Thank goodness for this forum. But does anyone else feel loneliness because of this disease? I'm conscious that eating is such a social activity at times and ther are things that I'm more conscious that I'm missing out on because I have diabetes. I'm aware it would be far worse if I had IBS or something like that but on holiday I don't know anyone else in the same situation. I'm getting my habits in check so that I feel stronger about saying no to foods that will rocket up my blood sugar.
Do any of you have any other tactics or thought processes you use?
Already don't drink as I don't really like the stuff so no probs there.
I tend to be very open about my diet, as it's not "just" diabetes but also all sorts of inflammatory issues, migraines and whatnot... I've been a guest from hell to have over for eons, because I swear I am fine on a glass of water, -and I am!- but like you said... Partaking is a social thing, and it's difficult not to. I rarely ever go to birthday parties, but when I do there's usually nuts, cheeses or cold cuts that come to the table after the cake is gone here in the Netherlands, and it's normally planted square in front of me, without too much fuss or making a point of it. I'm not the only non-drinker in the family, so most of the time just going for water, tea or coffee is okay, and when it's not I just laugh it off saying my liver's shot already. I don't know why, but if I laugh off a health condition yet stick to my guns, so
they know
I find it regrettable too, "but what are ya gonna do, right?" it's easier for my hosts to relax as well? Not something I quite understand, but it works.
On holiday, well... Off to London in September, and I've already checked out the menu at the restaurants of and near our hotel, and the places we're going to visit (Like Windsor), and I know I can practically always find a McDonalds where I can order bunless burgers of the breakfast mcmuffins without the muffins. I have a pretty good idea what I can eat and where to get it. So it's research, research, research, and being so used to things needing to be altered, I can wing it sometimes. And if I have to order from a human rather than a pole with a touch screen, I first ask if it's okay for me to be difficult, and then I ask them to leave some stuff off, like chips, and maybe replace it with greens or a salad, or add a side salad to the order. If it's too busy for the kitchen to accommodate me, which is once in a blue moon, (Try once a year or fewer, and I eat out for lunches a
lot), I try to shrug it off and just eat what I can, and leave what I can't. Odds are we'll be at the same place in London a few evenings in a row, and good tippers tend to stand out, so I'm kind of hoping that'll help as well. Worked in Belgium in April, anyway. Just, you know.... Be nice to your server, do your research, and find replacements when you can. No dessert when everyone's got one? Get a cappuccino. Makes others feel less uncomfortable/guilty.
There's work-arounds. Find the ones that make things easier for you, because the alternative is, indeed, rather lonely. And it doesn't have to be.
Hugs,
Jo
PS: It also helps to have people in your circle who have issues with food. Allergies, low carbing, ARFID etc.... They get it, if all you have is a cup of tea, and are quite content with it!