meal train for family with a newly diagnosed child with diabetes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a T1D kid. I would find out the kid's favorite meal and make that but slightly altered if it's a carb-heavy meal. Seriously.

There's so much new information you're taking in when they're first diagnosed that it is overwhelming. Also, the kid is probably overwhelmed with learning to examine the nutritional content of foods to count carbs, etc.

T1D isn't like T2D. There are no foods that are 100% off limits. The bad stuff, like chips and processed foods, can still be eaten, but in moderation.

You can make the healthiest meal for a T1D within their carb limit for that meal and they may still spike. T1D is an evil game to have to play for life.

Since the child was just diagnosed though I would bet the parents are going to be super picky about what he is eating at this point and just won't risk anything they haven't personally prepared or seen prepared.
That's why I don't think it's the right time for a meal train. Just because someone starts one doesn't mean it has to be contributed too.

Look, I don’t know this family, but if they receive meals they can feed their other kids, then they can focus all of their energy on what to feed their newly diagnosed child. Even if they don’t have other kids, having ready made meals that the parents can eat still makes it easier to cater to their child’s needs and tastes.

[Anonymous]

I would provide things that are pre-packaged and include the nutrition facts, or things that are very minimally processed. I'd probably make tomato sauce that is just canned tomatoes and seasonings, then cook some frozen meatballs in it. Provide that in one container, some sauteed zucchini with garlic/salt/pepper in another container, and some whole-wheat pasta tossed in olive oil in a third container. Clip the nutrition facts from the meatballs and pasta to include, and write down what you added to everything else.

Then maybe add some diabetes-friendly packaged snacks like these https://www.eatingwell.com/article/291099/top-packaged-snacks-for-diabetes/

[Anonymous]

Severe food allergy parent here (including peanuts), and I personally would not trust homemade food from others -- food allergies require lots of vigilance, including knowing what every single ingredient is and how it was manufactured to avoid cross contamination. It is very, very easy to make a mistake. My kid almost died because I missed a cross contamination notice.

Throw diabetes into the mix, and this seems like a very bad idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a T1D kid. I would find out the kid's favorite meal and make that but slightly altered if it's a carb-heavy meal. Seriously.

There's so much new information you're taking in when they're first diagnosed that it is overwhelming. Also, the kid is probably overwhelmed with learning to examine the nutritional content of foods to count carbs, etc.

T1D isn't like T2D. There are no foods that are 100% off limits. The bad stuff, like chips and processed foods, can still be eaten, but in moderation.

You can make the healthiest meal for a T1D within their carb limit for that meal and they may still spike. T1D is an evil game to have to play for life.

Since the child was just diagnosed though I would bet the parents are going to be super picky about what he is eating at this point and just won't risk anything they haven't personally prepared or seen prepared.
That's why I don't think it's the right time for a meal train. Just because someone starts one doesn't mean it has to be contributed too.

Look, I don’t know this family, but if they receive meals they can feed their other kids, then they can focus all of their energy on what to feed their newly diagnosed child. Even if they don’t have other kids, having ready made meals that the parents can eat still makes it easier to cater to their child’s needs and tastes.

This right here.

I'm the parent of a T1D kid (posted above) and I actually would have liked to have meals brought over when he was first diagnosed.

Diabetes is a big adjustment for the entire family. It was a crazy time because adjustments had to be made in all aspects of his (and our) lives, not just related to food. New accommodations at school, after school care, figuring out sports, doctor's appointments out the wazoo, T1D education classes, .etc. Even if I was feeling overprotective about food and the kid, I would have gladly fed it to the other kids.

[Anonymous]

Mom of a T1. Don't do this.

That's the last thing I would have wanted when DD was diagnosed. And the kid has food allergies?? Just no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Extremely bad idea.

Give them a diabetes cookbook if you want. They need to learn how to make diabetes specific meals themselves and make good nutrition choices. I am sure my Mac and Cheese casserole will do more harm than good.

T1 mom again. NO diabetes cookbook. T1s do not need diabetic specific meals. Perhaps read up on the difference between T1 and T2.

[Anonymous]

A diabetes diagnosis is not meal train worthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A diabetes diagnosis is not meal train worthy.

+1

[Anonymous]

Not appropriate for a meal train.

As someone with autoimmune problems and food issues, most others can't be trusted to make decisions for you about food. Who knows what people, however well meaning, might include.

[Anonymous]

Gift cards to moms organic supermarket sounds like a better idea….

[Anonymous]

I hate meal trains. I have never had the need one personally, but the thought of eating food made in various peoples kitchens grosses me out, so do casseroles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a T1D kid. I would find out the kid's favorite meal and make that but slightly altered if it's a carb-heavy meal. Seriously.

There's so much new information you're taking in when they're first diagnosed that it is overwhelming. Also, the kid is probably overwhelmed with learning to examine the nutritional content of foods to count carbs, etc.

T1D isn't like T2D. There are no foods that are 100% off limits. The bad stuff, like chips and processed foods, can still be eaten, but in moderation.

You can make the healthiest meal for a T1D within their carb limit for that meal and they may still spike. T1D is an evil game to have to play for life.

Since the child was just diagnosed though I would bet the parents are going to be super picky about what he is eating at this point and just won't risk anything they haven't personally prepared or seen prepared.
That's why I don't think it's the right time for a meal train. Just because someone starts one doesn't mean it has to be contributed too.

Look, I don’t know this family, but if they receive meals they can feed their other kids, then they can focus all of their energy on what to feed their newly diagnosed child. Even if they don’t have other kids, having ready made meals that the parents can eat still makes it easier to cater to their child’s needs and tastes.

This right here.

I'm the parent of a T1D kid (posted above) and I actually would have liked to have meals brought over when he was first diagnosed.

Diabetes is a big adjustment for the entire family. It was a crazy time because adjustments had to be made in all aspects of his (and our) lives, not just related to food. New accommodations at school, after school care, figuring out sports, doctor's appointments out the wazoo, T1D education classes, .etc. Even if I was feeling overprotective about food and the kid, I would have gladly fed it to the other kids.

It would not have worked for me. OK everyone you can enjoy this super terrific meal Mrs Smith made...but Larlo will have to eat something else since we do not know exactly what is in it

[Anonymous]

Glad to see others share my downvote for meal train!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A diabetes diagnosis is not meal train worthy.

A diabetes diagnosis is a huge change. It often comes with a hospital stay, and a medical crisis. It involves a ton of changes that need to be navigated, and it causes a ton of grief. Your sense of safety is shattered, your routines upended, and you need to learn a bunch of new skills.

So, it absolutely warrants a response on the same level as other major medical events.

Having said that, because of the issues with carb counting, etc . . . a meal train is probably not the best choice, in that it's probably not actually helpful.

I wonder if someone has asked this mom or dad what would be helpful, and free up their time so they can figure out the food thing and other challenges. Whether that's rides for the other kids to activities, or someone to come fold laundry, or a shoulder to cry on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Extremely bad idea.

Give them a diabetes cookbook if you want. They need to learn how to make diabetes specific meals themselves and make good nutrition choices. I am sure my Mac and Cheese casserole will do more harm than good.

T1 mom again. NO diabetes cookbook. T1s do not need diabetic specific meals. Perhaps read up on the difference between T1 and T2.

There are cookbooks for T1s.