Diabetes & Carbs

wells1203
wells1203 Posts: 6 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I'm a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic, I'm having trouble constantly craving carbs. What are some ways to not crave carbs? I'm trying to lose some weight, but just can't. I'm a picky eater, kind of vegetarian, but will eat some turkey & chicken; but I love sweets and with miss u diabetes that's not real good. How can I stop craving carbs!? Also what are some good snack ideas!?

Replies

  • SharonNehring
    SharonNehring Posts: 535 Member
    Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to decrease carb cravings than to force yourself to stop eating so many of them. The first couple of weeks are tough but stick it out and the cravings gradually decrease. It's like quitting soda, smoking or anything else. There's nothing easy about it at first.

    I stick to carb counting religiously. That way I can still have some carbs but only within reason. I allow no more than 135gm a day, with no more than 45gm in one meal. If I want to snack, which is always, then no more than 30gm per meal with the extras used for snacks.

    I'm type 2, this is the plan my diabetes educator teaches and it's working well for me.I lose more weight if I keep carbs closer to 100gm a day but realistically, that's not going to happen every day. The other big thing is daily exercise. Comparing 2 weeks, one of lower carb/ exercise versus one lower carb only, I lose double the amount during the exercise week.

    For snacks, I focus on protein.. Hardboiled eggs, cheese, greek yogurt, low fat milk, nuts, nut butters, tuna etc. For sweet, sugar free jello with low cal cool whip is a great sweet treat. Frozen banana slices with peanut butter. Strawberries, melon etc in controlled amounts. Skinny Cow ice cream treats and bars are my favorites! Caramel truffle is wonderful and the peanut butter chocolate bars are like candy.
  • GlucernaBrand
    GlucernaBrand Posts: 486
    Sharon has some excellent ideas. Other things to consider: when blood sugar levels are high or too low our body craves energy, which often translates into craving for sweets. Keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range can go a long way toward reducing cravings. Cravings can be triggered by situations (birthday parties, the break room at work full of donuts, etc), people (my grandmother who also had fresh-baked cookies on hand), and emotions (feeling sad, bored, tired, happy, etc). It can be helpful to think about what is going on when you have a craving, and start to notice trends. And as Sharon said, the longer you work at this, the easier it gets. ~Lynn /Glucerna
  • Caharleygirl
    Caharleygirl Posts: 110 Member
    some good advice...

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