Hi ALL!
I've been diagnosed as having prediabetes. In my mind, it makes sense for me to consider myself as having diabetes. So as I have been reading up, partly I'm confused because of the various studies and books that say one thing and then another says something else, etc.
However, one thing that is consistent is that I need to lose weight. I am 5'2" and this morning I was 163. The upper goal weight for my height (and also, I'm almost 63) is 136. I feel if I can get down to at least 140 and maintain it, I'll be happy (then if I can get down to 136, even better). So far, I've lost 10 pounds (from 174 to 164) over the past month...but I seem to have slowed down now. Also, exercise, drink water, and eat low carb (some say eat low gylcemic).
Questions:
1. If you eat low carb, are you eating beans? (I love beans, and I'm semi-vegetarian, but some say 'yes' to beans for low carb and some say 'no' to beans).
2. Do you drink Diet Coke at all? Yes, I'm aware how horrible it is for us, but dang it, sometimes I just want something that tastes kind of sweet and sipping on a Diet Coke every few days seems to help me. I've totally eliminated sweet (like candy, donuts, etc.). I still eat some fruits.
3. Speaking of fruits. Do you allow yourself any fruits? Some say, yes to fruits (maybe 1 or 2 a day), some say to totally eliminate fruit.
4. Do you eat grains? Some say 'no' grains at all, some say 'yes' to whole grains, including oatmeal (steel cut). I will interject here, that one thing I have read is that if you are testing your blood sugar, to try something then test your level to see how you respond to a certain food...that everyone's body is different...I get that too. But since I'm not testing my blood sugars (yet), I'm trying to just eat the best I can right now.
5. Do you take any supplements that seem to help?
6. I'm going on a 4 day trip soon and I trying to eat small portions of food every 2-3 hours (protein + carb). I've tried to see if there are any protein bars that are low carb that might be OK to have on hand in case I'm hitting 3 hours and not able to eat. Suggestions?
7. Any books and/or cookbooks you recommend that have been most useful to you? Favorite websites for recipes, information, etc.?
IF you are still reading, bless you and THANK YOU! My head has been spinning with all that I've been trying to learn about how to eat and how to keep my blood sugars down.
THANK YOU for any suggestions and feedback. Even if you have just one suggestion, I will appreciate it so much! I realize that everyone is different and that what works for one person may or may not work for another and it is up to me to figure out what is going to work best for me..but, I feel like I need to educate myself the best I can so I can make the best choices for myself.