I’ve never actually posted in the forum but have often lurked in the background from time to time. This isn’t my first foray into Huel. I’ve been backwards and forwards a few times over the last 8 years but the draw of “real food”, sometimes finding huel sickly first thing in the morning and my brain promising me I’ll eat healthier makes me give up until a year later it goes “Hey, let’s try this again”.
So, why am I back? Again?
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes back in 2019 and started on metformin. Over the years my bloods were up and down and more medications got added in, increased or taken away until last year when my HB1AC(or A1C whichever it is!) hit 85 and showed it was poorly controlled. I used many excuses about my very poor diet (though last year was genuinely the most stressful I’ve had). Now, at the age of (very nearly) 35 I find myself on Ozempic (recently increased to 1mg) and worrying about running out of options and my struggle to eat healthy.
Part of the issue? 15 years as a paramedic has generated bad habits and the shift work tires me out so I can’t be bothered with cooking or meal prep. Whilst my role is different now (desk based) it’s still shifts and I have 3 children at home and a fiancee who is still recovering from two episodes of sepsis last year. Things are busy!
Anyway if you’ve got this far: As someone who wants to not only manage his diabetes better but also increase nutrition significantly, which huel would be best to replace breakfasts and lunches? My fiancee has some diet which I’m going to try but I’m leaning more towards black due to its low carb content (had it previously for this reason too!).
I’m hoping this is going to be the one and I’ll stick to it, I need to!
I think I recognise you from a video game forum beginning with R! A few folk from there have turned up here. I won’t post my username because I’ve posted an unwise amount of personal information on this forum and don’t want to connect the two.
If you’re not that Dave, er, hello anyway.
next day edit: I’m reliably informed that you’re not that Dave!
Well Dave, consider this your official welcome to the forum!
Thanks for being open with us on this. That’s a lot to carry at 35, especially with shift work, kids, and everything your fiancée’s been through. If I was in your shoes carrying all this, I probably would have been the same tbh. Firstly I want to just offer some love to you and your family, especially your wife. I hope that she is all good, sepsis is a rough one to come back from so hope she has made a full recovery
When it comes to using us, some Huel products can be suitable options if you have type 2 diabetes, but which one works best really comes down to your individual needs and how you respond to carbs. You’re on the right lines in terms of looking at carbohydrate content. Black Edition is lower in carbs and higher in protein compared to the standard powder, which is why some people prefer it when they’re trying to keep carb intake tighter. But the key thing is looking at the carbs per serving and fitting that into your overall day-to-day to make sure it fits for you!
When it comes to any sort of medication, whether it be this or metformin we need to make sure that Huel would be suitable. I know there are lots of used cases on the forum (this one for example), but we would always recommend you check with your doctor/dietitian to make sure that Huel would be suitable for you.
One thing I want to really lean on is you’ve got a great community here that will help with advice, hold you accountable or even if you just want to brain dump we are all here to listen and help best we can! You’ve made the biggest step in trying to take control; that’s the most positive move!
Are you still in the NHS or a Blue Light card holder? I only ask that, having this, you’ll be able to save money on your order with us.
I’ll wrap up by introducing myself, I’m Mark! You could say I’m the forum conductor, making sure people are helped and heard as best I can. If you ever have any problems, just drop me a line or send me a DM and I’ll be happy to help
I had bog standard white Huel powder for breakfast and lunch when I was losing weight, and still do some days. Make them the night before; they’ll taste nicer and it’s less faffing in the morning.
Huel Black would probably be better.
If you find it sickly sweet, some people buy unflavoured and make shakes with half flavoured/half unflavoured to reduce the sweetness.
