"CHEATING" ON YOUR DIET

by Joan Stout

I don't like the "cheating" word, and I am trying to obliterate it from the vocabulary of my support group members. I prefer to think of it as a choice. That helps me to look at it in a more positive light. Once I learned how to safely allow some "forbidden" food items in my diet, I gave myself permission to have them now and then. Now that those "forbidden items" are no longer so forbidden, I don't want them as frequently.

Another benefit of considering it as a choice is the fact that I can rationally decide if I really want that grilled cheese with bacon sandwich. I know why it's good for me, and I know why it's bad for me. Do I want it enough to closely monitor my blood glucose for several hours after eating it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Do I want it enough to give myself the extra fat and protein that I don't need? Sometimes yes (the psychological benefits can be great), sometimes no. If the answer is yes, I will probably have rice for my next meal.

Having a flexible insulin regimen is important for making these kinds of choices! I know that it's more difficult without insulin. As for the question of choosing a carbo snack over a fat snack, it depends. If you are on insulin and can keep your BG in control after eating the carb snack, that might be an acceptable choice. If not, the fat snack might be a better choice. If you are not on insulin or don't know how to make adjustments, and/or if you are overweight, you might try to opt for the sugar-free Jello instead! I encourage you to talk to your doctor and dietitian about a treatment regimen that allows you some of your favorite foods.

A difficult factor here is that "trigger foods," those we mindlessly consume in great volume (like popcorn, salt peanuts, potato chips, etc.), are sometimes the things we crave the most, and with a trigger food, it's very difficult to stop with one serving. I try to never have trigger foods in my house and to eat them only when portion size is controlled. For example, I might have a small bag of potato chips at lunch, where a small bag is all I'll receive, but I would never buy a large bag of potato chips to have at home. And never leave me alone with a can of Pringles!

Remember--everything in moderation, including moderation!