Another newbie

[lily margaret]

Hi.
I was diagnosed as type 2 diabetic at the end of last year.
I am finding it easier to cook meals from scratch so I know what I am eating as I am already partially sighted because of a neurological condition, so find it impossible to read the small print on food labels. Only thing I am finding hard is getting portion sizes right as I am only ever cooking for one - myself!
Has anyone found a way round this one please?

 

[cugila]

Hi lilym.

Welcome to the forum. You sure are in a wondrous place if it's help you need.

Get a small 'Sherlock Holmes' magnifying glass for when you are shopping - makes small print a thing of the past ! Fits in the pocket or a handbag easily.

As for your question about portion sizes, try serving meals on a side plate - you won't get much on there and it trains you to cut right back on what you eat. Works for me. It's surprising just how little a portion size can become and yet I never feel hungry.

Ken.

 

[wallycorker]

Hi Lily Margaret,

Welcome - I'm a newbie too - a Type 2 just like you.

The only way that I found to get to grips with portion sizes was to buy a small set of scales and weigh things until I became familiar with the portion size that needed. My portion size of cereal usaed to be around 100g of cereal (possibly more) and now it's down to 30g usually - the manufacturers generally recommend 45g.

Best Wishes - John

 

[totsy]

hya and welcome to the forum,
if u have any questions just ask

 

[Alan S]

Hi.
I was diagnosed as type 2 diabetic at the end of last year.
I am finding it easier to cook meals from scratch so I know what I am eating as I am already partially sighted because of a neurological condition, so find it impossible to read the small print on food labels. Only thing I am finding hard is getting portion sizes right as I am only ever cooking for one - myself!
Has anyone found a way round this one please?

G'day and welcome.

I'm glad to see you usually cook from scratch, very sensible. Despite being married I generally cook for one twice (like a short-order cook Almost everything I eat she doesn't and vice versa. We're like Jack Spratt and his wife, reversed.

I gradually developed the ability to judge portion sizes from past experience. I cook the meal, eat, test an hour later and then review what I ate. If the blood glucose test result is high I reduce the portion size of the most likely offender, usually a starch or bread of some sort, next time I cook that menu.

Over time I learned exactly what my limits are for most common foods. I explain in a bit more detail here (click on the coloured text): Test, Review, Adjust. As a result I don't need to weigh or measure it, I just know the right size from experience. That is also useful when eating out and needing to know how much to leave on the plate.