Acceptable Substitutions
DawnyB1210
Posts: 55
I was diagnosed about a month ago. The fact that my choices were having a real impact on my health and, let's face it, my life expectancy, really hit home. I was living as if I was in my 20's, when in reality I'm double that :-). I had to face that it was time for some serious changes to happen. I've been counting my carbs and being pretty compulsive about tracking EVERYTHING I eat. I've started walking during my lunch hour. I'm starting to see my changes affecting how I feel, and yes, I'm seeing a difference in the scale and in my blood sugar levels as well.
The discovery that I wanted to share is that I can't be happy if I feel as if I'm missing out on something..i.e. a big bowl of pasta, but I can deal with life much better if I have a reasonable substitute. Sooo, while my family is enjoying a heaping bowl of linguine, I can have my shirataki noodles, and be reasonably satisfied. I admit, they aren't as good, but with my homemade marinara and a green salad, I'm OK. I've done the same with ice cream..I get my frozen yogurt fix from Sweet Frog every weekend, and it gives me something to look forward to.
Does anyone else out there have "Acceptable Substitutions" that help make life easier to cope with? Care to share?
The discovery that I wanted to share is that I can't be happy if I feel as if I'm missing out on something..i.e. a big bowl of pasta, but I can deal with life much better if I have a reasonable substitute. Sooo, while my family is enjoying a heaping bowl of linguine, I can have my shirataki noodles, and be reasonably satisfied. I admit, they aren't as good, but with my homemade marinara and a green salad, I'm OK. I've done the same with ice cream..I get my frozen yogurt fix from Sweet Frog every weekend, and it gives me something to look forward to.
Does anyone else out there have "Acceptable Substitutions" that help make life easier to cope with? Care to share?
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I'm IR, not diabetic, but I have to watch it. I have found a pita and flat bread that are very low in carbs and really high in fiber and protein. This is my bread substitution. I do eat pasta but it's also a whole grain, low carb/high fiber and I eat the 2 oz serving. I generally have a protein course as well with it, using it as a side dish. I tried shirataki noodles and they made me ill. I can't get past the texture. I also use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles as a pasta substitute and they are surprisingly good. Even husband likes them! I altered my gnocchi recipe to work with sweet potato and it's really good! I use farro instead of rice, sometimes quinoa but I don't like it as well.
I've had success making panna cotta and clafoutis with stevia, so I can have a desert now and again.
This is some of the things I have found to help me.0 -
I hear ya. Since I was in Junior High, I've always wanted to eat what's on everyone else's plate. Here are some substitutions I enjoy at home:
Bread - I have a lower carb version and many times eat a half sandwich that's piled with meat and veggies.
Pasta - I make pasta dishes with a tiny bit of pasta and lots of protein and veggies (even Hubby eats them!).
Ice Cream - Definitely Frozen Yogurt. I've also been known to make real fruit smoothies with coconut milk and a little bit of stevia.
Flavored drinks - I use those flavored liquids in my water. Love them!
Here are some things I do when I eat out:
Order a side of pasta (and tell them I only want half of it) while Hubby orders a full dinner of pasta. Add a salad and meatballs or sausage.
Order a hamburger, but slide all the toppings and meat through the bun each bite, which leaves half a bun on the table, but I had a taste of bun in every bite!
Order the fried appetizer and have one or two, but no more.
Leave food on the table or take it home for leftovers.
Instead of ordering french fries, I ask Hubby if I can have a few.
Make dessert a snack instead of ordering at the restaurant (and get Hubby to do that too)
Create a great day!
Kristen0
