Introduction and a question

janieb · Post by **janieb** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 3:42 pm

Hi folks,

I came across this site quite a while ago. No S seems so sane and I really need to find some sanity around eating

Here's my question: I"m hypoglycemic and I definitely sail on a more even keel if I eat more often than three times a day. BUT, my big problem is that when I eat the 5-6 mini meals my doctor suggests, I tend to eat too much. Over the years my weight has creeped up so that now I'm definitely in the overweight catagory.

Is anyone else here hypoglycemic, and, if so, how do you deal with the no snacking rule? I would love to hear anyone's input.

Thanks,
Janie

NoelFigart · Post by **NoelFigart** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 4:20 pm

I don't think anyone is going to recommend you go against doctor's orders.

That said, I am (very very mildly) hypoglycemic. What triggers it for me is a lot of caffeine combined with simple sugars and a lack of protein and fat.

So a breakfast of low fat waffles with lots of syrup and several cups of coffee with skim milk would have me fainting.

This morning I had what Reinhard calls "Optimized Oatmeal". Basically it's rough cut oatmeal, some nuts, dried fruit and seeds. Pour hot water over it and stir. It's pretty tasty. (I had apricots, almond slivers and sunflower seeds today). I am getting quite hungry, but it's almost lunchtime, so that's fine. I don't feel faint. If I don't eat lunch, I probably will.

If you feel faint, a glass of milk is perfectly permissible, and you know from experience it'll fix things right up for you.

If you wanted to be medically compliant and No-S compliant, get smaller plates and have more meals. The rules don't specify a number of meals a day, only that it's consistent. (Though if you do the math, matching plate size to surface area gets tricky and complex. Darn Pi!)

kwidener7 · Post by **kwidener7** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 5:09 pm

I have had many a problem in the past with hypoglycemia, PCOS, and probably some insulin resistance. No-S has helped me break the sugar high/low cycle and I am finally able to go longer than a few hours without food without feeling faint, nasty (mean), and wacky. But I have learned a few things in the process.

First, sugar and highly processed foods are my enemy (especially without protein and fat). A Slurpee with empty carbs = DISASTER!! My husband thought I was a monster from the black lagoon!!! He He!

Second, I MUST have a balanced meal to get me to the next one without these nasty feelings. That means protein, complex carbs, often a starch, and PLENTY of fat. Do not be afraid of fat! It keeps your blood sugar stable and digests very slowly so that you don't crash.

Third, I have found (for me personally, anyway) eating too often seems to aggravate my blood sugar problems. Eating less often seems to keep me from wanting to eat and allows my blood sugar to stabilize.

So, try balanced meals. The second and/or third day will probably be awful! (Especially if you eat a lot of sugar. It may be much, much more than you think) If you fail, you fail, just keep trying to stick to it. Experiment with the number of meals. Try 4 at first perhaps (No S does not dictate the number of meals). DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT worry about how large your plates are at first. They are needed in the beginning to get you to the next meal. They will get smaller. You will probably be amazed at how much sugar you did eat and how quickly your taste buds change. When you do have your sweets on S Days, make sure they have fat and/or protein. Think chocolate, butter, peanut butter, nuts, etc.

And most of all, remember the people on here are REALLY supportive! They are always welcome to give advice/personal experience.

And you will probably find your sugar levels stabilize!

janieb · Post by **janieb** » Fri Mar 19, 2010 9:03 am

Thanks for the advice, Noel and kwidener7.

My hypoglycemia is more than mild, so I know all about what would happen with a breakfast of waffles and syrup! In fact, the ONLY thing I can eat for breakfast is oatmeal. Don't ask me why, even a big breakfast of eggs and bacon and toast has me "crashing" a few hours later.

So what I'm trying today ( my first No S day!) is a big piece of cheese with my ortmeal. Let's see how that does me.

It's interesting, Kwidener7, that eating too often aggravated your blood sugar problems. I would love to hear more about that. You said that the first few days of no s were awful? (I hardly eat any sugars so going cold turkey on that won't be a problem, but if I thought suffering through a week or so of yuckiness would make me feel better on the other side that would be great!)

Thanks so much for your support. And wish me luck!

Jane