Advice for diabetic mom. I think I hit a plateau right from beginning.

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Replies

  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    What they all said about eating more than you think. Thats whats preventing your weight loss, you are simply at maintenance.

    Heres a quick guide for diabetic dieting and it lists the type of food they suggest you should be considering.

    The NHS (and Diabetes UK) recommend a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat, sugar and salt and contain a high level of fresh fruit and vegetables.

    http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/nhs-diet-advice.html
    http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes-type2/pages/living-with.aspx

  • wagglesworth
    wagglesworth Posts: 53 Member
    I am 64 and I was a Type II Diabetic, taking multiple insulin shots a day as well as oral medication. As of about 2 weeks ago I am totally free of it as well as the meds for high blood pressure and cholesterol. What I did was a variation of the Paleo diet. As of yesterday I've lost 81 pounds, that's been since I started last July 1st. My physician is very pleased with my results. I still have quite a ways to go, but I can live comfortably on this diet.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    minideema wrote: »

    I agree the amount of calories in a tsp of oil and nuts are shocking. The only month I lost weight was when I quit non veg including eggs completely. For a month only though.i realized chicken was very high in cals. So it's just fish and egg whites for me.

    But you are right! Portions are shocking.

    WHAT! 6oz roasted chicken breast = 281cals, 53g protein, 6g fat, 0 carbs

    I think chicken is a valuable source of lean protein. Disagree about it being very high in calories, unless you were having KFC and then thats the oil and coating.
  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    999tigger wrote: »
    What they all said about eating more than you think. Thats whats preventing your weight loss, you are simply at maintenance.

    Heres a quick guide for diabetic dieting and it lists the type of food they suggest you should be considering.

    The NHS (and Diabetes UK) recommend a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat, sugar and salt and contain a high level of fresh fruit and vegetables.

    http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/nhs-diet-advice.html
    http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes-type2/pages/living-with.aspx


    Thanks a ton! This was very helpful.
  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    I am 64 and I was a Type II Diabetic, taking multiple insulin shots a day as well as oral medication. As of about 2 weeks ago I am totally free of it as well as the meds for high blood pressure and cholesterol. What I did was a variation of the Paleo diet. As of yesterday I've lost 81 pounds, that's been since I started last July 1st. My physician is very pleased with my results. I still have quite a ways to go, but I can live comfortably on this diet.


    Congrats on such excellent control. I am wowed too. Thanks for sharing the process.

  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    999tigger wrote: »
    minideema wrote: »

    I agree the amount of calories in a tsp of oil and nuts are shocking. The only month I lost weight was when I quit non veg including eggs completely. For a month only though.i realized chicken was very high in cals. So it's just fish and egg whites for me.

    But you are right! Portions are shocking.

    WHAT! 6oz roasted chicken breast = 281cals, 53g protein, 6g fat, 0 carbs

    I think chicken is a valuable source of lean protein. Disagree about it being very high in calories, unless you were having KFC and then thats the oil and coating.


    You are right, when hungry I was binging on fried chicken. Most fast foods will offer grilled chicken only in salad. Wish they would sell grilled chicken nuggets. Joining an diet apps has opened my eyes to these differences. But I cannot resist curry chicken which is also high on oil.
  • princessnarmor
    princessnarmor Posts: 67 Member
    edited December 2014
    minideema wrote: »
    Hello,

    I have lost a few pounds only in the last six months. I have been doing gyming and yoga almost five days a week. Also weekly once yard work. Yard work and walking work wonders on my sugar levels. But even if I add a spoon of rice to my diet my numbers go up. My biggest challenge is a thick waist line. All the weight is there. I have stick legs and toned body otherwise.

    Please any advice on how to loose pounds for diabetics is welcome. I think I have hit a plateau now. :(

    I logged in on another site since September and it shows I almost two thousand calories every week that I saved. But I did not loose weight. I did log very honestly and almost daily.

    On the plus side I am doing more elliptical now since I started six months back. Thirty minutes with burn out of 247 daily. Plus yoga twenty to thirty mins. My waist line has loosened a bit although it still shines, since rest of the body has trimmed out more.

    My AIc went down by .3 points too. But I feel my hardwork is not being compensated.

    I am a very busy mom of two kids under five. And no joke taking them to gym everyday with me.

    Thanks.

    Boy do I feel your pain. I am not a diabetic. It does run in my family. Since I am not diabetic, I will call my issue, sugar sensitivity which has turned into Carb sensitivity.

    I know there are people out there and on this board who will tell you they are diabetic and they are not experiencing your issues. That's fine, they are NOT you. Your body will respond to things in its own way at its own time.

    All I can tell you is what works for me, being in the zone wherein my own body now resides--something akin to the twilight zone, because I don't recognize it or its weight loss ability any longer.

    I have found that over a weekly basis, if I eat ANY sugar, I tend not to lose weight, or as much weight. I can be within my calories for the day and the week and I just won't lose anything.

    I have found that if I eat bread, I will not lose weight over the week.

    I have found that if I eat oils, other than spray oil and a little bit of butter over the week, I will not lose weight.

    I learned all of this after 30 plus years of dieting and in particular the past 4.5 years since I stopped smoking.

    Experiment with your own body and listen to what it tells you. If you can afford the nutritionist, and I were in your shoes, I would go.

  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    FWIW, this diabetic mom has lost 55+lbs (from 232 to 176), lowered her A1C from 7+ to 5.3 over 18months with walking and eating less. I didn't cut ANYTHING out of my diet and still have my 2-3 daily cups of coffee with 2tps real sugar, 1 tbsp flavored creamer. Still eat ice cream, chocolate, pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, cake, pumpkin pie.

    OH, and "eating more fat and protein" didn't give you "a solid pot belly." A surplus of calories did.

    Wonderful mama! Walkin is the remedy I believe in. As a teenager I lost huge with walking and yoga. Wish I had kept doing this.
  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    As someone who has struggled with staying out of the diabetic range as well as acid reflux issues, I can say a nutritionist has been and is currently a huge help to me - I can't make time to get to the nutritionist so we do skype sessions after my kids (yep I have kids too) have gone to bed - nutritionists can really help customize a plan or tips for/that are right for you. For me I look to combining protein and fiber and staying away from citric fruits, having healthy snacks and following the 80-20 rule to allow for some indulgence combined with a mix of cardio and moderate strength training.

    I also have to believe that even if you are not losing all the time that with consistent exercise your clothes are fitting better - I think the waist line will come but these things don't happen overnight. I am guessing that even some mild strength training will help as well.

    Good luck!

    Thank you. I admit the waist line has shrunk a bit for me too. Atleast I don't feel embarrassed now!

  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    minideema wrote: »
    999tigger wrote: »
    minideema wrote: »

    I agree the amount of calories in a tsp of oil and nuts are shocking. The only month I lost weight was when I quit non veg including eggs completely. For a month only though.i realized chicken was very high in cals. So it's just fish and egg whites for me.

    But you are right! Portions are shocking.

    WHAT! 6oz roasted chicken breast = 281cals, 53g protein, 6g fat, 0 carbs

    I think chicken is a valuable source of lean protein. Disagree about it being very high in calories, unless you were having KFC and then thats the oil and coating.


    You are right, when hungry I was binging on fried chicken. Most fast foods will offer grilled chicken only in salad. Wish they would sell grilled chicken nuggets. Joining an diet apps has opened my eyes to these differences. But I cannot resist curry chicken which is also high on oil.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/low-fat_chicken_curry_88832

    Here a healthy chicken curry and even a bideo showing you how to make it.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    eldamiano wrote: »
    Dont see how being diabetic is relevant. If it was, then you wouldnt have lost any weight....

    I suggest actually understanding what diabetes is before making such an ignorant comment.
  • AmberRiche4
    AmberRiche4 Posts: 21 Member
    I agree with FatFreeFrolicking - unless you know what you are talking about it is best to not say anything. There are some awesome people here who are only too happy to help and support you, Minideema.
    I am insulin resistant (not yet Diabetic) and desperately trying to deal with it. Recently I did a course as recommended by my nurse to help me try and get on top of things. Previously I thought I knew it all - boy was this a wake-up for me!
    (*) Minideema is at least trying to get on top of things here - working hard with nutrition and exercise - as diabetes plays havoc with your metabolism and the way your body processes food esp carbs, the standard guidelines are not what works for them.
  • DamitJanit
    DamitJanit Posts: 1,329 Member
    When I was first diagnosed as a diabetic about 10 years ago, the first thing my doctor said was something to the effect of that's why you have that "barrel belly" and told me it was indicative of diabetics.
    I've only been on MFP for less than 2 months but I don't have a hard time staying at or under 1200 calories. I look at the calorie value of foods before planning meals. I like food and this 1/4 cup of something doesn't work for me. So I pick the food I like with the lowest calories and get to eat more of it. I eat very few starches and only sugar in the lowest calorie fruits. Once in a while I'll be in the mood for nuts so I'll count out my 6 or 7 roasted almonds and savor every bite. Just know it can be done without starving and yes the protein is important. I eat a lot of chicken because I can have more of it than beef. Most of my carbs come from the veggies I eat and many of them I roast in the oven with cooking spray on the pan and seasonings. They are yummy.
    You can do this. Measure and record as accurately as possible and congrats on all the exercise. Good Luck!

    I am curious? Are you insulin dependent or on metformin? My A1C has been 5.5 the past two times and I've now lost 19 pounds with about 50 to go.
  • Blueseraphchaos
    Blueseraphchaos Posts: 843 Member
    minideema wrote: »
    999tigger wrote: »
    minideema wrote: »

    I agree the amount of calories in a tsp of oil and nuts are shocking. The only month I lost weight was when I quit non veg including eggs completely. For a month only though.i realized chicken was very high in cals. So it's just fish and egg whites for me.

    But you are right! Portions are shocking.

    WHAT! 6oz roasted chicken breast = 281cals, 53g protein, 6g fat, 0 carbs

    I think chicken is a valuable source of lean protein. Disagree about it being very high in calories, unless you were having KFC and then thats the oil and coating.


    You are right, when hungry I was binging on fried chicken. Most fast foods will offer grilled chicken only in salad. Wish they would sell grilled chicken nuggets. Joining an diet apps has opened my eyes to these differences. But I cannot resist curry chicken which is also high on oil.

    I have no idea if this will help you or not. But if you do feel like eating fast food, places like McDonald's that offer grilled chicken also offer the option of buying a grilled chicken breast fillet ala carte. It's something like $2 (at least it is where i work) and maybe 250 calories? I forget exactly. But you can even order a grilled chicken sandwich and get it without the bun or mayo, which gives you the lettuce and tomato and chicken, and then ask for a cup of honey mustard instead of mayo.

    Just little-known tricks if you want fast food without the higher calories. Although maybe at that point, you're better off with a salad, although the sandwich tends to be cheaper, lol
  • KrishDaNa
    KrishDaNa Posts: 31 Member
    I saw you said that you like to eat chicken curry and possibly other curries. I have Indian food about 80% of the time but I cook everything at home so I can control oil, salt, and fat etc... I also eat a lot of either bean or veggie curries instead of chicken or meat. Let me know if you would like any recipes.

    With carbs, it is just important to limit the amount. When my husband an I went to the doctor about portion size he said that we should stick to 45g of carbs at each meal. If it is possible go to a diabetic nurse and they will give you a whole bunch of literature on portion size.
  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    KrisDa24 wrote: »
    I saw you said that you like to eat chicken curry and possibly other curries. I have Indian food about 80% of the time but I cook everything at home so I can control oil, salt, and fat etc... I also eat a lot of either bean or veggie curries instead of chicken or meat. Let me know if you would like any recipes.

    With carbs, it is just important to limit the amount. When my husband an I went to the doctor about portion size he said that we should stick to 45g of carbs at each meal. If it is possible go to a diabetic nurse and they will give you a whole bunch of literature on portion size.

    thank you this is so sweet of you.

  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    minideema wrote: »
    999tigger wrote: »
    minideema wrote: »

    I agree the amount of calories in a tsp of oil and nuts are shocking. The only month I lost weight was when I quit non veg including eggs completely. For a month only though.i realized chicken was very high in cals. So it's just fish and egg whites for me.

    But you are right! Portions are shocking.

    WHAT! 6oz roasted chicken breast = 281cals, 53g protein, 6g fat, 0 carbs

    I think chicken is a valuable source of lean protein. Disagree about it being very high in calories, unless you were having KFC and then thats the oil and coating.


    You are right, when hungry I was binging on fried chicken. Most fast foods will offer grilled chicken only in salad. Wish they would sell grilled chicken nuggets. Joining an diet apps has opened my eyes to these differences. But I cannot resist curry chicken which is also high on oil.

    I have no idea if this will help you or not. But if you do feel like eating fast food, places like McDonald's that offer grilled chicken also offer the option of buying a grilled chicken breast fillet ala carte. It's something like $2 (at least it is where i work) and maybe 250 calories? I forget exactly. But you can even order a grilled chicken sandwich and get it without the bun or mayo, which gives you the lettuce and tomato and chicken, and then ask for a cup of honey mustard instead of mayo.

    Just little-known tricks if you want fast food without the higher calories. Although maybe at that point, you're better off with a salad, although the sandwich tends to be cheaper, lol

    thank you. very useful info! will def keep in mind.

  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    DamitJanit wrote: »
    When I was first diagnosed as a diabetic about 10 years ago, the first thing my doctor said was something to the effect of that's why you have that "barrel belly" and told me it was indicative of diabetics.
    I've only been on MFP for less than 2 months but I don't have a hard time staying at or under 1200 calories. I look at the calorie value of foods before planning meals. I like food and this 1/4 cup of something doesn't work for me. So I pick the food I like with the lowest calories and get to eat more of it. I eat very few starches and only sugar in the lowest calorie fruits. Once in a while I'll be in the mood for nuts so I'll count out my 6 or 7 roasted almonds and savor every bite. Just know it can be done without starving and yes the protein is important. I eat a lot of chicken because I can have more of it than beef. Most of my carbs come from the veggies I eat and many of them I roast in the oven with cooking spray on the pan and seasonings. They are yummy.
    You can do this. Measure and record as accurately as possible and congrats on all the exercise. Good Luck!

    I am curious? Are you insulin dependent or on metformin? My A1C has been 5.5 the past two times and I've now lost 19 pounds with about 50 to go.

    since I go to gym Daily. I am not dependent on any medicines. but when I know I am going to eat Chinese or overeat during those once in a month restaurant visits, I give myself a shot of insulin 20 units.

    I tried meds but they work only when I work out in gym. metformin gives me a sick stomach, so I take glyburide at most. but I avoid meds.

    I fill my stomach with unsweetened almond milk. and nuts too.

  • whiskey9890
    whiskey9890 Posts: 652 Member
    my boyfriend was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in september and was placed on metformin, since then he has lost almost 4 stone through changes to his diet alone.
    a typical day pre diagnosis:
    bacon sandwich on white bread with ketchup
    egg custard tart
    2 clementines
    banana
    biscuits and/or cakes in the office depending on if there was a birthday, he would get what ever was sleft as well
    2 white bread rolls filled with a mayonaise based sandwich filler
    packet of crisps
    cereal bar
    then a LARGE evening meal often followed by desert

    typical day post diagnosis:
    greek yogurt with frozen fruits (prepped night before so fruit has defrosted)
    1 slice of seeded toast (burgen brand bread)
    1 clemantine
    1 apple
    sandwich consisting of 2 slices of seeded bread with a small ammount of low fat spread and a roast chicken breast that was seasoned with herbs or spices sliced thinly
    2 sticks of celery
    1 carrot
    3 radishes
    7 cherry tomatoes
    a small evening meal followed with sugar free jelly
    no cakes or biscuits no matter whos birthday it is

    if he needs a snack it tends to be peanut butter on celery and on a saturday he throws caution to the wind and has death in a box aka pizza. at a weekend instead of having the chicken sandwich he has tinned fish.

    he thankfully can eat pasta and rice in small quantities but potatoes really throw his blood sugars out of whack so we avoid them.

    for the evening meal i spend a lot of time reading labels, we were given the advice to keep sat fats below 3g per 100g, sugar and salt below 5g per 100g it has worked well for him.

    unfortunately all diabetics are different, i just wanted to show you that it was possible to lose weight while being a diabetic
  • minideema
    minideema Posts: 30 Member
    my boyfriend was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in september and was placed on metformin, since then he has lost almost 4 stone through changes to his diet alone.
    a typical day pre diagnosis:
    bacon sandwich on white bread with ketchup
    egg custard tart
    2 clementines
    banana
    biscuits and/or cakes in the office depending on if there was a birthday, he would get what ever was sleft as well
    2 white bread rolls filled with a mayonaise based sandwich filler
    packet of crisps
    cereal bar
    then a LARGE evening meal often followed by desert

    typical day post diagnosis:
    greek yogurt with frozen fruits (prepped night before so fruit has defrosted)
    1 slice of seeded toast (burgen brand bread)
    1 clemantine
    1 apple
    sandwich consisting of 2 slices of seeded bread with a small ammount of low fat spread and a roast chicken breast that was seasoned with herbs or spices sliced thinly
    2 sticks of celery
    1 carrot
    3 radishes
    7 cherry tomatoes
    a small evening meal followed with sugar free jelly
    no cakes or biscuits no matter whos birthday it is

    if he needs a snack it tends to be peanut butter on celery and on a saturday he throws caution to the wind and has death in a box aka pizza. at a weekend instead of having the chicken sandwich he has tinned fish.

    he thankfully can eat pasta and rice in small quantities but potatoes really throw his blood sugars out of whack so we avoid them.

    for the evening meal i spend a lot of time reading labels, we were given the advice to keep sat fats below 3g per 100g, sugar and salt below 5g per 100g it has worked well for him.

    unfortunately all diabetics are different, i just wanted to show you that it was possible to lose weight while being a diabetic


    so awesome! thank you tons! thank you so much for your time, this is such a long detailed reply! indeed I am limited on bread since I do not take meds. I agree pizza is death in a box for diabetics. its is better to have pizza with salad. but I cannot even do that. the mere smell of pizza will give me a spike.

    thanks again.
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