Does the body not like a lack of carbs?

[Kristin251]

Salad always spikes me disproportionately to the carbs. I think lettuce just breaks down too fast. No clue, just guessing. Radishes do too. Some have said mushrooms even. That's why we have meters!!

I eat vlc moderate protein and higher fat and always pre bolus 20 min

 

[Kateyo]

Salad always spikes me disproportionately to the carbs. I think lettuce just breaks down too fast. No clue, just guessing. Radishes do too. Some have said mushrooms even. That's why we have meters!!

I eat vlc moderate protein and higher fat and always pre bolus 20 min

I think because I've never experienced it before with salad it's taken me by surprise but interesting to know that it isn't just me and seems to be a 'normal' reaction. I had just assumed that protein takes longer to convert to glucose but I'm always learning with my old friend diabetes it seems I've struggled a little with vlc on account of gluconeogenesis (I think that's the official term!) did it take you long to find what worked for you? I've added some carbs this morning and so far so good but lunch will tell if it's working! I probably need to reintroduce some carbs anyway with planning another pregnancy so hopefully it continues to work well!

 

[Kristin251]

I think because I've never experienced it before with salad it's taken me by surprise but interesting to know that it isn't just me and seems to be a 'normal' reaction. I had just assumed that protein takes longer to convert to glucose but I'm always learning with my old friend diabetes it seems I've struggled a little with vlc on account of gluconeogenesis (I think that's the official term!) did it take you long to find what worked for you? I've added some carbs this morning and so far so good but lunch will tell if it's working! I probably need to reintroduce some carbs anyway with planning another pregnancy so hopefully it continues to work well!

It took me awhile to figure out I couldn't match my meal / macro timing and insulin while eating carbs. I was all over the place in an hour. Now I eat the same sized / macro meals everyday at each meal. Bf is always avocado. Lunch and dinner have moderate amounts of protein and a handful of veggies and some avocado. I eat 4 small snack sized meals a day and i know my bolus for them so not many meter surprises. It took awhile to perfect it but it takes SO much anxiety out of meal and insulin planning. I don't eat the same protein and veggies, just the same eportiom size. I batch cook loads of proteins and freeze in baggies in my portion size. Then I decide what I want. Defrost in water. Then add some avocado and some veggies. Much less time in the kitchen and cleaning up!!
Avocado and all its healthy fat and fiber keep everything low and slow for me. Helps that I love it!! It's very kind to bs.

Not sure what's it is about salad. I do lettuce wraps more often as it gives me portion control. Different types of lettuce act different. Boston/Bibb has less of a spike than romaine. Lately I've cut way back on salads and replaced with other veggies like asparagus, a few Brussels sprouts, bok choy etc. I'm probably getting more nutrition that way too. I do always have a few spoonfuls of my hubbies romaine salad at dinner but need to watch portions.