new diagnosed, sad but thanks goodness for this place

@VashtiB
Sorry to hear you have johttps://www.health.com/food/keto-cocktailsined us. It will get better and you will wonder what all the fuss was about. I'm a meat eater so can't help. Regarding cocktails have a look at this site. https://www.health.com/food/keto-cocktails

Hi Vashti and welcome!
If you haven’t come across it already, here is a link to our useful info:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/basic-information-for-newly-diagnosed-diabetics.17088/
Like carol I do enjoy meat but have a look here for low carb veggie ideas:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/vegetarian-vegan-low-carb-recipe-index.61859/
One recipe I particularly like which is veggie is here:
https://www.dietdoctor.com/recipes/low-carb-cauliflower-cheese
Some ideas which are less harmful than full sugar stuff, how about sugar free jelly with strawberries and double cream. Full fat Greek yoghurt and raspberries. Dark chocolate, the higher percentage the better, I worked my way up to 100%!

VashtiB said:

I have cried and sobbed. I'm a lawyer and usually on the other side of the desk from the crying. I have stuck to the low carb high fat and my readings are in the '5's which is okay for less than 2 weeks in.

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Couple of things: That's not "okay" for two weeks in, that is EXCELLENT! So there's that. Secondly, I have had a LOT of rather life altering diagnoses over the years. And rather than just another box to tick, diabetes was different. I cried my eyes out for a long time. So whether you're professionally "tough" or are supposed to be used to "this kind of stuff", it will be a kick in the head. So your reaction is a normal, healthy one. It's grief you're experiencing, and that does get better with time, especially as you get a grip on T2 and the implications. Thing is, you know what's up now and you can do something about it. Odds are you'll feel better than you have in years as time wears on. For me, the diagnosis meant I finally found out why I was in such a horrid state, and I got my life back. Cutting the carbs is a good move, and while meat is a perfect low carb food, there *are* low carb options that don't include it. There's a whole section here on vegetarians who low carb, so... Maybe have a look there? https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/vegetarian-diet-forum.71/ May give you a little bit of a meat-break. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto/vegetarian might help too. So you don't have to absolutely eat meat to do this. You're in this for the long haul, so you need a diet that doesn't just fit your medical needs, but also your mental/emotional needs. What fits your life best? Go with that. If what you're eating is making you miserable, that's no good, as you won't be able to keep it up. And as for that sweet tooth, I used to put 5 spoons of sugar into my espresso. It was liquid candy, really. So i know about a sweet tooth... Thing is, if you cut the sugars for a couple of weeks, your palette changes... You won't miss it anywhere near as much, and if you ever should cave, -we all fall off the wagon sometime or other- it'll probably be sickeningly sweet to you. I know it is to me.

You'll be okay. And you made the right call with the meter and the carb cutting. Now it's just a matter of figuring out how to make you happy about what's on your plate. You don't have to get everything absolutely right in a day. Take your time, use your meter, and read half the internet.
Hugs,
Jo

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto/alcohol-guide may help too. I don't drink myself, but I think if I did, I'd go for a "Skinny *****". Just for the pleasure of ordering it out loud, haha.

Google keto fat bombs to satisfy those sweet cravings.

There definitely is light at the end of the tunnel. I assume your type 2, although I'm type 1, and I would get rid of diabetes the first chance I got. I wouldn't go back on how much it has changed me as a person, I am the fittest, healthiest and mentally sound I have ever been. Would I have been so serious on this path without diabetes? probably not. I've learned so much about making myself healthier and living a fruitful life as best I can, diabetes is a hurdle but nothing that has prevented me from doing what I want.

Also my 'healthier' lifestyle has brushed off on family, making them much better all round (although they are not diabetic). As much as I've got to be down about, I've got even more to be happy about.

Maybe substitute sugar for sweetners and erythritol etc? Keeps that sweet tooth calm whilst you transition through your diet.

Welcome to the forum @VashtiB It is a huge shock when you get told you are diabetic and it does take a bit of time to get your head around it all, but you have got to grips with it quite quickly.
You don't have to eat meat, you only need to substitute another energy source for the starchy carbs you previously got energy from. Fish, especially oily fish, is great. Eggs, nuts, avocados, olive oil and high fat dairy products are all good.
Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (over 80% preferably) helps with the sweet tooth.
Ask any questions you want, the people on here are friendly and you will get a lot of good advice.

In this hot weather I have been eating salads, with fish, or seafood or eggs and cheese - and drinking my coffee with cream cold from the fridge.
I have found some low carb bread - 4 gm per slice, so I can have a sandwich - with an inch of filling - salad with prawns.
Some find eating low carb is an effort but I can think of worse ways to eat...