1800 Calorie Diet

Hi Patty. I suggest talking with a nutritionist who can guide you to the foods you can eat to maintain that caloric intake. A nutritionist will be able to help you create meal plans around the foods you like. Ask your primary care physician for a list of nutritionists in your area. You could also call your local hospital and ask for a list of nutritionists. Most hospitals have some sort of diabetes education that should be able to point you in the right direction.

hi, i was told on jan 1st when i was in the hospital from new years eve for which i had alcohol posioing that i was type 2 diabetice because i was told that my sugar was 300 and now i am taking this metformin and i take it twice a day and i have just joined the club and i have been reading these stories on here about metformin and does it cause cancer and does this drug lead to being put on insulin? thats what i need to know just like you i was told this and put on these pills given a meter and no instructions on how to use it or how to stay within some kind of target range? i am 55 years old and i came very close to weighing 300 pounds i have swore off sugar completely i only eat grains and drink more water and i eat lots of veggies when possible, what info can i try and help you with?

Hi Peaches. Metformin does not lead to being put on insulin. Metformin is a drug that helps people regulate their blood sugar.

Most doctors will tell you that your fasting blood sugar (before breakfast) should be between 90-110. Two hours after eating a meal your blood sugar should be under 140.

I suggest getting in touch with a diabetes educator who can better answer all of your questions. Check with your primary care physician about getting in touch with an educator.

Peaches, I just wanna know what I can eat? What fruits are good and how much? What vegetables and how much? Anything besides water. Can I drink diet sodas? What about this dietary chocolate bars? Ice cream or frozen yogurt? What types of cereal (hot & cold)? Can I still eat steaks and pork? I have a Ham in my freezer, do I throw it out?

Since we're not your doctors, it's hard to say exactly what you should or shouldn't eat. You can figure out how many calories you are eating by using this tool that tells you the calorie content in common foods-here is the link: http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-food-calorie-counter

Also, when you're put on metformin or any drug by a doctor, they are doing so with the belief that the benefits outweigh the risks for you. I agree with Michelle about getting help from a diabetes educator who can help answer these questions more thoroughly and help you select which foods to eat. What I know I can recommend you, food wise, is to not eat any processed foods. Stick with real, whole foods that you prepare at home and work on eating slowly and mindfully, savoring each bite. Drink water throughout your meal. When you're no longer hungry, try to stop eating. Try to follow your body's natural messages about food. Take it slow. If you go off the path, forgive yourself and hop back on. It's not how many times you fail, it's how many times you get back up.

Patty,
I am sorry that you did not have much education surrounding your diabetes. I would utilize this site as much as you can with "The Healthy Plate" from the education section to begin with. The key is being consistent with your carbohydrates at meals.
Take all of your insulin as directed and test your blood sugars routinely as directed by your physician. They should want to see you back and adjust your insulin accordingly based on your blood sugar readings. Try to avoid juices, regular sodas and sweetened drinks because these will typically spike your blood sugar. 1800 calories will encourage you to become a label reader. You can calorie count, but it is more important to know how many carbohydrates you are eating at each meal and try to stay consistent with the carbohydrates based on "The Healthy Plate" method for now. Avoid sweets and choose more non-starchy vegetables like greens, cauliflower, carrots and broccoli (as long as you are not on coumadin or a blood thinner). Take one thing at a time and do not worry. I am here for you once you get started and if you have any further questions. My thinking is that you really need a Certified Diabetes Educator if they have one at the doctors office where you go. If they do not, they should really be able to send you to one to help you get started.
Take care,
Amy :)