If I was Designing Diabetic-Friendly Group Meals

[queenoftheskies]

For a writing workshop or retreat...there are some simple and subtle changes I'd make.

Disclaimer: This is for Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetics take insulin and can adjust their insulin dosages so they can eat things I cannot. I already have insulin, but my body can't use it, so I take meds and change my diet to make it easier for my body to

Comments

[blairmacg]

That's excellent! I would LOVE for it to get some play. Would you consider unlocking it so others could see it and event organizers could be pointed to it? If not, might you permit me to post it on my blog?

It's important. Really, really important. And it is not that difficult for organizers.

[msstacy13]

I concur.

[blairmacg]

Some years ago, I ran human resources for a hotel with convention and catering services. I quickly learned the catering department would do just about anything to avoid altering the "usual" continental breakfast. Why? Because they made good money by providing the bare minimum AND putting the their lowest-tier workers on the early morning shift. (In other words, the supervisors really didn't want to the early hours.)

HOWEVER!! Conference coordinators who stuck by their requirements got them because the reasons the catering staff put forth for not meeting them were, most often, simple bullshit. But it does sometimes take a firm hand during the negotiations.

And sometimes it takes a mere request! Because no one has thought of it before! :)

Rainforest has a full restaurant on-site. It shouldn't be excessively difficult to a half-dozen eggs the night before, and have them ready to eat in the morning. (Not that you'll eat half a dozen eggs for breakfast. There'll likely be other folk who want them, though. :)))

[queenoftheskies]

I have seen catering menus for hotels and I do realize they have set options available.

If they can't change their options, it would also be nice if they would NOT ban outside food in their venues. Some do.

[j_cheney]

I think those are EXCELLENT choices!

[queenoftheskies]

And simple, don't you think?

[j_cheney]

Yep!

[asakiyume]

Even people without *any* dietary restrictions would like and value these options. I think they make tremendous good sense. I hope a lot of people see blairmacg's tweet of your post!

[asakiyume]

Wow three times to get Blair's LJ handle right. Sorry about that!

[queenoftheskies]

:)

[queenoftheskies]

Sadly, people seem totally disinterested.

And, the contacts I've made in order to try to assure myself of something to eat (contacts with people in charge of events) has generally bombed.

People just don't get it.

[maryjdal]

Fine choices and I don't think it would put anyone off.

[queenoftheskies]

Mostly, it seems, people just think it's not their problem.

[greatsword]

My wife has enough food allergies that she has little business-card sized printouts of the foods she has to avoid. No restaurant or hotel has complained when she asked what on the menu she can eat - many go out of their way to help.

You should ask about what they have that is diabetic friendly. You have a serious medical condition and are treating it appropriately. Even if they can't do much, they'll probably try to do *something*. At least they should.

[queenoftheskies]

Sadly, I was told to eat what I could that they offered and/or bring my own food.

[greatsword]

Do you have enough transport in the area to get to a decent supermarket? There are enough of us local that I'm sure we can make it happen if not.