Cardboard has very little sugar or carbs. It's the perfect food providing a little fiber and won't spike sugar levels. Unfortunately, there is the taste issue - and that whole "swallowing" thing.

As a newly diagnosed type one diabetic, I was thrown into a world of cardboard and baked zucchini for dinner. It lasted two weeks. Then I moved to the phase where I had one bite of everything because there was just no way I was going to find anything to eat that fit all the criteria. That didn't work, either.

With more than a little research and productivity, I came up with a list of things I can snack on that won't kill me or leave me sneaking food and eating it in my basement office or the rec room. (Who left a cracker box on the floor? Dang those grandkids!)

Eggs

Yum. They say the white part is the best for us, but I love the yolk. I hard boil them and throw them into a baggie to go to work with me.

Cottage cheese

is a hit or miss for me. I am still trying out brands that work for me. Adding some pears or drained pineapple helps to make it not taste like..., well, cottage cheese.

Packaged meats

have very few carbs, and that is what I am trying to eliminate of late. Add a celery stick and string cheese and paint me pretty.

String cheese -

the part skim kind - is my new reason for living. Chew slowly and enjoy.

grapes

A handful of grapes works well. Not much more than a handful, though.

Rice cakes

Just the thought makes me roll my eyes. Find a brand or a flavoring that works for you - and there are many. Keep an eye on the carbs. Add apple pieces and a slice of cheese. Did I already mention to chew slowly? Chew slowly.

Carrots

They come in smallish-sized packages, and I keep them at my desk. With all that crunch, I can almost convince myself I am actually eating something. I have found that a small bit of dressing helps the carrot go down, but keep the amount small - just enough to remember what you are not eating and why.

Nuts

Everyone says to eat unsalted nuts. But holy Hanna! Talk about tasting like a two by four. I am getting used to no salt, but slowly. I started off by getting my favorite brand of nuts and putting a handful in a dish rag and burnishing the excess salt off. I got used to that quickly, and I am making the transition. I'll let you know.

apple or a pear

An apple or a pear or a small helping of fruit works. Oranges are better. Leave the fruit juices alone. The sugar in them is killer.

Salads

with some chicken or tuna work for me. Add cheese, some pecans or almonds and a little of my favorite dressing, and that will get me through.

For me, the biggest change, now that I am a type one diabetic, is I can't sit down and eat the entire cake or the box of chicken-flavored death crackers. And while moderation can be fine for many, it hasn't really worked for me.

My challenge is to be proactively a little less than moderate. I have to drink more water or skim milk and eat like a man of 40-ish and not a dude of 20.

Listening to my doctor, watching my blood sugar, taking the medications when needed, and eating responsibly will be the life of me.