Carb Counting
CALIECAT
Posts: 12,530 Member
I have come to the conclusive that I need to count carbs and not calories
My plan is to record my net carbs here each night after my evening meal What numbers should I aim for. I thought start off I will do 100 grams of cabs. net carbs? Any help will be appreciated and any low carb recipes.
I am not counting the carbs in veggies , Just the bad carbs as some call it. May change it up some as I go along. NEEDS YOUR IDEALS
Marie
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My plan is to record my net carbs here each night after my evening meal What numbers should I aim for. I thought start off I will do 100 grams of cabs. net carbs? Any help will be appreciated and any low carb recipes.
I am not counting the carbs in veggies , Just the bad carbs as some call it. May change it up some as I go along. NEEDS YOUR IDEALS
Marie
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Replies
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I think you'll found that paying attention to the amount of carbohydrate you eat - each time you eat - is really useful information. Every time we eat carbohydrate, it's digested into blood glucose, which is why keeping track of the amount of carbohydrate you eat at each meal and snack is more important than the total grams of carbohydrate for the day. There isn't one set amount of carbohydrate that works for everyone, but The American Diabetes Association suggests starting with 45-60gm of carbohydrate per meal. You can read more here: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/carb-counting/ It's a good idea to talk with your physician and/or diabetes educator about the appropriate amount of carbohydrate for you at each meal and snack. Let us know what you discover! ~Lynn /Glucerna0
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My total carbs for today is 78 .......My fiber is 21 So my net carbs is 57 for today.
Marie0 -
Totally depends on the individual & what your goals are geared towards.
I'm 45 yrs old & I eat to my meter. If certain foods spike me beyond my goals, I first decrease the serving amount to see if I can make it fit my target BG's and if not, cut out altogether.
bloodsugar101.com is a great place to start. My goals are less than 140 mg/dl 1 hour PP, less than 120 mg/dl 2 hr PP and casual BG's around 100-110 mg/dl. I also aim for 88-96 mg/dl for fasting.
Good luck :drinker:0 -
totally a very successive day yesterday. I think this will work.
good luck to all for keeping your blood sugar in check. we can do it. I do believe carb counting is the way to go.
time to get my quoted in for breakfast
marie0 -
My low carb breakfast
001 by rieriecat, on Flickr
Sorry the picture did not turn out good.
I had 2 eggs crack over a bed of chopped salad baked with tomatoes and 1 very small tangerine MFP Said the tangerine did not have any carbs and since I do not count the carbs in vegies I had a no carb breakfast
marie0 -
Actually, tangerines do contain carbohydrate; all fruit has some carbohydrate and the amount depends on the type of fruit and the amount you eat. I looked up tangerines here in MFP, and 1 medium tangerine has 13 grams carbohydrate. You had an excellent breakfast, just with more carbohydrate than you realized. It looks like you're making great changes! ~Lynn /Glucerna0
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Totally depends on the individual & what your goals are geared towards.
I'm 45 yrs old & I eat to my meter. If certain foods spike me beyond my goals, I first decrease the serving amount to see if I can make it fit my target BG's and if not, cut out altogether.
bloodsugar101.com is a great place to start. My goals are less than 140 mg/dl 1 hour PP, less than 120 mg/dl 2 hr PP and casual BG's around 100-110 mg/dl. I also aim for 88-96 mg/dl for fasting.
Good luck :drinker:
Eating to your meter is really really effective advice.
Your breakfast, while tasty, did indeed have quite a few carbs from the tomato and tangerine (somewhere around 20-25 carbs total for both) and a few minimal carbs from the chopped lettuce. It's only by using your meter that you'll know whether or not that amount of carbs is a good fit for you.
Bloodsugar101.com is an excellent resource. My goals are similar to hoolilau's and I lowered my A1c from 7.3 to 5.1 by learning to use my meter to select my foods.0 -
I don't really know how to eat from my meter
How often do you test ? and what does it tell you. my doctor only having me test 3 times a day.. Before I eat to know how much fast acting insulin I need to take I take Lantus at nigh- Marie0 -
Here are three different explanations of eating to your meter. Basically, rather than following a set number of carbs per meal, you evaluate a particular meal using meter readings before eating and then at your peak.
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14045524.php ( This is the bloodsugar101 site mentioned above - I also HIGHLY recommend reading the rest of this site!!)
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/2006/10/test-review-adjust.html
http://lizzysdlounge.com/2012/03/14/testing-101/
Technique for eating to your meter:
Establish your target range for blood sugar levels.(http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14045621.php) Commit to keeping your blood sugar under this level.
Test right before eating. Log the reading.
Test again one hour after your first bite, and log the reading along with what and how much you ate. This is assumed to be about the highest peak - the spike - from the meal.
Test a third time two hours after your first bite. This is hoped to show your blood sugar dropping back to roughly what it was before the meal. If it is, you're showing a good second phase insulin response. If it is not, you should continue testing until you find your blood sugar beginning to drop.
Analyzing these readings along with the foods you've eaten enables you to see which foods have the worst effect on your blood sugar, so you can avoid consuming them in the future.
It's fair to give each meal a second chance, in case there could be an outside influence on the elevated reading, but after two or three experiments, it is wise to avoid or sharply restrict the foods which drastically spike your blood sugar. After several weeks of extensive testing this way, you'll have compiled a personalized list of foods you can eat safely, for the most part. Not saying things don't change, and foods which were safe at one time could become troublesome later (and thankfully, the reverse as well), but for the most part, eating to your meter is an excellent way to control diabetes and keep side effects at bay.
This can also be used to test individual foods such as fruits and things you suspect are going to spike you, but you'd like to know if perhaps you can eat small amounts.
Once you have an arsenal of "good" foods/meals to choose from, you can reduce the amount of testing that you do. I no longer test 1 and 2 hours after meals unless I am trying a new recipe. Speak to your doctor about increasing the amount of test strips you use, at least for a while. Tell him it is necessary for you to gain TIGHT CONTROL. If he or your insurance balks at covering the test strips, you can purchase a ReliOn meter from Walmart without a prescription. 50 test strips are $9 - quite reasonable.0 -
Thanks I am going to walmart in the morning and will check it out. Sounds kinda of complicated to me .But maybe not after I get used to it. I am 83 years old and memory is kind of bad.and eyesight is not good either so excuse all the typo errors.
Thanks for your help.i this What I will do tomorrow.?
Test my fasting Take my fast acting insulin aitt I hour and take reading again.
Thanks
Marie0 -
1. Take your fasting reading (or a before meal reading)
2. Eat breakfast (or lunch or dinner)
3. Take a 1 hour reading - is it at or below your goal? Your goal is YOURS. Using both a fast-acting and a basal insulin, you may have a higher goal than I do. You will want to pay careful attention to your dosing while you are playing with carb counts. There is a distinct possibility of hypoglycemia if you reduce carbs without also reducing insulin dosage.
4. Take a 2 hour reading - it should be lower than your one hour reading
I'm assuming you base your fast acting insulin on how many carbs you are expecting to eat at a meal. Again, you need to be careful with reducing carbs without also reducing fast-acting insulin. Your basal insulin dosages may also need to be adjusted the longer you follow a low-carb diet. I don't take any medications any more and never took insulin, so I'm hesitant to advocate too low a goal for you while you're still learning about control.
Have you ever checked out the forums at www.diabetes.org? While I'm not a fan of the ADA in general as I think the ADA's general advice does a great disservice to diabetics when damaging blood glucose levels are advocated, I've found their member forums to be very helpful. Another VERY helpful forum is at diabetesforum.com. VERY helpful, especially when it comes to insulin and a LCHF diet. Honestly, I'd feel better if you posted over at either place, as many of the members are insulin-depepndent diabetics who are maintaining tight control.0 -
I'm assuming you base your fast acting insulin on how many carbs you are expecting to eat at a meal. Again, you need to be careful with reducing carbs without also reducing fast-acting insulin. Your basal insulin dosages may also need to be adjusted the longer you follow a low-carb diet. I don't take any medications any more and never took insulin, so I'm hesitant to advocate too low a goal for you while you're still learning about control.
Me too. I'd been able to control my blood sugar with this method & did not resort to Insulin, I have T2D & have been diagnosed for a little over 6 months. I'm 45 yrs old & now that I know how it all works, I realize that ever since getting pregnant with my son 17 yrs ago, my blood sugar regulation had been slowly breaking down.Have you ever checked out the forums at www.diabetes.org? While I'm not a fan of the ADA in general as I think the ADA's general advice does a great disservice to diabetics when damaging blood glucose levels are advocated, I've found their member forums to be very helpful. Another VERY helpful forum is at diabetesforum.com. VERY helpful, especially when it comes to insulin and a LCHF diet. Honestly, I'd feel better if you posted over at either place, as many of the members are insulin-depepndent diabetics who are maintaining tight control.
I agree completely here too. It's an understatement to say I'm not a fan of the ADA recommendations, but if you have a mind to, there's plenty you can do that they don't mention as well as plenty you shouldn't do that they advocate.
Before making any drastic changes, if I were you, I'd get me a warm drink & get comfy, start reading at bloodsugar101.com.
Then with specific questions in hand, head to www.diabetesforum.com or www.diabetes.org. and post there with your specific questions for the challenges you are facing.
Good luck, you're on the right track :drinker:
ETA: it's not as complicated as you might think, you're a smart lady, you'll work it out
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You're getting a lot of really helpful information from this group. Another suggestion: when you talk with your doctor, ask for a referral to a diabetes educator. You can sit down with the diabetes educator, show him/her your blood sugar log, and ask questions. They'll be able to give you specific recommendations for your individual situation. ~Lynn /Glucerna0
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I sure have been getting some great tips from these girls. I have never heard eating by your meter For years I have been taking my readings, show them to my doctor Which I never learned a darn thing . Stick my fingers stab my belly and getting no where. I think the lack of educations has been my problems.
I want to thank each one of you for the help. I am still reading up on all of this for it is so new to me..
Does any of you know if there is an e book on this subject So I can read on it in the comfort of a warm room. My computer room is quite chilly during this recent cold spell and My eyes are so bad cannot read these sites too good. But I can read e books real well..
marie from Mesquite, Texas0 -
Absolutely. So glad you asked. Here are links to 3 Kindle books that will help you.
Blood Sugar 101: what they don't tell you about diabetes by Jenny Rhul is the first book for Kindle I got upon diagnosis.
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Sugar-101-About-Diabetes-ebook/dp/B004Z8RXQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388699115&sr=8-1&keywords=blood+sugar+101
Then I bought Diet 101: the truth about low carb diets by Jenny Rhul
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080JVKMK/ref=oh_d__o04_details_o04__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The third ebook I bought was Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QZ9PC4/ref=oh_d__o02_details_o02__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
With these 3 books I was able to study up & get comfortable with all the latest information in an easy to understand format. Jenny Rhul has a very plain writing style that is easy to understand & she makes things crystal clear.
Dr. Bernstein's book was very helpful as well for a bunch of different reasons but both add to the abstract that will give you a good understanding of what's happening with you and how you can effect change. Even though you are diabetic, you still have the right to normal blood sugars.
I like my Endo, really I do...but his criteria is so low that I'm just not able to follow his advice. He's happy with 180 mg/dl 2 hours after a meal :noway: If he's wrong, he's not the one who will be paying the price. It's just not a chance I'm willing to take. :drinker:
edited to add: if you're using the Google chrome browser, in the upper right hand corner there's what looks like a small magnifying glass with a + sign in the center of it...if you click that, you can make the text larger. May make it easier to read0 -
I did get the eBook on 1oo quite interesting
I am loging my foods and testing after 1 hour and after 2 hours of eating
For breakfast I had 2 fried eggs with 1 t of coconut oil and arrowroot thin bun with 1 T of butter Glass of water.
had 5 units of fast acting insulin. Will be keeping you inform. Thanks so much for all of your support
Marie
oh by the way today is my WI day and I lost 4.9 lb this week. I have been eating lower carbs. So I am happy with that0 -
here is my reading
Blood sugar
6 AM----117
7 AM ---145
8 AM
117
Since I went back to my fasting reading at 8 do that mean I am doing Ok. I would love to hear your output on this. I don't think I can do it alone.
I also Have stated login my foods.
Trying to drink more water
You girls have really open my eyes. I did get the e book on 101 plan on reading on it today. So far I am liking what I saw. This is
really all new to me.
Thanks so much.0 -
heyyy
Sounds like you're doing well! 4.9#'s is awesome. Generally the first few pounds of a low carb diet are water weight but it sure is encouraging!! :laugh: The next few pounds will be fat for sure :smokin:
I can't really comment on how well you're doing because I'm not using Insulin, but YOU can tell us how you're doing by telling us what your targets and guidelines are.0 -
here is my reading
Blood sugar
6 AM----117
7 AM ---145
8 AM
117
Since I went back to my fasting reading at 8 do that mean I am doing Ok. I would love to hear your output on this. I don't think I can do it alone.
Absolutely!...I also think that since it went back to your baseline that what you're doing agrees with your body
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Your two-hour number is exactly what you want to see! Your peak (1 hour number) is a little high, but your fasting number is also a little high so that is to be expected. Eventually, your goal is to be under 140 (the magic danger number) at peak but that will come as you gather more information and make the necessary adjustments.
You may find that your body responds differently to the same amount of carbs at different times of the day. Personally, my insulin resistance is highest in the morning, so I need to be very very low carb for breakfast (5- 10 grams total carbs, not even net carbs) I can eat quite a few more for dinner though without going over my goals though.
Those meters are extremely helpful and it's wonderful that you've discovered the most valuable tool in your arsenal!0 -
************************************************************* my doctor has never mention this and my diabetic specialist has never mention it eithers thankful to have met you guys.Your two-hour number is exactly what you want to see! Your peak (1 hour number) is a little high, but your fasting number is also a little high so that is to be expected. Eventually, your goal is to be under 140 (the magic danger number) at peak but that will come as you gather more information and make the necessary adjustments.
You may find that your body responds differently to the same amount of carbs at different times of the day. Personally, my insulin resistance is highest in the morning, so I need to be very very low carb for breakfast (5- 10 grams total carbs, not even net carbs) I can eat quite a few more for dinner though without going over my goals though.
Those meters are extremely helpful and it's wonderful that you've discovered the most valuable tool in your arsenal!
140 is what I should be aiming for at my 1 hour testing?
Thanks I feel like I may get control of this0 -
You've really accomplished a lot in just one week! As you continue to test your blood sugar and keep track of carbohydrate intake, you'll start to notice trends. For example, your blood sugar may go higher after a meal when you eat more carbohdyrate, or eat a specific food. Or you may notice that your blood sugar comes down more on a day when you get more physical activity. The trends will help you figure out what really works best for you. ~Lynn /Glucerna0
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Thanks Lynn......I have not been hungry nor have I had any cravens So so far so good.. anxious to see what my 5 Pm reading is.Will post the result for the day then.
marie Dallas Texas0 -
Blood sugar this morning was 154 an hour later 212 waiting for my two hour at 10 AM hope it is better I am kind of put out on my readings This morning.0
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Breakfast was ...154
1 hor later was...212
@ hours later ....179
Way off track.
Breakfast Calories Fiber Carbs Sodium Protein Chol
Baby Cuties - Clementines, 1 clementines 40 2 9 0 1 0
Eggs - Whole, raw, 2 large 147 0 1 140 13 423
Oroweat Multi-grain Sandwich Thins - Flat Round Bread Bun, 1 ROLL 100 5 23 170 4 0
Emerald Laboratories Coconut Oil - Extra Virgin Ceertified Organic Coconut Oil, 0.33 T. 42 0 0 0 0 0
Add Food Quick Tools
From MFP
329 7 33 310 18 423
snacks0 -
Now you've done the testing and are getting valuable information, so it's time to move on to reviewing and adjusting
Your meter is telling you that Friday's menu, based on your FBG this morning, was too high in carbs. What were your testing results after your dinner on Friday? Legumes like black-eyed peas and other beans can be tricky for a diabetic. They sound SO healthy, but your meter is disagreeing. I'm a southern girl and I love love love beans....lentils, field peas, navy beans, Northern beans. LOVE! According to my meter, I can't eat 3/4 of a cup, so I get my bean fix by sprinkling a tablesppon of so (yes, that's an extremely small amount) on my salads.
Carrots are also a vegetable that may need to be severely restricted or eliminated from your diet. And you had no fats at dinner to help balance the 47 carbs (34 net carbs) In fact, I noticed that you aren't tracking fat at all. You may want to start. Eliminate tracking cholesterol, as dietary cholesterol doesn't have the impact on serum cholesterol that it was once thought and add a column for fat. Fat is the only macro that doesn't affect blood glucose. It is your friend.
High fat. Moderate protein, because excessive protein does convert to glucose. Low carb. Figuring out the actual percentages is up to you ... and your meter.
Moving on to breakfast this morning and those results. Clementines and other citrus fruits are another tricky spot and you'll need to rely on your meter for information. I had to eliminate citrus. Yes, it made me sad as I used to live for the end of November and those cute crates of clementines. My meter said "Nope" and I had to listen. Fruits now are berries and the occasional 1/2 apple (and a small apple to boot... no monster Honey Crisps). Melons can also be tricky, so pay attention to your meter if you decide to try them.
That "healthy" multi-grain thin flat may be (is) another issue at 23 carbs (18 net) You can try 1/2 of one, or look for a substitute like a Muffin in a Minute-MIM- (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/453964-low-carb-muffin-in-a-minute) or even using lettuce leaves as a wrap. I had a turkey burger last night wrapped in a lettuce "bun" and it was delicious. My husband is a Sicilian who insisted you could pry his bread from his cold, dead hands and he likes lettuce buns now. Not grudgingly accepts them, but actually LIKES them. Tastes can change. He also happily eats julienned zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta now. Huge change for him...HUGE. I'm still working on an acceptable-to-a Sicilian pizza, but I haven't given up yet :-)
If the thought of giving up the grains is just too much for you and you're not interested in making your own cloud bread (http://whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com/2012/06/gluten-free-grain-free-cloud-bread.html) or MIM, look for a commerical bread with better macros. I don't have a lot of suggestions because I did give up grains completely, but I know Joseph's (available at walmart) makes wraps and pitas that are lower-carb and higher fiber.
Test. Review. Adjust0 -
Thanks KDIPIAZZ I was really impress with you post to me. Thanks so much.
I will try some of those recipes on that link you sent me I also been reading some of your dairy to get ideals too.
I got to say you look fabulous. I think I might be getting organized somewhat. I will be posting my dairy and writing in the notes my hourly testing. and not have it scatter everywhere It will be easier to compare too. You are a sweetie to help this old lady Be back after dinner and hopefully stay awake to do my extra testing.
Hugs Marie
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Everyone has days where things don't work out the way we want. We can learn from this by thinking about what might have led to higher blood sugar numbers: less sleep, poor quality sleep, increased stress, illness, less activity, or consuming more carbohydrate are possibilities. I hope the rest of your day improves! ~Lynn /Glucerna0
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fasting G 80
M
Marie0 -
Excellent!0
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