Those with GD/experience with GD

[Deleted]

I have a coworker who has GD and we want to do something special for her birthday. We can't get her a cake,cookies, etc. so we were trying to think of something else to get her without asking her what we should stay away from. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? I'm sure I could find some sugar-free recipes online but I want to make sure its in accordance with her diet.

TIA

[Jalapeñomel]

Don't give her food.

[Deleted]

Jul 18, 2013 18:54:51 GMT -5 sameoldash said:

what about flowers?

We're getting her a card, some balloons and I think one of the girls is getting her flowers. She finds out what she is having next week. 

I might just see if we can just take her out to eat somewhere. We just wanna do something nice for her.

[Deleted]

Jul 18, 2013 19:31:00 GMT -5 @gracie6414 said:

Don't take her out to eat. That's torturous.
Imagine how much you'd bitch and complain if a friend took you for food when you can only eat protein and veg, no sugar.

We also have a lot of places that have just this stuff. I wasn't thinking like taking her to Olive Garden.

[bananapancakes]

Can she have fruit? You could make her something like this.

[Deleted]

bananapancakes I don't know what fruit she can have; I don't wanna ask her and give it away.

bricco I like that idea. I'll run that by the girls and see what they think!

[underwaterrhymes]

Jul 18, 2013 19:36:33 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can she have fruit? You could make her something like this.

She can't have this, unfortunately.

Can you make a crustless crab quiche?

[dizzydee]

I'd be sad if it was my bday and instead of cake I got freaking nuts or salad. So I agree on the no food or maybe just ask her what she wants. Or I'd tell her that you were wanting to take her out to eat and let her pick. I've had a couple friends with GD and they still went out to eat... Let her know a couple days in advance so that she knows how to plan her meals that day. My friend that had GD also still had cake for her bday, it was just a low sugar version.

[rupertpenny]

For my birthday I would really like my coworkers to ignore me. If I had GD I would really, really want my coworkers to just ignore it and not make a huge fuss.

Is this the norm in your office? I would hate to have to shell out for balloons, flowers, and dessert every time someone had a birthday. If you guys already do this I guess you are stuck, but I would not want to set a precedent.

And yes, I know I am a fun sucker.

[hisno1girl]

I'd rethink getting her something baby related. It's her BIRTHDAY, not a baby shower.

[Deleted]

When I had GD, I could have all the balloons I wanted. lol

1 cup of berries equals 1 carb, and I could have 2-3 carbs per meal/snack. A berry assortment or something might be nice. I had one cookie at the baby shower my work hosted for me when I was pregnant.

Oh, taking her out to eat would be nice too.

[Deleted]

rupertpenny we do something nice for everyone in the office for their birthday. We have one doctor, one hygienist, 3 assistants, the ops manager and myself. We like to do something for each other.

Thanks for all the suggestions

[bab]

Can you order lunch in for her instead? Maybe throw a gift card for a mani/pedi in her card

[ridethelightning]

Well depending on how you time it, she can have carbs. Not a ton, but some. For instance, I could have 45 grams of carbs for lunch, and 30 at about 2 pm for a snack. For me, vanilla ice cream was a good afternoon snack, with some protein, but everyone is different. I'm not sure you can surprise her with this one. Managing GD is all about control and prior planning.

[Deleted]

@cse1960 - I FORGOT NUTS HAD PROTEIN. You know how I love the story of how all of your GMIL's friends went crazy over your nut selection. I didn't make the protein connection. No wonder you are an expert in fine nuts!!!

[Deleted]

Oh, and I would do a mani/pedi party for all of you. Do it at a salon, with passed nuts, cheese, and fruit.

[starlily]

Jul 18, 2013 19:38:37 GMT -5 @guernica said:

bananapancakes I don't know what fruit she can have; I don't wanna ask her and give it away.

Citrus and all types of berries were recommended to me when I had GD.

A cheese and charcuterie plate is also a really awesome idea.

One additional thing: The GD diet is very strict about when to eat, not just what to eat. So as much as you want to have this be a surprise, it would be nice if you told her, so that she can plan her eating schedule accordingly.

ETA: The more I think about it, I think you should just ask her what she prefers. People with GD have different sensitivities. I was able to handle rice, pasta, and small amounts of sweets as long as I stayed within my allowable carb count. But there are plenty of people who need to eliminate certain things entirely, even if their overall carb count is fine.