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[CaliforniaValerie]

Hello! I'm a type 1 diabetic who's rabid about my control; I intend to be here for a very long time and so far my aggressive work has paid off.

After not eating fruit for the past 16 years, I embarked on green smoothies about a month ago. I've had a Vita-Mix for a few years but mostly it was collecting dust on the counter.

Now, every morning I toss in about a half-cup total worth of fruit (how I've missed pineapple!) a few almonds and a couple big handfuls of spinach, kale or whatever. About 30% fruit, 70% greens, plus ice and water. This is what I'm consuming during the day with a low-carb meal at dinner.

I've followed a low-carb diet (less than 30 grams daily) for the last 10 years so adding these carbs back in were enough to make me a bit nervous. My goal is weight loss despite entering peri-menopause, as well as just enjoying raw, clean foods and shaking things up a bit.

I'm happy to have found a forum which fuels my current passion!

Valerie

[John]

Welcome Valerie!

Congratulations on the results of your positive aggressive work. As I've said many a time, I absolutely adore hearing such fabulous testimonies. It must feel wonderful to have fruit again - I couldn't imagine going a week without fresh fruit let alone 16 years!

Diabetics can benefit greatly by drinking green smoothies. Fruit is by no means a required ingredient for green smoothies. Please do continue to share your experience with us, I would love to get some more diabetic approved recipes and experiences.

I look forward to reading more about your fueled passion.

John

[dreamer]

That's great Valerie. I have an aunt who is diabetic that I tell to try green smoothies but she keeps telling me she can't because she can't have fruit. I'll make one for her without fruit.

[CaliforniaValerie]

With conscientious carb counting, there's not a single food that's off limits for diabetics. I chose not to eat fruit (or many carbs) for years because the more of those foods I consume, the more insulin I require. For me, the less insulin I use, the more likely I am to be able to control my weight. Plus, many of the foods that require the most insulin (simple carbs) just aren't that good for anyone.

I am using fruit in my smoothies but only about 30%. If I wanted to use more I'd just use a little more insulin. Diabetes is all about balance; food, exercise, medication.

If your aunt has a good understanding of her insulin use, she could add smoothies to her diet. If she's a type 2 diabetic on medication, she could still add them but may need to subtract carbs elsewhere or follow a smoothie with some exercise. If she is type 2 and not well-controlled on oral meds, I'd encourage her to consider insulin, which is a much more natural approach to helping our bodies work normally. Insulin is not a punishment, it's a great tool!

[green smoothie junkie]

Great to see you here Valerie - I look forward to learning more about a the green smoothie experience from someone with diabetes.