to be more evidence that sucralose is save.  

 

[J-BAR #18287]

Exercise.  Get skinny.  
 

Constant mild exercise throughout the day may be more tolerable than brief exhaustive workouts,  and still burns calories.  Don't become sedentary.

 

Losing fat pounds helps both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.  If you are inclined to build muscles, weight training can help.  More muscle tissue burns more calories,  works on both sides of the equation.
 

 

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

2 hours ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

I see "Dr. Axe" and red flags go up.  He's usually considered a quack trying to sell his pills and books.

 

I don't know who "Dr. Axe" is, his is just the first article I came to. I've read other studies that have negative things to say about Sucralose as well as Aspartame. When I mention it to my Dr. he agreed that Stevia is the best of the artificial sweeteners. 

I drank Diet Coke and Pepsi for over 30 years, and while I lost a few pounds when I first switched to Diet soda, it certainly didn't help keep the weight off. From the studies I've read, I'm convinced that my Diet Soda intake is, at least in part, one of the reasons I'm as fat as I am.

Since I retired, I've started eating healthier because of the Diabetes, eating less, and going to the gym three days a week. I've actually GAINED weight. But except for the Diabetes, I'm ridiculously healthy for my age. Blood Pressure is great, heart rate is great, Cholesterol is DOWN into the healthy range, GOOD Cholesterol is up to where my Dr. wants it.

I applaud anybody who wants to get healthier, whatever the reason. Whitey James asked the question, and Widder mentioned Splenda. While I'm certainly no expert, I haven't played one on T.V., and I've never stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, I thought I'd weigh, () in.

And after their response to the 2020 Zombie Apocalypse, I have little trust in what the FDA, the CDC or the WHO has to say about anything.

[J-BAR #18287]

6 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

I've actually GAINED weight. But except for the Diabetes, I'm ridiculously healthy for my age.

Good for you!  Muscle tissue is heavier than fat.  Scales don't tell the whole story.  One can judge progress by undressing in front of a mirror!

[Subdeacon Joe]

21 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

don't know who "Dr. Axe" is, his is just the first article I came to.

 

21 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

I have little trust in what the FDA, the CDC or the WHO has to say about anything

 

The name,  Dr. Axe,  rang a bell and I couldn't remember why.  Searched the name and the first page was nothing but ads for vitamin, mineral,  vegetable,  supplements and fad health books.  He's a chiropractor with bonefides from Palmer College of Chiropractic. 

 

I hear you about the official, or officious, health industry.  But in the two dozen or so articles I looked at, reading either the Abstract or  Conclusion they reflect what the majority found,  that Splenda and similar have no or few negative effects,  and are overall helpful. 

 

Also, the negative effects seem be mostly in the non-diebetic control groups.

Edited February 16 by Subdeacon Joe

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

1 minute ago, J-BAR #18287 said:

Good for you!  Muscle tissue is heavier than fat.  Scales don't tell the whole story.  One can judge progress by undressing in front of a mirror!

I've done that. I try not to do it if I can at all help it. 😁If it's muscle tissue, it's hiding under the fat.🤔 I know that I'm stronger than I was before, but I'm also bigger. I had to get a larger pants size, and a few of my XXL shirts don't fit anymore. I'm almost afraid to try on my Cowboy vests.🤠

Discouraged? Yeah, a bit. But I'm not giving up on myself. I just promote myself as one of the Old, Fat Guys at the Gym.😍

[Stump Water]

16 hours ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

One thing I stay away from is "Diet" or "Sugar Free" Anything. Aspartame or Sucralose do Bad Things to you. 

 

16 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

Stay away from the artificial sweeteners!! WAY AWAY!! Every one of them is carcinogenic and they also dehydrate you and I think they are borderline addictive!!

 

 

14 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

You will find that real sugar in small quantities is far better for you than things sweetened with corn syrup. The body processes cane or beet sugar much better! Honey is also a better sweetener than the corn syrup.

 

Everyone that's alive should heed those words.  HFCS and artificial sweeteners are pure poison.

 

Likewise for the advice about carbs in moderation and good/complex carbs.

[ShadowCatcher]

I'm eating carnivore until I lose 30 more pounds (down 20 so far), and get my sugar back down.  It's a pure elimination diet, and so far it is also eliminating a

lot of body aches and sleep issues.  Once I get to target weight I'll start bringing in complex carbs (vegetables that I like) and see what causes my

weight or sugars to go back up.  It's possible to live long term on Carnivore and not miss out on necessary nutrients, but some things just taste good

and I want to re-introduce them in moderation.

 

SC

[Rip Snorter]

Folks do what they want to do. I think "All Things in Moderation" works pretty well.  Reasonable exercise, eat less - the Push away exercise, from the table that is.  Weight was purportedly a factor during the recent "Plague".  I lost 25 pounds without doing anything radical, and have held the weight I wrestled at in college ever since. Certainly, getting old, I have lost some muscle, but no handles and no gut.  I know folks who are into Keto, and Carnivore, but find them uncomfortable dinner guests, even when family.

[Lawdog Dago Dom]

Eggs.

 

I'm biased because we have chickens and they get fed good stuff with lots of protein. 

 

I've read and been told that an egg is probably the most perfect food.

 

I love hardboiled eggs to snack on. Keeps me feeling full and away from sugary snacks. 

[Warden Callaway]

A while back I could tell I was loosing weight because of the fit of my clothes.  I dug the scales out of the closet and weighed.  I mentioned to Mary that I was down to 180.  She nodded that she understood.  A few minutes later, she slipped into the kitchen and made some chocolate fudge brownies.   After they cooled, she dug out the ice cream and put two chunks of brownies in a big soup bowl and heaped ice cream over it and brought it to me. She's getting something out of the oven right now. 

Edited February 16 by Warden Callaway

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

1 minute ago, Warden Callaway said:

A while back I could tell I was loosing weight because of the fit of my clothes.  I dug the scales out of the closet and weighed.  I mentioned to Mary that I was down to 180.  She nodded that she understood.  A few minutes later, she slipped into the kitchen and made some chocolate fudge brownies.   After they cooled, she dug out the ice cream and put two chunks of brownies in a big soup bowl and heaped ice cream over it and brought it to me. She's getting something out of the oven right now. 

Oh shut up.🤬

[Warden Callaway]

Foods before 1900 was all organic.  Trains and big food companies started modifying food for longer shelf life. WWII really got the ball rolling with K-rations. K for Ansel Keys that developed them.  Then the food industry and government regulations went crazy with modified foods and guidelines.   In my opinion,  to profit big food companies not promote good health.  Wonder bread is a classic example. Fake butter and cheese. 20 years ago eggs were bad for you. I was told by a dietitian that I could have one egg a week and preferably just the white. 

 

She made a big stack of Belgium waffles.  

Edited February 16 by Warden Callaway

[Lawdog Dago Dom]

2 hours ago, Warden Callaway said:

Foods before 1900 was all organic.  Trains and big food companies started modifying food for longer shelf life. WWII really got the ball rolling with K-rations. K for Ansel Keys that developed them.  Then the food industry and government regulations went crazy with modified foods and guidelines.   In my opinion,  to profit big food companies not promote good health.  Wonder bread is a classic example. Fake butter and cheese. 20 years ago eggs were bad for you. I was told by a dietitian that I could have one egg a week and preferably just the white. 

 

She made a big stack of Belgium waffles.  

Don't get me started on the USDA Food Pyramid.

[Warden Callaway]

Corn syrup, sugar and oil are a real killer in our food chain.  In 1700 people consumed 4 pound of sugar a year.  Now it's up to 180 pounds per year. I was in Wally-World and heard a "swish, swish, swich" sound coming my way. A young woman,  probably no more than 20, she was so big, her thighs were rubbing together.  She was an employee from the tag she had around her neck. She had a letter bottle of Mountain Dew a bag of Twlislers already opened and munching them down. I thought,  what kind of future does this person have.

[Widder, SASS #59054]

Years ago, we were told that PeaNut Butter causes cancer.

 

Does anybody really know about some of the stuff we have eaten for decades?

 

How do we know who and what to believe?

 

..........Widder

 

[Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474]

On 2/15/2025 at 4:41 PM, Whitey James said:

 

Looking to overhaul my diet to better control my type 2 diabetes.

Other than salads, what is your favorite diabetic friendly meal and favorite snack?

 

There are some excellent Diabetic Cook Books out there. Too bad we're so far away, because I have all the ones Sherron and I collected to make her meals interesting and variable. 

[Warden Callaway]

On 2/16/2025 at 6:03 PM, Widder, SASS #59054 said:

Years ago, we were told that PeaNut Butter causes cancer.

 

Does anybody really know about some of the stuff we have eaten for decades?

 

How do we know who and what to believe?

 

..........Widder

 

I try my grandpa diet. If he didn't have it back then, it's probably something I shouldn't eat.

I tend to trust many thousands of years of human adaption to food available as opposed to modern engineered offerings.  

Edited February 19 by Warden Callaway

[Whitey James]

4 hours ago, Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474 said:

There are some excellent Diabetic Cook Books out there. Too bad we're so far away, because I have all the ones Sherron and I collected to make her meals interesting and variable. 

I picked up a "Sugar Busters" cookbook. Very helpful. starts with what to keep in your pantry and what to get rid of. Has lots of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, soups, and even deserts. Went to the store today and replaced all the junk and took that food to the local blessing box. 

[Subdeacon Joe]

Re: Cook books. 

 

Hit used book stores and thrift stores for old Weight Watchers Cook Books.  While not specifically written with diabetes in mind, they are loaded with diabetes friendly receipts. 

 

Weight Watchers also has programs designed for diabetics. 

[Rip Snorter]

There are good diabetes specific cookbooks.