I envy those of you who love all types of non-processed food, fresh foods, or have adapted to them ... and have the time to prepare what you need. As we age change is hard. Decades of "sinful" foods that tasted great, sugars/candy/pop being part of almost daily consumption, and being mostly a "meat and potato" and loving desserts type person, really challenges a diet reversal. That said, I do not eat a lot - never have. 6 feet tall (1.83 metre - 183 cm) and dropped from 208 pounds (14.8 stone) down to 173 pounds (12.3 stone) over the last year and a half. Target right now is 170 lbs (12.1 stone) and then down to 165 lbs by end of this year latest. Weight isn't my issue but I feel better losing a few pounds of weight. Diabetes is a family inheritance of many generations on my mother's side (she is 92 and type 2 on insulin), and all 3 sisters (younger than me) have type 2. I will be 70 in June. Genetics on my mother's side keep us all looking younger than we are
For me a morning reading of 5.4 to 5.8 mmol is low and I feel it. Used to be in the 8 to 9 range but Jardiance helped in that. Most mornings now are 6 to 6.8. Breakfast is a BOOST Diabetic drink/shake. 14 carbs and a lot of vitamins/minerals. Lunch might be a Tuna sandwich using Weight Watchers 2 slices of Whole Wheat with Quinoa (14 carbs). Dinner/supper varies and there are snacks in-between and at bedtime (example: Cheddar cheese and crackers, or toast and peanut butter and no sugar added jam). Sweet treats are zero sugar chocolates or Coke or Pepsi Zero sugar soft drink. I used to drink a lot of Coca-Cola. OK, OK, plus the occasional sinful whatever. Never been one for lots of veggies and a lot of them bother my mild IBS.
I am sure that the vast majority of Diabetics are occasional "sinners", and many with extreme challenges to change how they eat. This is why I comment as a non-strict diet person that warns about common foods that most people are used to in today's society. I attend the occasional Diabetes "education" sessions and every time hear so many different stories and challenges and frustration. Many in denial. Many do not check their levels - maybe scared to. Each time different people with some being very quiet and just listening, some seem to be ashamed that they are Diabetics as if it is the plague, and some (very few) could tell you how many carbs are in anything and keep a diary on what they eat, the foods they use, and how many carbs per certain size serving. Some use medications (those that do use Metformin), some on insulin. I use Jardiance and very pleased with the results. Many many more Type 2 than Type 1. I often feel like standing up in the front of the room and saying, "My name is James and I am a Diabetic", hoping that the shy ones would be more open, receptive, and share.
I still work and love it (knowledge worker for a training company and work from my home office online all day long). Except for the recent extreme Winter weather, our 4 dogs (small, medium, large, and extra large) keep both of us exercised with walking them a few times each day. Living in a 3 floor townhouse is like having a built-in stairmaster for exercise all day long.
This forum has been my biggest source for information gathering and for awhile I just sat back and read many questions, answers, pros/cons, and different opinions. I started using the Dario as my testing device, because of this forum, and love it (I'm a techie guy so it fit right in).
This thread about struggling with meals has brought out many great comments, experiences, and recommendations.