Managing My Prediabetes With Kale And Ice Cream
In my last blog post, I discussed how I was back on the healthy food and exercise wagon as a result of feeling jittery with too much sugar, participating in new and fun exercise routines with friends and fear of potential amputation and death from full on diabetes if I didn’t get my act together. The new question is this: How will I maintain this healthy lifestyle and be as strict with it as possible? Well, since this prediabetes journey began, I believe I have learned one lesson for sure; Perfect is the enemy of the good. You see, for those of us who already eat healthy, exercise and are of a healthy weight (like me), we may have to cut ourselves some slack and know that it is not always realistic to eat a carb free, paleo diet or exercise 6 times a week. Failing to do that does not mean we are going to fall sick and die. The truth is that even people who could do better in the food, exercise and weight department need to cut themselves some slack and do the best they can. At least that’s my opinion. It is very rare to find someone who can give up all treats and exercise daily. If those people exist—and I have met a few! — more power to them. For the rest of us mere mortals, or at least for me, I have come to the realization that we simply need to do the best that we can, forgive ourselves when we don’t, and get back up on the horse tomorrow or even right after we indulge. Here are a few more strategies that have worked for me: ALWAYS have healthy snacks (hard boiled eggs, cut up veggies, etc.) readily available in the front of your fridge and cabinet that you do indeed enjoy. This will prevent impulse snacking on garbage. ALWAYS eat before a social event where you suspect there may not be healthy food or have an emergency supply of healthy snacks in your bag Continue reading >>
Eating With Diabetes: Desserts And Sweets
Eating with Diabetes: Desserts and Sweets By Amy Poetker, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator 11/22/2010 Id be willing to bet that most everyone has been toldand therefore believesthat people with diabetes cannot have any sugar and are resigned to living without dessert for the rest of their lives. Well, as a Certified Diabetes Educator, I'm here to tell you that this is a myth. People with diabetes can eat sugar, desserts, and almost any food that contains caloric sweeteners (molasses, honey, maple syrup, and more). Why? Because people with diabetes can eat foods that contain carbohydrates, whether those carbohydrates come from starchy foods like potatoes or sugary foods such as candy. Its best to save sweets and desserts for special occasions so you dont miss out on the more nutritious foods your body needs. However, when you do decide to include a sweet treat, make sure you keep portions small and use your carbohydrate counting plan . The idea that people with diabetes should avoid sugar is decades old. Logically, it makes sense. Diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar. Sugary foods cause blood sugar levels to increase. Therefore people with diabetes should avoid sugary foods in order to prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and keep their diabetes under control. However, simply avoiding sugary foods does not go very far in terms of controlling blood sugar. Here's why. After you eat, your blood sugar level (aka postprandial blood glucose level) is largely determined by the total amount of carbohydrate you ate, not the source of the carbohydrates eaten. There are two types of carbohydrates that elevate your blood sugar levels: sugar and starch. Both will elevate your blood glucose to roughly the same level (assuming you ate the same a Continue reading >>
What To Eat With Diabetes: Winning Ice Creams
The next time you're craving a bowl of ice cream, scoop up one of our 16 best consumer-tasted and dietitian-approved finalists or winners. We conducted blind taste panels for more than 100 people, including people with diabetes, and awarded the top-rated ice creams our Diabetic Living What to Eat seal of approval. Please note that product information, packaging, and availability may have changed since our story first appeared. The next time you're craving a bowl of ice cream, scoop up one of our 16 best consumer-tasted and dietitian-approved finalists or winners. We conducted blind taste panels for more than 100 people, including people with diabetes, and awarded the top-rated ice creams our Diabetic Living What to Eat seal of approval. Please note that product information, packaging, and availability may have changed since our story first appeared. The next time you're craving a bowl of ice cream, scoop up one of our 16 best consumer-tasted and dietitian-approved finalists or winners. We conducted blind taste panels for more than 100 people, including people with diabetes, and awarded the top-rated ice creams our Diabetic Living What to Eat seal of approval. Please note that product information, packaging, and availability may have changed since our story first appeared. The next time you're craving a bowl of ice cream, scoop up one of our 16 best consumer-tasted and dietitian-approved finalists or winners. We conducted blind taste panels for more than 100 people, including people with diabetes, and awarded the top-rated ice creams our Diabetic Living What to Eat seal of approval. Please note that product information, packaging, and availability may have changed since our story first appeared. The next time you're craving a bowl of ice cream, scoop up one of our 16 bes Continue reading >>
Ice Cream, Ice Lollies & Frozen Yoghurt
With the first glimpses of some sunshine last weekend, we've seen a few ladies asking about ice cream & ice lollies in our Facebook support group and so whilst this was on my list of posts coming soon, I've brought it forward for all you eager ladies that are craving ice cream and let's face it, who cares what the weather is doing, we love ice cream! So can we eat ice cream, ice lollies and frozen yoghurt with gestational diabetes? Here we'll share hints & tips and our best finds... Diabetic & sugar free ice cream Diabetic or sugar free ice cream is often the first thing ladies turn to with gestational diabetes. There are lots of these 'diabetic' ice creams on the market, some like Frank's are widely available in many supermarkets and it's common to see diabetic ice creams in independent ice cream parlours. These ice creams are fine to eat with gestational diabetes but you shouldn't have to pay more for these 'diabetic' products and should be aware of the ingredients used. Diabetic ice creams often contain high amounts of artificial sweeteners (sometimes listed as polyols or sugar alcohols) which may cause gastric upsets, bloating, cramps, wind and diarrhoea. Sorbitol and mannitol can be the main culprit for causing gastric upset, but some people struggle with other sweeteners causing gastric upsets too. Natural sweeteners are often better tolerated than artificial. Diabetic ice creams can sometimes have a funny after taste or texture too, so whilst they shouldn't send your blood sugar levels soaring, you may find alternatives which suit you better. That said, sometimes it's just enough to take the ice cream craving away when you're walking along the beach! 99, Mr Whippy & Mcfluffy (soft serve ice cream) It is up to you to decide if you think it is safe to eat this type Continue reading >>
Best Ice Creams For Diabetics
Best Ice Creams For Diabetics: 5 Questions To Ask Yourself To help you both lower your blood sugar (glucose) and shed excess weight (which is often vital for diabetes control), the faculty at the Pritikin health resort suggest that you ask yourself the following 5 questions: 1 How much am I scooping out? Turn around any container of ice cream and you’ll likely see on the Nutrition Facts label that the serving size is a half cup. A level half cup. That’s the same size as those little single-serving containers of Jello pudding or Activia yogurt. Yep, four or five bites and it’s all over. So unless you’re being really careful (or using teeny-tiny bowls), you’re probably scooping out at least a cup, which means twice the calories, twice the artery clogging saturated fat, and twice the sugar that’s listed on the label. 2 Am I keeping a lid on sugar? It’s difficult to know exactly how much added sugar a serving of ice cream contains because the number you see for grams of sugar on the Nutrition Facts label includes added sugars as well as the naturally-occurring (and Pritikin-friendly) sugars from the milk and fruit ingredients. 100 calories Suffice it to say that if you’re sticking with fat-free ice creams and frozen yogurts that have 100 calories or fewer per serving, you’re probably not getting more than 3 teaspoons of added sugar, point out the Pritikin dietitians in their nutrition workshops at the health resort. But keep in mind that 3 teaspoons of added, refined sugar is still a lot, particularly if you’re concerned about your blood glucose and triglyceride levels, not to mention your waistline. The doctors and dietitians at Pritikin are far from alone in their concerns about added sugars. The American Heart Association now recommends no more than 6 Continue reading >>
Going To The Grocery Store With Diabetes: The Ice Cream And Frozen Novelty Aisle
Yes, it may be one of the colder sections of the grocery store, but the frozen dessert aisle is also the source of happy memories and the centerpiece of many celebrations. For those of us with diabetes, frozen confections were probably one of the first types of food that passed through our minds with a big red X on them as we got the news of our diagnosis. But now we know they don’t need to be condemned. Ice cream and frozen novelties can have a place in the diets of people with diabetes. Let’s discuss a few things about how we can have our ice cream cake and eat it too! First off, ice cream and frozen yogurt — what is the difference? In a blog entry I wrote on my own site a couple years ago, I explain in detail how each differs in calories and carbohydrates. Here is a summary of what I uncovered: Frozen yogurt is not necessarily the best option, especially for people with diabetes. While it is usually low in fat or fat-free, the fat has often been replaced with more sugar to add flavor. Also, frozen yogurt, depending on the brand, can contain unappealing ingredients such as corn syrup, artificial colors, and preservatives. Also, note that soft-serve ice cream is not frozen yogurt, a common point of confusion. Ice cream in all its dairy richness is generally higher in fat and lower in total carbohydrates than its frozen yogurt counterpart, and it is often more natural. I may be a bit biased, but I personally would rather have a bowl of full-fat ice cream that I know will have a more predictable effect on my blood sugar (with a delayed rise due to the fat), rather than a bland frozen yogurt that will spike my numbers more quickly because of the higher sugar and lower fat content. At the end of the day, it is a personal choice. But just know that you can absolutely Continue reading >>
How Does Ice Cream Affect Your Glucose Reading?
How Does Ice Cream Affect Your Glucose Reading? Larger servings will cause larger increases in blood sugar levels.Photo Credit: margouillatphotos/iStock/Getty Images Although some people think you need to give up all sweet treats if you're diabetic, that isn't necessarily the case. Choosing the right foods and properly planning your carbohydrate intake throughout the day can make it possible to indulge on occasion. While ice cream does contain carbohydrates and can increase your blood sugar levels somewhat, it won't necessarily cause blood sugar spikes. The carbohydrate content of ice cream varies. A 1/2-cup serving of chocolate soft serve or the same amount of fat-free, no-sugar-added ice cream in a flavor other than chocolate each has about 19 grams of carbohydrates. A premium vanilla ice cream, on the other hand, can have as much as 24 grams, and other premium flavors, such as those containing chunks of candy or other sweets, can be even higher in carbohydrates. One serving of carbohydrates for a diabetic is 15 grams, and diabetics can usually eat three to five servings per meal or one to two servings per snack and still maintain relatively stable blood sugar levels. This means a 1/2-cup serving of ice cream can take up half of a meal's carbohydrate servings and could contain more than the amount of carbohydrates allowed in a snack. The glycemic index helps predict how much a particular food is likely to raise blood sugar levels after you eat it. Foods low on the glycemic index with scores of 55 or less don't cause blood sugar levels to increase very much, while those with scores over 76 can cause large increases. Regular half-vanilla, half-chocolate ice cream has a GI of about 57, and low-fat raspberry ripple has a GI of 79. However, some low-fat ice creams have a Continue reading >>
Top 10 Worst Diet Choices If You Have Diabetes
If you have diabetes, in many ways your diet is your medicine. As diabetes educators, we help patients understand what food and beverage choices are best to avoid. When foods are high in carbohydrates, fat and sodium, they increase your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight gain, heart disease and uncontrolled sugar . Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Sweetened drinks. These include regular pop/soda, fruit punches and iced teas. These are loaded with sugar and calories, and they usually have little or no nutritional value. Instead, try infusing plain water with different berries and fruits so you can enjoy the natural sweetness. “Designer” or specialty coffee drinks – including frappuccinos or cappuccinos. That “once a day special treat” can add up to lots of extra sugar, calories and saturated fat. Instead, go for straight java, either black, with artificial sweetener or a small splash of skim milk. Whole milk. It has too much fat, which can lead to weight gain. Switch to 2 percent, 1 percent – or even better: skim milk. Keep in mind that one cup of skim milk has 12 grams of carbohydrates. If you don’t like milk or are lactose intolerant, you can drink almond milk, rice milk or soy milk instead—but remember to get the low sugar varieties. Hot dogs. These grilled little favorites are still high in saturated fat and sodium—yes, that even includes turkey dogs! Try to avoid them or eat them only occasionally. Packaged lunch meats. These are also high in saturated fat and sodium. Check your deli for low sodium meats—or better yet use sliced meat that you’ve roasted at home to make your sandwic Continue reading >>
Revisiting Ice Cream And Diabetes
In case you didn't get the memo: Yes, those of us with diabetes CAN eat ice cream. Even though some outside the diabetes community don't think so, and they try to convince us we can't or shouldn't, the fact remains that an ice cream sundae or vanilla waffle cone every once in a while isn't going to kill us. It's not the cause of any type of diabetes, either, and we're not promoting unhealthy eating by enjoying some ice cream on a special occasion. That was the message last summer, when the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) lit up in response to an Indianapolis newspaper columnist's published rant that diabetics can't or shouldn't eat ice cream — and that any organization using ice cream to raise money to send children with diabetes to camp has sold its soul to the devil. Yes, he actually wrote that. And we in the DOC responded. Loudly. Far and wide. (The newspaper has since removed the article - !) And there was ice cream. Now a year later, we're again sending the message that ice cream is OK. But more importantly, the message is that myths, stereotypes and misinformation about diabetes really hurt. They hurt fundraising, the general public's awareness, and the emotions of kids who are made to feel different and that they "can't do this" simply because of their diabetes. The Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana (DYFI) is hosting its 23rd annual Ice Cream On the Circle event July 13 in downtown Indianapolis, sponsored for the second year by the American Dairy Association of Indiana. Last year, more than a thousand people floated in and we raised $6,400 to help send children and teens with diabetes to our D-camp, called Camp Until a Cure. And it also helped raise some great awareness for the broader diabetes community, conveniently right in the middle of National Ice Crea Continue reading >>
Dr. Edelman On How To Eat Ice Cream With Diabetes
Dr. Steve Edelman talks about something most of us love: ice cream. In this episode of The Edelman Report, Dr. Edelman, an endocrinologist living with type 1 diabetes explains how to properly enjoy ice cream with diabetes. As you’ll see below, it has to do with awareness and enjoyment as well as portion control. Check out the short video below to find out what this endo thinks about those who tell us we can’t have sweets. Photo Credit: Dr. Steve Edelman What is Type 2 Diabetes? The Basics Life with Type 2 Diabetes: Emotions & Mental Health: Family, Friends & Relationships Holidays Continue reading >>
The Latest ‘scoop’ On Ice Cream
Originally ice cream consisted of milk, cream, sugar, flavoring and lots of air. But modern brands adhering to this original recipe are few and far between. Today, the “cream” in ice cream is often taken out to produce “heart-healthy” and “reduced-fat” products. Soy milk sometimes replaces both cream and milk. Air is reduced to make way for an excess of denser, richer desserts packed with high-quality ingredients. In addition, stabilizers, emulsifiers and other ingredients are mixed in to titillate our taste buds and trick us into believing we’re getting the real deal. At What Cost to Diabetes Control? Stable blood-glucose levels depend not only on what is eaten but also on when the food reaches the bloodstream. These new ice cream additions—or subtractions—can affect your blood-glucose levels. You need to read and understand ice cream labels. Know how the ingredients affect you individually so that you can choose wisely. You should ask yourself several questions before an ice cream indulgence: Does the ice cream contain sucrose (table sugar)? Does the formulation contain cellulose fibers or gums such as carageenan, which slow absorption? How well do you digest fat? Fat slows the digestive process. Thus fat-free iced products can dump carbohydrates into the bloodstream quickly. Depending on the type of carbohydrate available, your blood glucose can spike rapidly. If fat-free products cause high blood glucose, they may not be a valid “happy heart” alternative. Sweeteners also affect blood glucose. Many different types of sweetening agents are used in frozen desserts—sometimes in combination. Aspartame does not raise blood glucose, but be careful when you read labeling; “sugar-free” might simply mean that no sucrose has been added to the ice cr Continue reading >>
Can Diabetics Eat Ice Cream?
By The Lifescript Editorial Staff Reviewed by Edward C. Geehr, MD It's getting warmer outside and pretty soon it'll be ice cream weather. But can you still enjoy frozen desserts if you have diabetes? Happily, the answer is yes: You can eat frozen desserts occasionally if you substitute them for other carbohydrates in your meal plan. The following tips from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) can help you choose: Watch the serving size (1/2 cup). If you eat more, double or triple the nutrient information to keep your count accurate. Watch the fat content, particularly the saturated fat. Light ice cream or yogurt contains about half the fat of the regular kind. And remember: Fat-free ice cream still has sugar, carbohydrates and calories. A no-sugar-added frozen dessert may still contain carbohydrate, fat and calories. Sweeteners commonly used in frozen desserts include aspartame and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol. Check your blood glucose after eating a frozen dessert to see how it affects you. To help you navigate your way through calorie-carb-fat counts in desserts, check out our diet ice cream taste test and below, ourfrozen dessert dietary guide. (All measurements are for a 1/2 cup serving): 133 calories, 16 g carbs, 7 g fat, 7 g saturated fat 100 calories, 14 g carbs, 4 g, fat 3 g saturated fat Fat-free ice cream(Lowest in calories and fat!) 90 calories, 20 g carbs, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat No-sugar-added ice cream(Lowest in carbs!) 100 calories, 13 g carbs, 4 g fat, 3 g saturated fat 132 calories, 29 g carbs, 4 g fat, 3 g saturated fat 92 calories, 23 g carbs, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat Reprinted from 101 Nutrition Tips for People with Diabetes by Patti B. Geil and Lea Ann Holzmeister. Copyright by the American Diabetes Association. Used by permission. All r Continue reading >>
Ice Cream | Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community i know this sounds unlikely, but can ice cream lower blood / sugar levels? after two weeks of getting BG readings between 9 and 13, yesterday I got a reading of 7.5, and today i got a reading of 7.0. i gave in to temptation and ate a banana for breakfast (bad, I know, but i'm weak), then had a fairly normal dinner of chicken korma and pizza. the only out of the normal factor is both days I had mint choc chip ice cream for afters. I've noticed my BG readings are often lower when i've had ice cream - is it just a coincidence? has anyone else noticed something like this? I did have a small amount of raspberry ripple ice cream a few days ago and post meal reading was 11.4 but I also had some baked beans Food with a high fat content will slow carb absorption and, thus, delay your BG spike. The sugar is still there, causing mischief, but it's not there in one big rush. So, no, it won't lower your BG, but it will make the sugar in it hit your BG more slowly. Just_Me_Rachel Type 1 Well-Known Member Could it be that the ice cream is just slowing the digestion of the other food down, because it's fat? I would check your sugars later on too and see where you're holding. I was eating chocolate and thought it didn't affect me at all! My sugars stayed the same. Until one time I ate only chocolate and I noted (with my CGM) that 2 hours later I had a blood sugar raise. I'd suspect that is what is happening with you. If you eat, your sugars will be affected - but it may just be later on. Additionally, eating fatty food is actually something I do especially when I eat food with a high glycemic index, so that it will slow down the digestion and avoid the spikes in my bl Continue reading >>
Commercial Ice Cream
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community Christine McMillan Type 2 Well-Known Member not interested in making my own, don't like sorbet. Are there any nom-dairy ones? I know ice cream vans sell them in cones cos my ice cream van man does (I have a dairy intolerant daughter and grandson), but would like to havvsomething to eat on desserts as well as cones. Have discovered what I really like (cornettos) ought to be kept out of my house on calories alone!! There's vegan ice cream made with soya milk but the name escapes me for the moment. Will post again if I remember it. Christine McMillan Type 2 Well-Known Member There's vegan ice cream made with soya milk but the name escapes me for the moment. Will post again if I remember it. Thanks, that'll be suitably expensive then not to buy! (As a diet controlled diabetic, I can't afford to fall off a strict diet). Thanks, that'll be suitably expensive then not to buy! (As a diet controlled diabetic, I can't afford to fall off a strict diet). What diet do you follow? Oppo ice cream is relatively low carb if that's what you were after. Its not cheap but a little can go a long way. Christine McMillan Type 2 Well-Known Member What diet do you follow? Oppo ice cream is relatively low carb if that's what you were after. Its not cheap but a little can go a long way. A healthy diet, but low gi in carbs. Husband is on diabetic medication and to be fair so far his 'numbers' have dropped so well, his meds have been halved, we eat the same but he exercises more than me, where does Oppo ice cream come ftom? Whilst I know churning in an ice cream maker can be a pain, at least that way you know what's in it. I did a no-churn ice cream a while ago for my OK. The one Continue reading >>
Best Ice Cream For Type 2 Diabetes
Ice cream does not have to be strictly off limits for people with type 2 diabetes. While it is still best to enjoy ice cream in moderation, there are ice cream and frozen yogurt choices out there that will not derail a healthful diet. People with type 2 diabetes have more to think about than simply ruining their diet with ice cream. Their main concerns are about how ice cream will affect their blood sugar levels, since controlling this is critical to managing diabetes. While people with diabetes can include ice cream as part of their healthful diet, it is important for them to make informed decisions about what ice creams they should eat. Understanding ice cream sugar servings Most ice cream has a lot of added sugar, making it something a person with diabetes should avoid. Because of this, one of the first things they should consider when choosing an ice cream is the sugar content. People with diabetes need to understand how their ice cream indulgence fits into their overall diet plan. Here are a few facts for people with diabetes to consider: Every 4 grams (g) of sugar is equivalent to 1 teaspoon. The more sugar that is in the ice cream, the more carbohydrates it has. An ice cream serving with 15 g of carbohydrates is equal to 1 serving of carbohydrates. Any carbohydrates in ice cream will count towards the total carbohydrate goal for the day, which will be different for each person. Protein and fat found in ice cream can help slow absorption of sugar. Choosing an ice cream higher in protein and fat may be preferable to choosing a lower fat option. A suitable portion of ice cream for somebody with diabetes is very small, usually half a cup. But most people serve much more than this. It is crucial that a person with diabetes sticks to the proper portion size, so they kn Continue reading >>
