cherylforeurope

Planning our second trip to Italy with my dear husband who is not only diabetic but recently had bypass surgery so now he is to watch his fat intake. He loves pasta and pizza and how can anyone go to Italy and not savior all the wonderful food? We are fortunate he is doing extremely well by watching his diet and have already discussed ways to incorporate pasta when traveling.

I was curious if there are any others here with health problems, especially diabetics with a fondness for pasta, who love Italy and do you watch what you eat when traveling?

Tiff

Hi Cheryl, I believe it is wise to watch out for health concerns whether you are traveling or not.

My Mom had a sudden onset of diabetes after my father passed away, and while she has to watch her carbs, it is not to say she cannot have any. It is just about portion control.

Additionally, I know that walking and moderate exercise assists her blood sugar levels greatly. With his recent bypass though, I would consult with your doctor first.

Perhaps a visit with your specialist before departure would be a good idea. I think there are plenty of menu items that he would be able to enjoy while splurging sparingly.

Safe journey, Tiff

walkinaround

type 1 insulin user -- i can eat reasonable meals that include pasta, pizza or whatever - i just adjust the insulin. i cannot go to extremes or i get in trouble. i drink wine and travel the world eating everything in moderation. never order a diabetic meal on planes. i test my BS often and just don't go overboard. no problems here. i'm not saying that you can or should do the same thing...just telling you what i do.

suze

You can still "savor all the wonderful food" but try to make better choices than pasta and pizza for most of your meals (grilled meats and vegetables, soups, etc.)

FainaAgain

When I invited a couple for dinner, both diabetics, I checked the website to see what diet should I stick too for food preparation.

I loved what they say there, a simple rule called "rate your plate" which is 25% carbs, 25% protein, 50% vegetables.

I think this diet is good for anybody! And as I'm struggling with my weight, I try to follow the same rule.

I'm sure Italy has lots of vegetables and fruit to offer! Loots of fattening food too

enzian

Italy has many wonderful foods besides pasta---grilled meats, fish, and vegetables; risotto; salads such as insalata caprese. . . I could go on and on. I'm gluten-sensitive and CAN'T eat pasta, so I know.

jsmith

Your problem is not unique.

I suggest you and your husband have your endocrinoligist make an appointment with a dietician specializing in diabetics. More than one visit may be necessary.

LoveItaly

Hi cherylforeurope, I have a family member on insulin and he has to travel a lot in his work and he does take trips to Europe, especially Italy. jsmith's suggestion to you is exactly what my family member did..what a difference that made.

Regarding your husband bypass surgery, if he shouldn't eat cheese did you know you can order pizza in Italy without cheese. Just say "senza formaggio" (without cheese). I always do that as I cannot eat dairy products. Very easy to order pizza without meat also. I especially love a pizza with mushrooms (fungi).

In that pasta is not normally the main course in Italy can he eat a bit of it? And risotto is so good, it makes me hungry just thinking about it. And chicken is so easy to get in Italy. A nice salad which is sliced tomatoes with a bit of olive oil is fabulous. I think you will be surprised how easy it will be for your husband to eat wonderful food in Italy. Best wishes.

KT

I'd question some of the advice you've been given here. White rice (think risotto), like pasta, is a high-carb starch for nutritional purposes. Also, I'm not sure about recommending going heavy on meat and cheese for somebody on a resticted-fat diet. I agree with the advice to consult a specialist or dietican, or at least rely on authoritative advice, if you're concerned.

KT

While I'm correcting my spelling (it's dietitian), I should probably clarify what I said about recommending cheeese. Although several people suggested ways to avoid cheese, some of the other recommendations (insalata caprese, many risottos) have cheese.

blspence

I have Type II diabetes and had a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery in 1997. My problems have been greatly reduced by exercise and medication. My wife and I will be in Rome and Florence at the end of March.

I saw my doctors yesterday and was told to experience Italy completely but in MODERATION!

That means small portions of gelato, pasta, alcohol, etc. The best means of burning sugar calories is thru exercise, and walking around Rome and Florence should do it.

suze

Travel is about so much more than food!

It saddens me to think someone would take risks with their health and eat things they shouldn't just because they are in Italy. I really don't understand the need to "incorporate pasta when traveling". Instead I suggest you focus on all the amazing things you will be seeing and doing, not so much on what you will eat. Adopting that mind set really works (lessening the importance of food for weight loss was my experience but seems appropriate for this situation as well).

mulifat

<<Travel is about so much more than food!
It saddens me to think someone would take risks with their health and eat things they shouldn't just because they are in Italy. I really don't understand the need to "incorporate pasta when traveling". Instead I suggest you focus on all the amazing things you will be seeing and doing, not so much on what you will eat. Adopting that mind set really works (lessening the importance of food for weight loss was my experience but seems appropriate for this situation as well).>>

It is not appropriate to be preaching what your particular views are, to the original poster. Your priority might not be on food when you travel (neither is mine) but for many people it is just the opposite, and common respect asks that you have room for that view. The person is simply asking if anybody with similar medical conditions can offer some advice.

suze

You have my apology. I thought (incorrectly) it might be a helpful view point.

mulifat

No need to apologize Suze. Actually, in hindsight maybe I should not be so arrogant as to speak for the original poster. Your view very well might have been helpful to them.

cherylforeurope

blspence - I wish you good health and a wonderful trip to Italy.

"Incorporating pasta"....my husband LOVES pasta and considering he's diabetic has done a remarkable job of not eating it, or when he does with moderation. Of course the fact that I rarely cook regular white pasta also helps. Food, especially when it Italy, is to be experienced and enjoyed and as careful as my cooking is now I couldn't deny him Italy's unbelieveable cuisine!

I just wondered what others with similar health problems do. We have already decided any pasta eaten will be earlier in the day...followed of course by walking, gazing and soaking up all the Italian delights.

There is a plus...red wine has some heart healty benefits!!

suze

No it's legit. I have been bothered by a couple recent threads where everyone is giving medical advice here on Fodor's (the last one was someone with bad knees who was getting all kinds of crazy suggestions).

The most helpful replies above were those who suggested talking to a doctor or specialist about how to best handle the situation.

Just because someone goes off their diet in Europe and lives to tell the tale, does not make it good advice to give another person IMO.

blspence

cherylforeurope, I think you're on the right track. If he wants pasta, cut out something else on that day like gelato.

Again, moderation is the key. Foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes are high on the glycemic index and should be eaten in small portions but are easily burned off with exercise.

cherylforeurope

blspence - you are so right about the exercise. When going through rehab his sugars were sometimes too low and he had to eat sugar...which never ceases to amaze me. His medication was decreased so hopefully this will straighten out. And would you believe he had his surgery about 5 weeks after a 3 week trip to Europe. And there I was...dragging this man all over Europe from sunrise to sunset...and he never had a problem.

enzian

FYI---most "heart healthy" websites (NIH, American Heart Organization, NHF (New Zealand) list mozzarella as an acceptable "low fat" cheese. I imagine that is referring to American-style part-skim mozzarella, at around 18 % fat. True Mozzarella di Bufala Campagna, at 21 % is very close---and oh so much better.

As everyone else has said, everything in moderation.