Diet-Betes? What is the Best Choice?

"So many choices"

All right,  I must revisit this topic, as I find myself "Flip-Flopping" in my mind as to what is the best diet for Diabetes.

I have talked about the "The Food Guide" I have discussed eating more natural in my post "The Diabetic Caveman" and really stirred up some serious discussion on Tudiabetes Discussion Forums by posing my question and post titled "Pro Carb or Low Carb?" the big debate.

I am sure most of you have heard from others with minimal knowledge related to diabetes the following statement:  "So your on the diabetic diet, eh?"  and, I am sure your response is as variable as Charlie Sheen's erratic behavior.

 I respond by saying "There is no such thing as a "Diabetic Diet" and because I am mouthy(opinionated) I usually add my two or three cents worth of information. 

But this "Flip flopping" got me thinking; since there are so many diets on the market, and it is a bit of a "past time" for me to read up on them, what is the best diet for diabetes?

One of my older posts, actually the most popular thus far, titled  "Pro Carb or Low Carb?"  touched on the Low Carb Diets on the Market and how research makes a point for them being an effective method to control weight, blood fat levels, blood glucose levels etc.

However,  there is also research indicating the opposite, that eating vegan, and or a "The Food Guide" type diet also creates weight loss over time.

I personally don't adhere to a low carb diet. I do go on low carb kicks, but can't seem to adhere to the diet long term. When I say low Carb I am talking 30-50 grams per day.

Recently I tied a Natural "Caveman Type Diet"  Basically if you can shoot it, pick it, pluck it, and it is unprocessed you can eat it.  With a few exceptions of course.  This was also hard to adhere to.......I'll blame my kids this time. 

The hardest part of any extreme diet is adhering to it. Consistency is key. But in my house full of little people, I find it extremely difficult (hence blaming them above) to be consistent.

I enjoy, popcorn, ice cream, and other high carb choices. I do agree that it is difficult to control Blood Glucose readings when I consume copious amounts of Carb(greater then 30).  If you have read Dr Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution" where he talks about the law of small numbers it does make sense. Actually makes a lot of sense but it's very rigid and extreme.  I'm talking 30 grams of carb a day extreme.  Man I just can't do that!

I just read today that the American College of Sports Medicine doesn't endorse any diet that is less then 1800 Cal for men and 1200 for woman.  More data to chew on. 

As stated above I also look at the government food guides.  Are they onto something?  Is it really as simple as eating a balanced meal, 25-30% calories from fat, 50-60 % from CHO, and the rest protein. The old calories in equals calories out formula for weight maintenance.

It got me thinking; man this sure is confusing, even to someone who understands basic human nutrition.  No wonder people are confused about what to fill their plates with.

I didn't even touch on the GI(Glycemic Index)of foods, which is also a commercial diet and numerous others, hormone, alkaline, blood type, lots of fad diets. I remember one diet my mom went on and all she ate was cabbage.  That was a stinky time in my life, but goes to show you how people do silly things.

Is it as simple as calories in equals calories out?  Or is it more complicated then that?  I just know what I observe and read.  For instance; since the agricultural revolution and mass food production there has been a direct correlation with obesity and a heavier over all population.  However, this is can be explained by lack of exercise, more sedentary jobs and lifestyle, TV remotes, etc.  Likely a combination of both. Who knows?

As a Type 1 Diabetic I'm left to ponder; what is the best diet? 

Well I am still really trying to figure this out.  I think it depends on personal tastes and preferences.  I also find one common theme.

That is; eat less, eat balanced, eat natural and don't forget about protein.

But I say it is what you do 80% of the time that counts.  So bloody hell have a piece of cake would ya!

I will have to write another top ten list, so I think the next will be top ten tips  tricks to diabetic eating.


Trev

What's up with the Food Guide!

Hello all you wonderful people!

As a nurse educator I am required to teach others with diabetes how to eat properly(well that's not all I do)  Yes, we have dietitian's for that during group programs.  However,  I do a lot of follow up with my diabetic patients.

I am required to cover the basics like, food choices, portions sizes, food types, fiber, etc.

So before every meeting, I must  reluctantly grab the Food Guide.  I say reluctantly for a few reasons.

The original Food Rules was designed and published in the 1940's, yes, the 40's when people were actually needing to gain weight, and suffered from malnourished diseases like scurvy, vitamin deficiencies.

Fast forward to now.  Go to the mall and look around and it is unfortunately obvious that we are no longer malnourished.

So I enter the room to advise my patient on proper eating, using a tool invented in the 40's, although it has been modified over the years.  At least now in Canada the fruits and vegetables are prioritized to the top, not starches like before. Unfortunately protein is on the bottom.

It is let's just say a professional dilemma for me to advise a person with diabetes to consume huge amounts of carbohydrate. Let's just kill the little Islet cells they have left shall we(Sense the sarcasm) Anyhow, I need a job so I have to follow the rules.

So there I am sitting across from an individual who tells me "I have been following the guide as recommended, and I am gaining weight, my blood fats(lipids) keep getting worse, and my diabetes is getting harder to control"
What do I say?  I can tell you what I want to say, which is,  stop eating so much carb, and grill yourself some lean steak and omega three eggs for breakfast instead of the 2 cups of cold cereal loaded with 80 grams of CHO(carbohydrate)

Back to reality. Don't worry, I rely on other tools.

I discuss the fact that obviously the plan is not working, so perhaps try reducing your carb intake by 10-20 grams per meal, add some lower carb vegetables, and increase the leaner proteins. I also explain the concept of glycemic index, fiber, and the role of fat and protein in satiety.

I encourage them to simply explore the literature, trial and error, and to ask themselves if their current method is actually working.

Basically I give them some food for thought, no pun intended.

I am glad that more and more people are considering lower carbohydrate diets as a healthy and legitimate weight loss strategy.  I am also glad that more and more research is being done on the effects of a lower CHO diet.

One final note: I tell them to shop on the perimeter of the grocery store and avoid the inner isles where all the super-carb loaded food is stored.

Trev