More confused than ever by dietician
judyvalentine512
Posts: 927 Member
I won a free session with a dietician here in Ottawa. So, she weighed me with this fancy shmancy scale that tells your body fat percentage (really didn't want to see that), weight of course, and BMR.
So then she sits me down and starts explaining the Canada food guide. I don't know how many more times I have to be told about this. It's a little different for diabetics.
No white potatoes or bananas for two weeks to start. Focus on protein and limit carbs. So far, so good. I've been working on this already.
Again, she didn't say how many carbs a day. She said 15g of protein at breakfast, but not how much per day. Calories, 1530 per day. That's more than I eat now.
No potatoes at supper, but a stachy veggie is okay.
Have whole grain bread or pasta or crackers at lunch.
I think I'll make an appointment with the Diabetes Association's dietician and ask her for more specific numbers.
In the meantime, after a terrible day at the hospital (drainage tube causing problems), on the way home I stopped at Harvey's and got a double cheeseburger with bacon, and onion rings. I don't think that's on anyone's healthy eating plan. But get this, two hours later, my blood sugar is 5.7 - the lowest it's ever been after a meal since this journey began.
I'm really just venting here before I go to bed, but if anyone has similar experiences, feel free to share.
Good night and God bless.
So then she sits me down and starts explaining the Canada food guide. I don't know how many more times I have to be told about this. It's a little different for diabetics.
No white potatoes or bananas for two weeks to start. Focus on protein and limit carbs. So far, so good. I've been working on this already.
Again, she didn't say how many carbs a day. She said 15g of protein at breakfast, but not how much per day. Calories, 1530 per day. That's more than I eat now.
No potatoes at supper, but a stachy veggie is okay.
Have whole grain bread or pasta or crackers at lunch.
I think I'll make an appointment with the Diabetes Association's dietician and ask her for more specific numbers.
In the meantime, after a terrible day at the hospital (drainage tube causing problems), on the way home I stopped at Harvey's and got a double cheeseburger with bacon, and onion rings. I don't think that's on anyone's healthy eating plan. But get this, two hours later, my blood sugar is 5.7 - the lowest it's ever been after a meal since this journey began.
I'm really just venting here before I go to bed, but if anyone has similar experiences, feel free to share.
Good night and God bless.
0
Replies
-
Firstly, any scale that measures body fat percentage is bound to be wildly inaccurate. So that's a bit of a red flag to me if she was portraying it as necessarily accurate. How did you win the session and where is the dietician?
I'm from Ottawa and my ex was diabetic, but she had a dietician through the hospital as part of the diabetes program. I can't remember the details, but I think she was obligated to have a couple of appointments a year with them there to check in ... Might be something to look into? I also know that at least one of the Apple Tree clinics (can't remember which one now for the life of me, but I'm sure a quick Google would do the trick) has a whole diabetes program with many resources for patients, that I think would include consultations with a dietician. Sorry that I'm fuzzy on the details - but I think that if you want some more guidance with regards to diet, there are definitely legitimate options available to you in Ottawa that will be more useful and tailored.
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!0 -
Similar experience with dietitians, yes. I have rarely found one who is knowledgeable about special diets, and those that are seem to have educated themselves AFTER they went to school.
But if it helps - wouldn't actually matter if she was knowledgeable after all. According to a recent study, how our bodies respond to our diet - including our blood sugar - is much more individual than the medical community believed.
"... individualized feedback yielded many surprises. In one case, a middle-aged woman with obesity and pre-diabetes, who had tried and failed to see results with a range of diets over her life, learned that her "healthy" eating habits may have actually been contributing to the problem. Her blood sugar levels spiked after eating tomatoes, which she ate multiple times over the course of the week of the study.
"For this person, an individualized tailored diet would not have included tomatoes but may have included other ingredients that many of us would not consider healthy, but are in fact healthy for her," Elinav says. "Before this study was conducted, there is no way that anyone could have provided her with such personalized recommendations, which may substantially impact the progression of her pre-diabetes." " ( http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151119133230.htm )
so if you notice something lowering your blood sugar? I would seriously note that down, and maybe you can build up a picture of your own good and bad foods. Hopefully with the help of medical staff, in a perfect world.0 -
I am not really sure what you are asking. Or why you did not ask for more details while you were at your appointment. For example, she did not give you carbs per day, because it does not matter, as she could have told you if you asked. Carbs per meal matter, and your calorie goal for the day plus focusing on protein, inevitably limits how many carbs you can have per day. Because counting carbs is not very intuitive or easy for everyone, usually dietitians give you serving guidelines, along the lines of "one fruit", "one bowl of pasta", "one slice of bread" per meal. Check diabetes.org if you have not already done so, it might help you fill the gaps of what the dietitian told you and it can also help determine servings of carbs per meal.
In the end, it comes down to personal responsibility: diabetes is controlled by monitoring carbs, losing weight, adding exercise. All the information you need, it is out there. Check american diabetes association (http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/), mayo clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295), joslin diabetes center (http://www.joslin.org/index.html) or just google it and check the reputable medical sources links (diabetes medical associations, medical schools etc).
Double cheeseburger and onion rings, you know it does not fit this plan.
what is the 5.7 you mention? If it is A1C, it is not affected by your last meal, it is a tool to show you how you have been doing in the last months, not to help you finetune your meals or to show you what is causing spikes.0 -
All the information you need, it is out there.
Ok, but then what's the point of seeing a dietitian? Individualized planning and education, I'd say. It sounds like there were a lot of gaps here.
"Focusing on protein" does limit other nutrients, but doesn't provide guidance on how much to spend on fat vs. carbs (and I thought carb counting did matter for diabetics… ).0 -
Dieticians in general do not have the specialized education for diabetes or special diets on a detailed basis. They are taught basics and if they don't choose to further that they are just as clueless as Aunt Betty about what is right for a person with x-type condition. The referral I got was laughable and she told me to eat things I realized later I couldn't have! If consulting one look for a diabetes educator or someone with additional certifications or training. Otherwise, the internet and reputable sources like Diabetes Associations will help you.0
-
judyvalentine512 wrote: »I won a free session with a dietician here in Ottawa. So, she weighed me with this fancy shmancy scale that tells your body fat percentage (really didn't want to see that), weight of course, and BMR.
nope - those scales don't work - they are bio-impedence - they can be out by up to 10%, sometimes more - ignore BF% - your weight will be dependent on time of day, clothes, what you've eaten - best time to weigh is first thing in the morning after using the bathroom, before eating and nekkid for the most consistency
So then she sits me down and starts explaining the Canada food guide. I don't know how many more times I have to be told about this. It's a little different for diabetics.
are you diabetic? If so follow your Diabetis team's advice
No white potatoes or bananas for two weeks to start. Focus on protein and limit carbs. So far, so good. I've been working on this already.
Again, she didn't say how many carbs a day. She said 15g of protein at breakfast, but not how much per day.
Protein in weight loss - 0.64g to 0.8g per lb bodyweight as a minimum - go for the lower end. You can't overeat protein (subject to no med conditions that tell you you shouldn't) but there's no additional benefit over these amounts. This is higher than RDA, cos defecit and hopefully resistance work
Calories, 1530 per day. That's more than I eat now.
No potatoes at supper, but a stachy veggie is okay.
Have whole grain bread or pasta or crackers at lunch.
sounds abritrary
I think I'll make an appointment with the Diabetes Association's dietician and ask her for more specific numbers.
yes, absolutely do that - many diabetics manage their condition and eat carbs but have to take care on quantities
In the meantime, after a terrible day at the hospital (drainage tube causing problems), on the way home I stopped at Harvey's and got a double cheeseburger with bacon, and onion rings. I don't think that's on anyone's healthy eating plan. But get this, two hours later, my blood sugar is 5.7 - the lowest it's ever been after a meal since this journey began.
I'm really just venting here before I go to bed, but if anyone has similar experiences, feel free to share.
Good night and God bless.
This is not a dietician I will bet - possibly a nutritionist?0 -
If you go again to one of these people, bring in a typed list of questions. Was the 5.7 the HbA1c? That looks at your levels for the past 90 days.
Some of the diabetes "educators" do not like to stress people by making them count carbs. She was comfortable having you become comfortable keeping track of your protein grams. Do that.
Apparently, she wants to to have some kind of carb "awareness" by saying "no" to potatoes and "yes" to low carb veggies.
Next time you go to Harvey's and order the bacon cheese burger, skip the onion rings and throw away the bun.
Losing weight is the best thing you can do for diabetes and you are working on that already.
0 -
If you go again to one of these people, bring in a typed list of questions. Was the 5.7 the HbA1c? That looks at your levels for the past 90 days.
Some of the diabetes "educators" do not like to stress people by making them count carbs. She was comfortable having you become comfortable keeping track of your protein grams. Do that.
Apparently, she wants to to have some kind of carb "awareness" by saying "no" to potatoes and "yes" to low carb veggies.
Next time you go to Harvey's and order the bacon cheese burger, skip the onion rings and throw away the bun.
Losing weight is the best thing you can do for diabetes and you are working on that already.
I agree, but also diabetes is not dependent on weight. Many diabetics are skinny, and even type 2. My FIL for example, is almost underweight yet Type 2 diabetic.0 -
If you go again to one of these people, bring in a typed list of questions. Was the 5.7 the HbA1c? That looks at your levels for the past 90 days.
Some of the diabetes "educators" do not like to stress people by making them count carbs. She was comfortable having you become comfortable keeping track of your protein grams. Do that.
Apparently, she wants to to have some kind of carb "awareness" by saying "no" to potatoes and "yes" to low carb veggies.
Next time you go to Harvey's and order the bacon cheese burger, skip the onion rings and throw away the bun.
Losing weight is the best thing you can do for diabetes and you are working on that already.
I agree, but also diabetes is not dependent on weight. Many diabetics are skinny, and even type 2. My FIL for example, is almost underweight yet Type 2 diabetic.
Absolutely, but weight loss and exercise are almost always going to help someone who is overweight or sedentary with diabetes management.0 -
Thanks everyone.
I'm sorry, I forget that Americans have a different way to count their blood sugars. The 5.7 was my blood sugar when I picked my finger last night. I don't know how that translates for you.
I won the free session at a diabetes exhibition, and yes, she is a dietician/nutritionist. And, I think her real goal was to get me in and out quickly, give me some advice, and hope I would book more appointments with her. I can't afford to pay for a service that I can get free with the Canadian Diabetes Assoc. I will definitely contact them for more advice.
I've been eating well on the whole, except yesterday with the burger and onion rings. It's just, between counting carbs, calories, fibre protein, after awhile all this damn counting gets to me.
Like I said before, no questions really, just venting.0 -
judyvalentine512 wrote: »Thanks everyone.
I'm sorry, I forget that Americans have a different way to count their blood sugars. The 5.7 was my blood sugar when I picked my finger last night. I don't know how that translates for you.
I won the free session at a diabetes exhibition, and yes, she is a dietician/nutritionist. And, I think her real goal was to get me in and out quickly, give me some advice, and hope I would book more appointments with her. I can't afford to pay for a service that I can get free with the Canadian Diabetes Assoc. I will definitely contact them for more advice.
I've been eating well on the whole, except yesterday with the burger and onion rings. It's just, between counting carbs, calories, fibre protein, after awhile all this damn counting gets to me.
Like I said before, no questions really, just venting.
Try here: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/
I think this was designed exactly so you do not end up going crazy with all the counting. You are not alone 0 -
Try here: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/
I think this was designed exactly so you do not end up going crazy with all the counting. You are not alone
Thanks. I'll take a look.0 -
When you're frustrated about counting carbs, calories, etc, think about how frustrating it'll be to learn to walk without toes on one foot. And then both feet.
Once you get used to what you can safely eat in a day, or at a meal, it won't be as time consuming as it is now. You'll learn your "go to" foods.
One thing I do know is to try to space out your carbs throughout the day, and have some protein in the same meal. You want to keep sugar levels even and avoid spikes.
And good for you for realizing the info she gave you wasn't enough for you, and possibly wrong for you. A lot of people would have just taken that as gospel because she's an "expert". Get the right info from reputable sources, and become an expert in your own personal needs.0 -
Low carb is your only choice. 0
-
That's the problem with me trying to figure this out on my own. I had expected my blood sugars to be really high before bedtime last night considering what I had for supper, but it was the lowest it's been after a meal ever. So, this morning, I expected it to be 'normal', it was high. I have kept track of everything (the good, the bad and the ugly) that I put in my mouth, the blood sugar before and 2 hours after, but honestly I just don't see a pattern. I have a call in to the Diabetes dietician for an appointment, and I'm bringing my journal with me. I'm sure she'll see something I don't and will be able to tweek my eating habits with me. 0
-
judyvalentine512 wrote: »Thanks everyone.
I'm sorry, I forget that Americans have a different way to count their blood sugars. The 5.7 was my blood sugar when I picked my finger last night. I don't know how that translates for you.
I won the free session at a diabetes exhibition, and yes, she is a dietician/nutritionist. And, I think her real goal was to get me in and out quickly, give me some advice, and hope I would book more appointments with her. I can't afford to pay for a service that I can get free with the Canadian Diabetes Assoc. I will definitely contact them for more advice.
I've been eating well on the whole, except yesterday with the burger and onion rings. It's just, between counting carbs, calories, fibre protein, after awhile all this damn counting gets to me.
Like I said before, no questions really, just venting.
which is it...is she a dietitian or nutritionist...there is a big difference.
if you are diabetic i would consult with a dietitian who specializes in diabetes care.0 -
Dietician is degree level educated a nutritionist can do an hours on line course.. huge difference0
-
Hmmm, interesting. She advertises as a dietician/nutritionist. Either way, I'll stick to the CDA people.0
-
judyvalentine512 wrote: »Hmmm, interesting. She advertises as a dietician/nutritionist. Either way, I'll stick to the CDA people.
that's odd...but good call.
a RD (Registered Dietitian) requires at minimum a bachelor level degree and then must undergo rigorous testing to be certified. a nutritionist may or may not have any educational background and generally will have a certification.
it's kind of like a personal trainer...you don't really have to have anything other than a certification to be a PT so you get a pretty broad range...some are going to be more educated than others, have more experience, etc. there are a whole lot of bad PTs out there just as there are a whole lot of bad nutritionists out there...but there are also some good ones...it's important to look at the credentials and overall resume.
having worked with a RD with my dad, they provide a great deal of detail in the tailoring of an individuals diet...in my experience, even a good nutritionist is going to be more general.0 -
In Canada, dieticians also can have pdt as a title (professional dietician) and that is just as valid as RD title0
-
judyvalentine512 wrote: » That's the problem with me trying to figure this out on my own. I had expected my blood sugars to be really high before bedtime last night considering what I had for supper, but it was the lowest it's been after a meal ever. So, this morning, I expected it to be 'normal', it was high. I have kept track of everything (the good, the bad and the ugly) that I put in my mouth, the blood sugar before and 2 hours after, but honestly I just don't see a pattern. I have a call in to the Diabetes dietician for an appointment, and I'm bringing my journal with me. I'm sure she'll see something I don't and will be able to tweek my eating habits with me.
It will take a couple of weeks to get comfortable with counting carbs and protein. It will get easier soon.
0 -
judyvalentine512 wrote: »In the meantime, after a terrible day at the hospital (drainage tube causing problems), on the way home I stopped at Harvey's and got a double cheeseburger with bacon, and onion rings. I don't think that's on anyone's healthy eating plan. But get this, two hours later, my blood sugar is 5.7 - the lowest it's ever been after a meal since this journey began.
If you are serious about finding out how that meal (or any other) impacts your blood sugar, you need to test before the first bite, at 1 hour, at 2 hours, and (if hour 2 is higher than hour 1) at 3 hours. You have to know what it was before in order to know the increase. Different foods also hit your bloodstream at different rates, How soon - and how quickly your BG returns to normal can be heavily dependent on the combination (the reason for the repeated tests - to be very clear, you'd need to test in 30 minute increments).
0 -
judyvalentine512 wrote: »
Try here: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/
I think this was designed exactly so you do not end up going crazy with all the counting. You are not alone
Thanks. I'll take a look.
I would be really cautious with that. If I followed it, my blood glucose would be higher than at diagnosis because it is very carb heavy - and carbs are what increase blood glucose. I currently eat in an entire day the amount of carbs that plate would give me in one meal - and would send my blood glucose through the roof.0 -
I do test before each meal and 2 hours after. Also, first thing In the morning and at bedtime. I'll try testing more often and see if that helps sorting some of this out.0
-
Most hospitals offer dietitian training on diabetic diet for new diabetics or uncontrolled diabetics. If not the hospital, your primary physician should set up diabetic teaching for you. At least that is how it works in the U.S.A.0
-
A good book to help you count your carbs or work with exchanges is The New Diabetic cookbook by Mabel Cavaiani, 5th edition. This is a cookbook not a dietician/nutritionist. But the author is a dietician and a diabetic she discusses all the food groups what you can eat and what you should avoid, talks about food exchanges (old way) and counting carbs (new way). I highly recommend this book for recipes that show you how to count them and how to make them a part of your healthy eating plan. I'm not a diabetic, but have used her book for years, her recipes taste good.0
-
In American 5.7 mmol/l is a little over 100 mg/dl.. You're pretty much dead at 18.
Counting carbs and ensuring your protein and fats are sufficient is helpful in managing blood glucose levels. A food diary, where you also track glucose levels in response to your consumption, is an invaluable tool in leaning what works best for you. 0 -
blktngldhrt wrote: »
In American 5.7 mmol/l is a little over 100 mg/dl.. You're pretty much dead at 18.
Counting carbs and ensuring your protein and fats are sufficient is helpful in managing blood glucose levels. A food diary, where you also track glucose levels in response to your consumption, is an invaluable tool in leaning what works best for you.
You misunderstood. Poster above was not saying that 5.7 mmol/l = 18 mg/dl. She/he was saying multiply by 18 for the conversion (* = multiply).
18 * 5.7 = 102.60 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »blktngldhrt wrote: »
In American 5.7 mmol/l is a little over 100 mg/dl.. You're pretty much dead at 18.
Counting carbs and ensuring your protein and fats are sufficient is helpful in managing blood glucose levels. A food diary, where you also track glucose levels in response to your consumption, is an invaluable tool in leaning what works best for you.
You misunderstood. Poster above was not saying that 5.7 mmol/l = 18 mg/dl. She/he was saying multiply by 18 for the conversion (* = multiply).
18 * 5.7 = 102.6
Thank you. 102.6 -- that makes sense now.
0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 426 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions