I found out I was diabetic (type2) about 6 years ago when I was in the hospital for something else.
I talked to a nutritionist there in the hospital and she said I should be on an 1800 calorie per day diet, to start out with. I am 5' tall and weighed 208 pounds.
But, she also said there was absolutely no food that was "off limits" to me. She said I could eat anything I wanted to, but pay attention to portion size and plan for it if I wanted a treat, or if I knew I was going out for dinner then have a smaller breakfast and lunch. If I wanted to indulge in dessert, then give up the calories elsewhere during the day. And a lot of times my DH and I will split a dessert, especially in a restaurant. That way I can enjoy a little of it, but not eat the whole thing and blow my calories for the day. Usually 3-4 bites will satisfy me anyway, I don't "need" the entire dessert.
I started walking too, anywhere from 2-5 miles per day, 4-5 times per week. I lost 40 pounds that way. And in the winter I do the "Walk Away The Pounds" DVD's in my own living room. I get a good work out with them, but stay warm and dry in the house.
Also, the nutritionist told me it's better for a diabetic person to eat several small meals during the day, rather than 3 large ones. So, I eat 5-6 times during the day. Even if it's only a couple hundred calories, eating often helps you to feel full longer during the day, and it's great because you know you can eat again in just a couple of hours.
You have already lost 31 pounds, that's a big accomplishment! Be proud of yourself for that! Congratulations!!!
You're craving steak? Have it. My nutrionist said if you are craving something and don't give in to the craving, you'll just overeat later. Have a small steak. Savor every bite. But then skip the dessert. Just plan for the things you want to eat. If you're going to have the steak for dinner, then have a salad with fresh veggies for lunch.
And try not to go to bed hungry. Save a couple hundred calories for a bedtime snack. When I was in the hospital they gave me half a dozen vanilla wafers and a cup of 2% milk. I still like that snack even now.
My favorite snack though is popcorn. Not microwave though. The regular old fashioned pop it-on-top-of-the-stove kind. No butter of course, but some salt. I have that almost every evening.
Good luck to you!
