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Living with non-diabetics

Speaking as a non-diabetic partner of a T2, could I suggest that you convince the rest of the household that they too will be much happier, healthier, slimmer and sexier on a low carb diet, which is, of course, ideal for you. Then you can all enjoy delicious, healthy meals together.
Sally
 
Hi @smithjohns are you referring to other family members or house mates? I am the lone diabetic in my household, but I have the support and understanding of my family as I have taken the time to tell them why I no longer eat certain things. On occasions they join me with new menus (coli mash) other times I leave certain items off my plate.
There are still fruit, crisps and chocolate in the house. I just don't eat them, unless the choc is 70%+ or the fruit is berries
 
From what I have read on low carb sites, you need to make sure that they realise that scoffing your low carb foods is not an option they should indulge in - many non diabetics find the sorts of foods essential for low BG are very tempting and so you arrive home expecting to find something you prepared in advance still in the fridge, and it is gone!!
 
I do most of the cooking, and I cook low carb for both of us (i think it is a healthier option than a carb-based diet)
Mr B supplements carby stuff as he likes; potato, rice, pasta, biscuits, bread, etc.

I think I am very lucky, because I don't have kids, and I don't have to eat other people's cooking. Things would be much more complicated if I did.

Mind you, Mr B was quite resistant to my Low Carbing to start with. It took a while before he came to admit that it is both delicious and filling. I think sometimes he would prefer fewer vegetables, but hey, they are good for him. ;)
 
It isn't always easy, my other half has her own eating issues, which coupled with my previous lack of willpowet meant that i have eaten things i know i shouldn't.

Fortunately i've regained my control and low carbing again, as a bonus she will eat some low carb meals now and seems to like them to a point.
 
My wife has allergies to foods so lots of what I can eat, are off limits to her. She is also low carb with me ... so no problem for us :)
 
Good evening since my new low carb diet my wife and daughter are all eating the same as me and are enjoying it,they have both lost weight as I have, the only thing is the money I am saving on takeaways and custard doughnuts I have to spend on them for new clothes (LOL):)
 
The problem is when non-diabetic other half decides to buy into the basic diet, but then builds in non-diabetic elements and treats because she can, but still wants us to eat all the same meals (and will eat up supplies of diabetic-friendly foods). And wants to stick with low fat. Sometimes having a non-diabetic partner who is keen to be involved but doesn't have to stick to the same limits can make things more difficult than a partner who just sticks with their own non-diabetic thing. (You will realise this example is purely hypothetical of course).
 
Yes I can elaborate a bit. My partner is beginning to complain that she is missing out on the stuff she used to enjoy, and it is making me feel guilty and uncomfortable.
 
Better to feel uncomfortable, than not being able to feel your foot because it is no longer there. Your partner needs to understand that your eating habit isn't to deny her what she likes but to keep you healthier for longer.
Cauliflower mash is awesome, so much better than mashed potato. Even my non diabetic house dwellers ask for it in preference to potato. We still have a traditional sunday roast, I just dont have more than 1 potato, and yorkie puds are out, that doesnt stop other enjoying them. Between you, you need to find a flexible way forward, without compromising your future well being
 
I think it is a challenge to be on either side of the LC divide. They dont have to be nearly as 'strict' as we do, and we don't want to have to watch them enjoying things we can't any more.

But I've tried really hard (and it can be very hard, at times) to make him realise that I am NOT the 'Diet Police'. I may be jealous of his vintage cheddar and Branston sandwich, with crisps and pickled onion on the side - but it is entirely my choice not to steal some. It isn't his responsibility what i eat, and i really don't want him feeling pressured, guilty so that he hide his carbs. I think that would be bad for both of us and our relationship.

And, having said that, i try to make our LC food appetising, satisfying and delicious. I would definitely like him to eat as i do (for his health, and his long term wellbeing), but i want him to do it for pleasure, not duty. For instance, last week I baked him a coffee walnut cake. And he wants another one, because he loved it. But i'm going to make him a Spiced Apple Crumble Cake next, because apple is his favourite fruit. Both cakes are low carb, and easily fit into a Very Low Carb way of eating.
 
My household has T2, the wife's father, late onset T1, a non diabetic (yet!) And me!
I'm carb intolerant and grown up kids and grandkids, who come around and help themselves to the food available and of course the treats we buy for them!

But, unfortunately, you have to be resolute in your belief that you are doing the right thing and convince your partner it is your health and well-being you are concerned about!
This is deadly serious!
I'm certain that if your partner was ill, she would expect support in how she treats the condition!
Unless you get support, the temptation to resort to the baddies will come back and haunt you!
 
smithjohns said:
Yes I can elaborate a bit. My partner is beginning to complain that she is missing out on the stuff she used to enjoy, and it is making me feel guilty and uncomfortable.
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She can still eat her stuff, you can eat yours.
variety can still exist for both of you.
 
Brunneria said:
I do most of the cooking, and I cook low carb for both of us (i think it is a healthier option than a carb-based diet)
Mr B supplements carby stuff as he likes; potato, rice, pasta, biscuits, bread, etc.

I think I am very lucky, because I don't have kids, and I don't have to eat other people's cooking. Things would be much more complicated if I did.

Mind you, Mr B was quite resistant to my Low Carbing to start with. It took a while before he came to admit that it is both delicious and filling. I think sometimes he would prefer fewer vegetables, but hey, they are good for him. ;)
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Exactly my own scenario, @Brunneria !

:)
 
smithjohns said:
Yes I can elaborate a bit. My partner is beginning to complain that she is missing out on the stuff she used to enjoy, and it is making me feel guilty and uncomfortable.
Click to expand...

Assuming your talking about food here @smithjohns

If so she doesn't have to follow the same diet as yourself, many couples follow diets of their own choosing...... for example one may be a vegetarian where as the other isn't.

Relationships are built on a good understanding of what the other person likes/dislikes.
 
smithjohns said:
Has anyone any advice to offer on living amicably as a diabetic in a non-diabetic household? I feel I am swimming against the tide. A recent problem for me.
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Hi. I'm type 2 but controlling it on LCHF diet only. My wife has had lots of concerns about whether what I am doing is safe, but a recent visit to the GP who accepted that carbs are the problem and was delighted with my health seems to have reassured her. I don't have any difficulty most of the time, I am used to being TT when everyone else drinks alcohol, so have got used to it. It is not a question of missing out, it is completely my choice. The biggest problem I have is on family get-togethers when I don't eat the wrong things, just too much of what I can eat.
 
smithjohns said:
Yes I can elaborate a bit. My partner is beginning to complain that she is missing out on the stuff she used to enjoy, and it is making me feel guilty and uncomfortable.
Click to expand...
Hi. Yes, I think that is a problem and guilt is not good. I do worry that my choices are very restrictive and I have to say a flat no to some options. As there are only 2 of us, that makes life difficult. I recently had a family roast pork dinner (I did most of the cooking), but only had meat and green veg. Everyone else had the full works. But it is on the smaller meals when there's just us two that we just have to eat different things. No problem really as we can both cook, but it would be nicer if we shared We do still always eat together, because that's important (old school).
 
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