Low Glycemic Diet

[Tiggerific711]

My DS has been having small seizures since he was 3. In September he started having grand mal seizures. He had a very bad one this past weekend so his neurologist wants us to start him on a low glycemic diet. We're leaving for WDW on 11/28. Has any one had experience with this diet? How easy will it be to follow in WDW.

Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you check the "disABILITIES FAQ", which is near the top of the threads list you will get lots of useful information. On Page 3 of the FAQ, a little more than halfway down the page, is a section with about six links to threads related to diet and how to get the best information.

That should be a good starting place for you.

 

[Magpie]

My DS has been having small seizures since he was 3. In September he started having grand mal seizures. He had a very bad one this past weekend so his neurologist wants us to start him on a low glycemic diet. We're leaving for WDW on 11/28. Has any one had experience with this diet? How easy will it be to follow in WDW.

Thanks!

I think you'll be eating the same as us - my son has hypoglycemia. So, no sugar, no simple carbs. We don't want him passing out in the middle of the MK!

When we eat out we almost always get the chicken salad. I think all the counter service restaurants now offer chicken breast on lettuce... Just like McDonalds does.

Watch out for the dressing - sometimes there's a lot of sugar in that. If you're very lucky, you get a kid who eats salad without dressing. If you're not, opt for light Italian and don't use too much.

If they don't have salads you can get a burger and toss the bun (my son gets REAL grumpy when I do that!). Fries are Very Bad! Don't touch them. You can control his blood sugar by making sure he has some kind of protein every time he eats something in the higher glycemic list - like if he has an banana (lots of sugar!) then he should have it with peanut butter or a big chunk of cheese, etc... We try to save fruit for evenings before bed, and make sure it's better fruit - like blueberries.

Some of the stuff at Disney, like Turkey legs, should be absolutely fine for him. And I've been told that you can ask the server at any sit down restaurant for help, and they'll tell you what he can have off the menu, or even make up a special meal for him.

Uh... I'll be happy to tell you anything else you want to know. I don't know what you're doctor's after, but if he's trying to control your kid's blood sugar levels then you should make sure to pack snacks, like nuts or meat sticks and make sure he eats every hour and a half, or so.

Hope this helps! My son's got a different issue, but he's also on a low glycemic diet.

 

[PrincessWendyBird]

I will add a little something here. If you will be eating at any table service locations you can check the menus here. Check out your options and maybe even plan ahead. If there is something you might like changed from how an item is usually plated at a table service location, you can call ahead about a special request. If your doing any buffets, it may be extra helpful to get an idea of what items might be available there and plan ahead. You can even look at menus for counter service locations and do the same. They will not take "call ahead" special requests, but you will have an idea before your trip about menu choices at different locations! Good Luck and have a great trip!

 

[mechurchlady]

My friend Toller was very sick with diabetes at the age of 14. That is how I became familiar with the glycemic index. You will need to get a detailed chart and learn the truth behind foods. Dates are over 100, ice cream is about 60, parsnips are 97, yams are 51 and baked potato is 80+. You would think a baked potato or parsnips would be a better choice than a donut or shortbread.

http://www.herbalvitality.info/aw/glycemic_index.htm
This is one of them and there are others that deal with brand name food and fast food for example.

There is a more detailed method called the glycemic load index.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycemic_load

The sugar content of a food can vary based on the subspecies or variety such as types of apples and beans, when it was picked, cooking methods, and how long the item has been stored. The indexes are a general guide.

I have used the index to control my mother's diabetes. I keep in the fridge grapes and cherries when I can get them as they are lower than the snacks she would be eating like crackers. At home I use a lot of flavourings in cooking like cinnamon and vanilla in coffee, orange and lemon for fish and chicken and maple in the bacon.

As for the trip check the FAQs for info on special diets. First read the menus posted at this site and read the glycemic indexes to see what would be best. My mom loves barbecued chicken breast so I make it then wipe off most the sauce. You could have them make a dish with no sauce or substitute yams for a baked potato. It might be possible for them to make a special plate. FAQs has Joan Bennet's contact and you need to talk to her so that your trip will be enjoyable for your kid.

Talk to your doctor and see how strict the diet has to be. Ask if he can have a hot dog on the bun for example if he was on the diet all day. What will happen if his sugars go low is another question to ask. I used to carry candy in case as I can go low sometimes but glucose pills are best. As for beans, my mother ate baked beans and 4 hours later was crashing her sugars. This has happened before and also to a couple people I know. Normally she eats a snack about 6 to 8 hours after dinner but is not low then breakfast 12 hours after dinner.

Good luck with the trip.