LOOKING FOR?????

Does anyone know of a book, like a calorie counter but not necessarily a calorie counter, that lists BOTH protein and sugar contents of foods. I would like one so I can do some advance planning to shopping. Yes, I read labels but I'd like to do more research. PLUS...now that I am progressing to more solid food I would like to "indulge" in some fresh fruits and veggies...no "labels" on them and I am afraid of sugars. Any help would be appreciated? THANKS KIT PS> I have one from PMRI Shopwell Class (no sugars) and in the bookstores and libraries all I see are protein OR sugar (not in ONE book)

Hi Miss Kitty, Hopefully I can be of some help here since I am a diabetic and used to looking for this kind of information. I have never seen a book that lists in detail every catagory that we need to see to make a smart choice...ok having said that, there are quite a few good sources of info out there that can help you. I would suggest you check out some diabetic sites ( go to Google and type in diabetes and you will get a gazillion hits ) There is also a book called The Glucose Revolution that explains something called the glycemic index. The glycemic index assigns a value to all foods..usually equating white bread with a value of 100..along the same lines as what refined sugar would be. Not all foods are created equally. The amount of time it takes for a food to cause a blood sugar spike ( in most people ) determines the glycemic index. Choosing foods that have lower numbers translates into less sugar. For instance apples and banana's are both fruits, yet an apple has a value of aproximately 28 where a banana has one of 51...higher number, higher sugar content. The same with vegetables, the starchier veggies such as corn, potatoes, peas and the like have much higher numbers than asparagus, green beans or most salad veggies. It sounds confusing but once you get the hang of it it's really pretty simple, common sense rules. Once you learn which foods are the better choices ( remember, in my opoinion there are no "bad" foods only bad amounts of those foods ) it will be a snap. I regularly include apples, all kinds of melons ( I really enjoyed canteloupe this summer ) berries, salad veggies such as tomatoes, onions, lettuce ( all kinds chopped up fairly small ) green peppers, cucumbers, green beans, asparagus....you get the idea. Good luck in your search, keep asking questions, shopping smart and trying new things! here is a link to a glycemic index search you can use to look some things up and maybe make yourself a list to print out of your favorite foods. List them all, choose the ones with lower numbers then maybe make a note on the list in a separate column how you reacted to a certain food. You may be more sensitive to some things than others. lol I guess if I have to be diabetic, at least maybe I can help someone else out along the way. http://www.glycemicindex.com/ Keep me posted, I'm interested to know how you make out! Linda

Dear Linda, Thanks for all your info. I am definitely going to check out those details and the website when I get a chance. I've been sitting here chuckling to myself over the past couple days because I can't believe I am so stuck on craving fruit. (Instead of cakes, pies, ice cream... :>) ). For the past couple days, I've chopped a half banana and enjoyed dipping the pieces in a little peanut butter. Go figure! Thanks again for coming to my rescue! Kit

Kit, I found one at the Borders Store on Route 202. It was about $6.50. Its kinda big but it contains alot of what I eat and has calories, serving size, protein grams, sugars, fats. Very good reference book especially for me. I had no idea what serving sizes were and how many calories I was eating before the surgery. What an eye opener. I left book at work yesterday. I know I found it in the cooking section, its a green paperback and author is Dr. Corrianne _____(can't remember last name). She does not do all the fast food places but a few are in there such as Wendy's. I would be lost without it. Although sometimes I find she has too many items to choose from...Never knew there were so many types of chicken you could eat. I will email you tonight with the full name of author and the reference book title. Debbie

oooo thanks Debbie! That would be Corianne T. Netzer. I have her Complete Book Of Food Counts. lol which isn't as complete as the one you have. Mine has a red cover. I wasn't aware she had released another one. I will have to check that out! Linda

Dear Debbie, THANKS FOR THE INFO. I have to be in the area of Borders on 202 early next week and I will DENFINTELY check this one out! I knew if I posted I would get some good advice! KIT

I've got the The Doctor's Pocket Calorie Fat & Carb Counter. It's pocket size, contains calories, fat, carbs, plus protein, fiber, iron and calcium counter. Has a big section on fast food. And for the techno geeks you can link up to their website with your palm or blackberry. The book runs about $5.

Dear Rob, Thanks so much for the info. I really want to check this out too. I don't know why I didn't ask sooner. I've had this question for awhile. Glad you could help, but then again, your own success is an inspiration to a lot of us. (Including me!). Thanks again. Kit