Diabetic Snack and Meal Suggestions

[Ciciwoowoo]

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a few weeks ago. I got a tentative OK to go to Disney with my family over Thanksgiving yesterday!

Anyway...Those of you who have diabetes, can you share your favorite low carb snacks and meals with me?

Thank you!!!

 

[Mississippianna]

I had gestational diabetes that was diet-controlled. Just think low carb when you make your choices, and stay away from fried foods. Get your burger without a bun, don't have pasta, choose grilled instead of fried, and skip dessert. When you snack, it's best to pair a protein and carb, like: yogurt and granola, or an apple and cheese. Keep in mind that fruit is a carbohydrate just like breads. Good luck! It's not so bad. You can also let them know when you make dining reservations that you'd like the chef to prepare a diabetic option. I also recommend staying away from diet sodas and sugar substitutes because they can make you more hungry.

 

[Ciciwoowoo]

I am planning on bringing my own snacks a lot. I know I can always grab a piece of fruit. I figure I'll try to concentrate on salads at lunchtime and meat and veggies at dinner.

I just wondered if anyone who was diabetic had a favorite snack or meal from somewhere special!

Thank you, Mississippianna!

 

[pumba]

I did have pasta at our resort with meatballs, but I asked if it was against any rule for me to have the childrens portion.......I counted the carb for that meal. I also had an ice cream one day without the cone. It was a real treat to have the one on Main Street in MK...
Make sure you have plenty of fluids even if you think you are not thirsty and have your three meals and three snacks as if you were home. I did so much walking that I tested to low on some afternoons. So snacks are important to remember.
A buffet was easier for me to handle then a sit down meal. I was able to get the carb portion out of the way and concentrate on the protein and the veggie and fruit portion....
I am sure you got the low down on what to eat per meal and snack...

have a great time

 

[Doctor P]

As long as you count your carbs, you should be OK. You will also find that your blood sugar is likely to be more sensitive to certain types of foods regardless of their carb count (e.g., I have trouble eating pears anymore--they spike my blood sugar). Some good high bang for the buck snacks include: watermelon (believe it or not, because of the water content you can eat more watermelon than other kinds of fruit in terms of the volume), cheese sticks/cheese wedges, nuts (peanuts, pistachios, almonds are particularly good), fresh oranges. You also need to consider the fat content of what you are eating. In general, if the carbs are combined with fat and if the carbs are combined with significant amounts of fiber, the effect of the carbs on your body will be lower. For example, if you have to eat candy, carb for carb chocolate will be a better bet than most because of the fat content. In moderation, chocolate does not spike my blood sugar (and that is why if you have low blood sugar they tell you not to try to raise it with chocolate).

Hope this helps.

 

[knieriem]

I have Type 1 diabetes so going to WDW doesn't always involve me having Mickey ice cream or dole whips or even the alcoholic beverages people talk about in Epcot. If I want something like that I have to plan for it and be able to take insulin to cover it. I have however tried to find things I could eat and wouldn't let me feel left out when my DH is enjoying some of the snacks and food I can't usually have.

All the stands that sell the popsicle type ice cream snacks have a sugar free fruit bar. It's not pictured on the menu but at the bottom it lists it. I think some might have two different flavors.

A lot of the table service restaurants and some counter service have sugar free desserts, all you have to do is ask. Also tell your server you're situation and they can get your carbs substituted with something healthier. Last weekend we were at Universal(different park I know but this is my most recent example) I had a grilled chicken sandwich which came with fries. Way to many carbs even though I could take insulin. I was able to substitute a side salad instead of fries.

Remember to stay away from Sugar Free pre-packaged candy. This goes for non-disney candy as well. Like sugar free reese cups or hershey bars. These contain sugar alcohols and they will make you go to the restroom a lot...

A lot of the gift shops sell pre-packaged nuts which are a good low-carb snack.

I don't know a lot about gestational diabetes so I don't know if you will be going low or if your blood sugars go to high but just remember to test often. I always test before getting in a long line, the first time I road EE I didn't check and right before we got on the ride my blood sugar was really low so i was popping glucose tablets trying to get it up fast enough to be able to ride it.

Enjoy your Disney trip. If you find anymore snacks that we haven't mentioned pass along the information!