Hypoglycemia info needed

April 11, 2009

I have given up on a low-meat diet for my family because several of my

family members have, as it turns out, hypoglycemia. It's just too much

for me right now to avoid meat as I institute a special hypoglycemic

diet.

I would like to work back towards a better diet, as I feel it's

healthier to avoid the red meat etc.

Does anyone have experience in managing non-diabetic hypoglycemia on a

vegetarian or vegan diet?

In an effort to keep track of and also share what I've been learning

about non-diabetic hypoglycemia I have created a website:

http://www.keepinghappy.com

I would like to have some advice for vegetarians/vegans on this site.

If you would like to contribute to the site VIA comment you can email

comment to me at happybod.

If you would like to share any advice for me here on the

group, please mention if it's OK if I submit your words as a comment on

the site.

Thanks,

Cat

April 11, 2009

My daughter and I am vegetarian and hypoglycemic. We follow a diet of whole

grains, vegetables and some protein taken in small meals throughout the day. We

avoid processed food and fruit and anything with sugar. The only time we notice

any hypoglycemic symptoms is when we forgot to pack a snack.

Patty

April 11, 2009

My sister is hypoglycemic, although not vegetarian. Just like diabetics--which

I am, she is to eat several small meals making sure to include a healthy carb

and protein and fat. This combination is key to maintaining stable blood

sugar. Although she is not vegetarian, her protein will often be meat-free.

She eats lots of peanut butter, cheese, and eggs. She is learning to eat more

whole grains. She does not eat many beans, although I believe this would be an

excellent choice for her.

I am a vegan diabetic, and have found this really helps with my blood sugars.

Stay away from convenience foods. Try to make most of your food and you can

control how it is made. Using flours that are whole grain and higher protein.

I would encourage also to eat 'sugar' that helps you to maintain even blood

sugar levels. This would include brown rice syrup, agave, and possibly stevia.

I generally do not encourage artificial sweeteners, and it appears the

healthcare industry is more and more leaning away from these also. Hope this

helps some.

I do think your site is a great idea! I am especially excited that you are

looking into vegetarian and vegan solutions! Good luck with it. I will

continue to come back. You can feel free to post my comment.

Laura Ballinger Morales

________________________________

Catherine Wesley <cat.wesley

Friday, April 10, 2009 9:53:09 PM

Hypoglycemia info needed

I have given up on a low-meat diet for my family because several of my

family members have, as it turns out, hypoglycemia. It's just too much

for me right now to avoid meat as I institute a special hypoglycemic

diet.

I would like to work back towards a better diet, as I feel it's

healthier to avoid the red meat etc.

Does anyone have experience in managing non-diabetic hypoglycemia on a

vegetarian or vegan diet?

In an effort to keep track of and also share what I've been learning

about non-diabetic hypoglycemia I have created a website:

http://www.keepinghappy.com

I would like to have some advice for vegetarians/ vegans on this site.

If you would like to contribute to the site VIA comment you can email

comment to me at happybod (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

If you would like to share any advice for me here on the

group, please mention if it's OK if I submit your words as a comment on

the site.

Thanks,

Cat

April 11, 2009

I not really sure what the difficulty is. Can you elaborate. Usually

hypoglycemics need to eat more frequently and as long as you have healthy

proteins in those small frequent meals you should be fine. are you not allow to

eat nuts, and beans, and legunes, or vegan /vegetarian cheeses and such. I'm not

being rude, i am new to the group and i am asking in case i missed an earlier

discussion about this. my 3 yr old is hypoglycemic and hardly ever touches meat

and is doing well on her scheduled meals.

unita

________________________________

Catherine Wesley <cat.wesley

Friday, April 10, 2009 9:53:09 PM

Hypoglycemia info needed

I have given up on a low-meat diet for my family because several of my

family members have, as it turns out, hypoglycemia. It's just too much

for me right now to avoid meat as I institute a special hypoglycemic

diet.

I would like to work back towards a better diet, as I feel it's

healthier to avoid the red meat etc.

Does anyone have experience in managing non-diabetic hypoglycemia on a

vegetarian or vegan diet?

In an effort to keep track of and also share what I've been learning

about non-diabetic hypoglycemia I have created a website:

http://www.keepinghappy.com

I would like to have some advice for vegetarians/ vegans on this site.

If you would like to contribute to the site VIA comment you can email

comment to me at happybod (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

If you would like to share any advice for me here on the

group, please mention if it's OK if I submit your words as a comment on

the site.

Thanks,

Cat

April 13, 2009

Both my mother (now deceased) and I dealt/deal with hypoglycemia. My mom was a

l-o vegetarian. I am vegan. I haven't found it difficult to control. I try to

eat foods with low glycemic index values, especially in the morning. The only

time I have a problem is when I'm running around like crazy and skip

eating...then I can crash. I've also learned that I have to make sure I eat

something (usually protein) before I exercise, and I always try to remember to

take a snack with me to the gym or if I'm going out hiking/biking/anywhere that

I may not have quick access to food. I've been out a few times and bonked, so I

also try to carry a high sugar item for those times I feel I'm headed in that

direction. Once I had to sit and wait for my boyfriend (now hubby) to go get me

some food. Strangely, I don't/can't eat when under severe stress...I have

literally gone for days without eating. However, during these times, I have no

problems with my blood sugar. I assume bc of some naturally released chemical

that's part of my stress response. Good luck with your Website! It's a great

resource!

April 14, 2009

Laura and Lisa I want to thank you for your replies to my post. I so much

appreciate the information and also the encouragement! Laura,I did go ahead and

post your comment on the " What to Eat " page- thank you!

Unita, thank you also for your reply.As a vegetarian or vegan you have a good

point: why DO I see a problem? The way you phrase it, there doesn't seem to be a

difficulty.The thing is, though, that I find it hard even as a meat eater to

serve a hypoglycemic-compatible diet and have any variety. That's one reason I

set up this website, to keep track of and learn about various ways to serve

protein all day long (not necessarily in large amounts) and also avoid whatever

must be avoided, such as potatoes in many cases. This seems (to me) to be even

more of a challenge if one intends to avoid meat or animal products.(Which I

would like to do if I can get organized enough to do it!) As it is,even now I

feel my husband and son are eating too many nuts and eggs and too much cheese.Of

course, that's dairy cheese - maybe large amounts of non-dairy cheese wouldn't

be so bad!

Also, protein is expensive,beans being one of the cheaper sources I realize, and

I'd love to hear ideas about budget eating.Many made-for-vegetarian foods are so

expensive. I wonder if there is a website that I could link to that offers

homemade vegan cheeses,etc or other alternatives to expensive ready-made foods.

I admit I've been only reading this list sporadically lately, and I hope this

isn't pesky of me to ask - perhaps this has been much discussed and everyone

else already knows about such a website!

Cat

, unita walburn <uwalburn wrote:

>

> I not really sure what the difficulty is. Can you elaborate. Usually

hypoglycemics need to eat more frequently and as long as you have healthy

proteins in those small frequent meals you should be fine. are you not allow to

eat nuts, and beans, and legunes, or vegan /vegetarian cheeses and such. I'm not

being rude, i am new to the group and i am asking in case i missed an earlier

discussion about this. my 3 yr old is hypoglycemic and hardly ever touches meat

and is doing well on her scheduled meals.

> unita

>

> ________________________________

> Catherine Wesley <cat.wesley

>

> Friday, April 10, 2009 9:53:09 PM

> Hypoglycemia info needed

>

> I have given up on a low-meat diet for my family because several of my

> family members have, as it turns out, hypoglycemia. It's just too much

> for me right now to avoid meat as I institute a special hypoglycemic

> diet.

>

> I would like to work back towards a better diet, as I feel it's

> healthier to avoid the red meat etc.

>

> Does anyone have experience in managing non-diabetic hypoglycemia on a

> vegetarian or vegan diet?

>

> In an effort to keep track of and also share what I've been learning

> about non-diabetic hypoglycemia I have created a website:

> http://www.keepinghappy.com

>

> I would like to have some advice for vegetarians/ vegans on this site.

>

> If you would like to contribute to the site VIA comment you can email

> comment to me at happybod (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

>

> If you would like to share any advice for me here on the

> group, please mention if it's OK if I submit your words as a comment on

> the site.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Cat

>

April 14, 2009

Patty, I just found your reply to my post - I didn't see it before I replied to

the others just now.

Thank you.This is helpful!

Cat

, patty.paolini wrote:

>

> My daughter and I am vegetarian and hypoglycemic. We follow a diet of whole

grains, vegetables and some protein taken in small meals throughout the day. We

avoid processed food and fruit and anything with sugar. The only time we notice

any hypoglycemic symptoms is when we forgot to pack a snack.

>

> Patty

>

April 14, 2009

Hi Cat,

Honestly, most meat recipes (other than a slab of flesh) can be adapted to be

used with beans or lentils. There is tremendous variety of foods in the world,

you just need to focus on whole grains (also full of protein) and veggies.

You can check the recipe archives of this group, www.vegweb.com and www.vrg.org

for lots and lots of recipes. You can also visit your local library and pick up

a cookbook from Dr. McDougal (MacDougal?)

This stew, served with a green salad and a whole grain roll, is a perfect meal,

simple, and your whole family will enjoy it. If you don't have a slow cooker,

this can simmer on the stove; just be sure to stir it every 20 minutes or so.

Italian Lentil & Squash Stew

1 1/2 cups dried brown lentils, rinse in a mesh strainer

1 small butternut squash (1 1/4 lb.) peeled, seeded and cut in 1 " chunks (about

3 cups)

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)

8 ounces green beans -- ends trimmed and cut in half (2 cups) (fresh or frozen)

1 medium bell pepper -- cored cut in 1 " chunks

1 large potato -- peeled and cut in 1 " chunks

3/4 cup onion -- chopped

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil, adds a rich taste

Mix lentils and 3 cups water in a 3-quart or larger slow-cooker. In a large

bowl, mix remaining ingredients except olive oil; place on lentils. Cover and

cook on low 8 to 10 hours or until the vegetables and lentils are tender. Stir

in the oil if desired. Serve in soup plates or bowls. Note: sprinkle with a dash

of parmesean or nutritional yeast.

Robin

--- On Mon, 4/13/09, Catherine Wesley <cat.wesley wrote:

Catherine Wesley <cat.wesley

Re: Hypoglycemia info needed

Monday, April 13, 2009, 8:26 PM

Laura and Lisa I want to thank you for your replies to my post. I so much

appreciate the information and also the encouragement! Laura,I did go ahead and

post your comment on the " What to Eat " page- thank you!

Unita, thank you also for your reply.As a vegetarian or vegan you have a good

point: why DO I see a problem? The way you phrase it, there doesn't seem to be a

difficulty.The thing is, though, that I find it hard even as a meat eater to

serve a hypoglycemic- compatible diet and have any variety. That's one reason I

set up this website, to keep track of and learn about various ways to serve

protein all day long (not necessarily in large amounts) and also avoid whatever

must be avoided, such as potatoes in many cases. This seems (to me) to be even

more of a challenge if one intends to avoid meat or animal products.(Which I

would like to do if I can get organized enough to do it!) As it is,even now I

feel my husband and son are eating too many nuts and eggs and too much cheese.Of

course, that's dairy cheese - maybe large amounts of non-dairy cheese wouldn't

be so bad!

Also, protein is expensive,beans being one of the cheaper sources I realize, and

I'd love to hear ideas about budget eating.Many made-for-vegetarian foods are so

expensive. I wonder if there is a website that I could link to that offers

homemade vegan cheeses,etc or other alternatives to expensive ready-made foods.

I admit I've been only reading this list sporadically lately, and I hope this

isn't pesky of me to ask - perhaps this has been much discussed and everyone

else already knows about such a website!

Cat

@gro ups.com, unita walburn <uwalburn@.. .> wrote:

>

> I not really sure what the difficulty is. Can you elaborate. Usually

hypoglycemics need to eat more frequently and as long as you have healthy

proteins in those small frequent meals you should be fine. are you not allow to

eat nuts, and beans, and legunes, or vegan /vegetarian cheeses and such. I'm not

being rude, i am new to the group and i am asking in case i missed an earlier

discussion about this. my 3 yr old is hypoglycemic and hardly ever touches meat

and is doing well on her scheduled meals.

> unita

>

> ____________ _________ _________ __

> Catherine Wesley <cat.wesley@ ...>

> @gro ups.com

> Friday, April 10, 2009 9:53:09 PM

> Hypoglycemia info needed

>

> I have given up on a low-meat diet for my family because several of my

> family members have, as it turns out, hypoglycemia. It's just too much

> for me right now to avoid meat as I institute a special hypoglycemic

> diet.

>

> I would like to work back towards a better diet, as I feel it's

> healthier to avoid the red meat etc.

>

> Does anyone have experience in managing non-diabetic hypoglycemia on a

> vegetarian or vegan diet?

>

> In an effort to keep track of and also share what I've been learning

> about non-diabetic hypoglycemia I have created a website:

> http://www.keepingh appy.com

>

> I would like to have some advice for vegetarians/ vegans on this site.

>

> If you would like to contribute to the site VIA comment you can email

> comment to me at happybod (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

>

> If you would like to share any advice for me here on the

> group, please mention if it's OK if I submit your words as a comment on

> the site.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Cat

>

April 14, 2009

Being on a budget, I would definitely avoid as many boxed or prepared items as

possible. Try to buy in bulk, and try grains like quinoa which is high in

protein. Homemade seitan (wheatmeat), tofu, and tempeh, as well as beans are

good proteins. When I made the switch to vegan it was a big change as we were

eating so unhealthy! Lots of restaurants, prepared and prepackaged foods. It

does take some getting used to, but great health benefits. Some sites for you

to look at.

http://veganonabudget.wordpress.com/ --just as it says a blog from a vegan on a

budget. Some recipes and meal ideas

http://nomilk.com/cheese1.txt --some vegan cheese recipes to get you started

http://www.fatfreevegan.com/ --lots of recipes, lots of variety, one of my

favorites. Try her ribs for a protein dish.

http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/ --lots of people follow this. Has a cheezy

dip recipe you may like.

http://vegandad.blogspot.com/ --lots of kid friendly meat substitutes that are

homemade, veggie slices (like deli meats), vegan wingz, protein patties like

chickpea cutlets. Very good resouce, maybe look at buying his book if budget

permits

http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/2006/04/aloo-samosas.html --discussion in the

comments about hypoglycemic diet are interesting. One vegan recommneds hummus

(yum, yum!) as a quick fix instead of cheese.

Hope this helps!

Laura Ballinger Morales

________________________________

Catherine Wesley <cat.wesley

Monday, April 13, 2009 9:26:39 PM