This is a very interesting thread, as I really believe that all diabetics have to juggle their diets to a certain extent, and it does get tiresome having to be confused all the time! Maybe the answer is to know which of your favourite foods give you the most grief with your readings. You should then be able to walk into a grocery store, and have a basic idea of what you can eat. Yeah, I know...I get tired of all the dietary stuff too. I've had T2 diabetes for almost 11 years, and balancing food has never been easy, but it's necessary. Basically, I have found that I feel better after eating oven chips then I do after eating chip shop fried chips. If a food that I don't normally eat causes my sugars to go through the roof, (like if I have a meal out), I make a note of it in a diary, and try to order safer choices next time. Let's face it, diabetes is not cut and dried. Foods that make your sugars rise one day might have less effect a week later. We're all individuals and react differently. And I think it's pretty much up to us to take control and do what we have to in order to enjoy a decent lifestyle. This saying of my Grandmother comes to mind: Moderation in all things. That is especially good to remember with diabetes. We might not be able to 'splurge' on old favourites like we used to, but if we plan ahead, like go easy on the carbs before you have your chip shop chips, then just maybe have half of what you normally ate...you'll still be able to give yourself that treat. Don't think of it as a sacrifice, but more like a choice in your control.
Happy Eating!!
SunnyH