Having a healthy diet can mean the difference between controlled or uncontrolled diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications for the kidney, eyes, feet and many other systems of the body. Eating healthy is an integral part of overall diabetic management along with monitoring your blood sugars, visiting your doctor regularly and medication compliance if you are taking medications.
Read Labels
When you read labels, look at the number of calories, fat and cholesterol. Pay attention to ingredients and percent daily value and nutritional value of food. Stick to food low in fat, low in simple sugars, higher in fiber and lower in cholesterol.
Order Smart When You Eat Out
It can be tempting to overeat when you go out to a restaurant. Prior to ordering, ask the waiter what food on the menu are the healthier options. Stick to broiled, baked, or braised food. If the portions are large, ask for a to-go container when you get your meal and place some food in the box so that you are not tempted to eat everything on your whole plate. Skip the simple carbohydrate side dishes and stick with vegetables or whole grains. Limit your alcohol intake and drink lots of water instead of sugary drinks.
Stock Up on Healthier Options
When you are meal planning and shopping, buy a variety of fruits and vegetables. Instead of plain white bread, pasta and rice, opt for whole grain substitutes. Avoid food with low nutritional value that have a lot of calories. Stick to low fat or non fat dairy products. Buy lean meats and proteins. If these options are in the house, it makes it easy to choose healthy food.
Get Good Advice
Talk to your doctor or a certified diabetic educator about how many calories or carbohydrates you are allowed to have in a day. This should be further broken down into meals and snacks. Write down what you eat so that it can be reviewed by your medical professional. Counting calories and carbohydrates takes time at first; however, if you stick to the parameters that are given to you, your body will feel better.
Snacks and Deserts
Make good choices available for you when you are craving a snack or when it is dessert time. Whole fruit, carrot sticks or popcorn made with very little or no butter makes great snacks. Berries with a small amount of nonfat whipped cream, or sugar-free frozen yogurt are some sample desserts to try.
