Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Diabetic vegetarian diet

Question:
I just found that I have an insulin resistence number of 2.7. My doctor wants to to put me on a high protein, low carb diet. I have been a vegan for 28 years for moral reasons. I eat a lot of soy products (tofu, erzatz meats, etc) and won't miss the carbs except for bread. Can I hear from other vegetarians or vegans about how they deal with this type of diet and vegetarianism? I'm not on any medication(s) yet and I will see the dietician on Tuesaday and I need some info fend off the meat eaters who seem determined to see me eat meat. Thanks!

Answer:
I'm a vegetarian, not vegan. I do not know what you mean by insulin resistance. Nor do I know why he would want to put you on a high protein, low carb diet. I'm on a high carb, low protein diet and it works for me. I can tell you though that most dieticians will push for you to eat meat. I've seen three different ones and they all tried to get me to eat meat. If you are adamant about not eating meat, then you must tell them this, but be polite. Keep in mind that you will probably need to take supplements to assure that you are getting all that you need. Especially the B vitamins. My diet used to consist mainly of beans and rice. I gave up the rice when I became diabetic because the portion of rice for a diabetic is only 1/3 cup. I could easily eat 2 cups of it in one sitting without blinking an eye. I do not eat much in the way of soy products except for an occasional Veggie burger. I have a thryroid problem, and eating soy is not the best thing for that.