Things I have learned

[Guest guest]

I have been a foodie and a diabetc for many

many years.

I managed to learn a few things along the

way- hopefully they will help someone else

to learn from my mistakes instead of the

hard way  !!

Whatever you call them- sodas, soft drinks,

Cokes, refrescos, root beer, dr pepper , mountain dew sprite,

crush -  they are EVIL  !!!

No matter if they are diet or sugar free or

straight up, they all have harmful chemicals

that can suppress your immune system.

They are also addictive.

Avoid them and train yourself to love water,

teas, coffee, or aguas frescas.  Aguas frescas

are infusiions made from flowers or fruit.

They are more natural and have less sugar than straight juice.

When you have something to eat, think about the fiber content.

In my experience, if you have something at night with fiber in

it there is less likelihood of you crashing from low blood sugar.

If there is something you LOVE to eat but it has too much

anything, look for a substitute.

For example, if you like pickles, lets say... sweet  pickles,

a better option would be sour dills becaue they are not

made with sugar.   But if you think dills have too much salt,

make your own refrigerator dills which dont need the salt

for preservation.

Or make a fresh pickle of cucumbers, onion, vinegar and

olive oil.  and mebeb some hot pepper flakes if you like hot things.

Hot peppers are good for making you feel happy due to their endorphin

content and are also high in viatmin C and make you feel satisfied

as well as pepping up the taste buds.

When possible avoid processed foods.

You dont need the hidden chemicals or salts or sugars.

Homeade tastes better, is cheaper and fresher as well and

you can make it to your own taste.  Some examples are

mustard, blender mayonnaise, salsa, salad dressings like

ranch or blue cheese or italian ot french.

Try to find textures that mimic those of the things you like but are not

good for you, like kale chips instead of potato chips, or sweet potato

fries instead of white potato fries, steamed tacos instead of hard-fried

ones.

Little changes add up yo a big difference !

Often, dialysis patients have high phosphorus

(vitamin K) leves in their blood and this cases them to be unable to et many

things we all love like chocolate and cheese.

I have learned to use cream cheese instead

my preferred cheese on burgers or in pasta or sandwiches or

other things.

Whole wheat pasta is better than regular pasta because is has fiber

and your body needs that fiber to ruminate on.  Whole wheat crackers

and cookies are better.

Instead of sugar syrup, use agave nectar or just a sprinkle of cinnamon

on waffles, etc.

Use the pure fruit spreads instead of jelly, or at least preserves which

have more fiber thn jelly and have a great texture.

Instead of relying on salt for taste use other spices or a squeeze of lime

or lemon or a spritz of vinegar.

If you feel the need to put something in your mouth, suck on ice.

Take one bite at a time, chew it deliberately, and dont pick up

another bite until you have swallowed the previous one.

Thank God for each bite or sip a you take it.

If you MUST have cake or pie, choose one with fruit and/or

nuts for the fiber in it.

I am not a dietician nor a doctor, just a lay diabetic who

wants to help others avoid the pirfalls I have experienced.

We all need a little sugar,just choose your poison wisely.  (ie: grapes

instead of a candy bar !

You might want to join

DIABETIC-RECIPE@yahoogroups,com

Love and Good Luck, Lavanda