How changing my diet has made me look differently at the food we eat

A long title but true. I knew so little about food before I was diagnosed with diabetes and though I still don't know a lot more, there are certain things I know now that make me look differently at the food I eat. I know a lot more about carbohydrates. For example, I didn't know that sugar and starch are carbohydrates. I didn't realize that some carbohydrates are absorbed more quickly that others. I didn't realize that by having something acidic (such as vinegar or lemon juice) with a meal, your digestion is slowed down and therefore the carbohydrates are more slowly absorbed. I learn a little more each week and am slowly tweaking my diet. I now eat a salad with a vinegar or lemon juice salad dressing with my mid-day meals. I enjoy potatoes and miss being able to eat them. However, if I eat new potatoes and have a dressing with them, I can still eat them.

The big no-nos in my diet are wheat products, rice, pasta (unless made with durum wheat) and potatoes. However, you learn fairly quickly how to deal with these restrictions. I try to eat only rye and sour dough breads which are more acceptable than regular wheat breads. I've discovered how much I enjoy both of these types of bread, so no real loss there.

(more later)

Houmous without sesame seeds

1 red pepper
400g can chick peas, drained
1 large clove of garlic
1T lemon juice
1/2 t each ground cumin, ground coriander and chilli powder
A little sea salt and black pepper
1-2 T natural yogurt

1. Cook the red pepper under a hot grill, turning frequently, until the skin turns black. Place in a polythene bag. When cold, peel off the skin and deseed.

2. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend to a rough purée. Season to taste and turn into a bowl. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour to give the flavours a chance to develop.

First sight of the new member of the family!

Here are the first photographs of the new addition to our family:

Four generations! GB (my mother), me, Naomi and Noah Thomas!
Naomi, Noah and I!
Cliff and Noah.

I haven't forgotten this blog!

No, I haven't really forgotten this blog but I have been distracted by being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I promise (if anyone is interested!) to get back to writing here within the next few days.