The meal replacement bars and snack bars are okay in a pinch (if it is that or not eating at all for many, many hours), but in general I would try to get some real food as the rule. Your body processes the real meals a lot more efficiently than depending on bars. Even though they are "diabetic friendly", they still aren't going to give you the same quality of nutrients that real, quality foods in a meal will give. If a couple-thousands calories is working for you, then I would stick with it for now. As your activity levels steps up a few notches, you can then evaluate how to bump up the calories to match it.

The issue with red meat has some pretty valid implications in diabetics. There are a few studies that have been run and several more in the works. In general, steering clear of it will do your diabetes and your weight a lot of good. I can't even remember the last time I ate red meat, though there was a time that I would have said that was really hard as well. Once you get into the habit of finding palatable choices of meals with chicken, turkey, fish, or legumes as the protein source, you will be amazed at how unpleasant a meal with a lot of red meat will become. Best of luck again. Be sure to keep me posted on how things work out for you.