Diabetes is a disease that affects virtually every organ in the body, including the heart. One important way to control blood glucose levels and the symptoms of diabetes is through a healthy diet. Of course, it is possible to develop heart disease without having diabetes. Diabetes and heart conditions both respond well to a similar diet plan that features making healthy food choices. Eating right when you have either diabetes or a heart condition takes some planning, but with practice you can create delicious and nutritious meals.
Step 1
Discuss your diabetes or heart disease with a physician. Your physician will formulate a treatment plan that may include both medication and diet. Your physician may refer you to a dietitian for assistance in creating a healthy meal plan and menu suited to your own individual needs. Diet, along with taking your medications as prescribed and getting enough exercise, can help you feel better and stay healthy.
Step 2
Learn about the exchange system if you are diabetic. The exchange system groups foods into several basic types, including starchy carbohydrates, fruits, dairy, meat, fats and sweets. The dietitian will set your calorie limits for each type and you will be able to pick, or exchange, foods from each group having similar nutrition and that affect blood glucose in the same ways. It is very important to watch which carbohydrates you eat because they break down into glucose. MayoClinic.com states one serving of starch, fruit or dairy can be available for exchange because they each contain about 15g of carbohydrates.
Step 3
Learn about heart-healthy foods if you have a heart condition. There are some foods that you can eat more of and some foods that you should limit in order to keep your heart healthy. MayoClinic.com recommends choosing healthy fats, like olive oil and Benecol margarine; low-fat protein from fish, poultry and egg whites; plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain carbohydrates such as whole what bread and oatmeal; and reducing the amount of salt you eat. It is also better for diabetics to eat the healthier whole grain carbohydrates for their bread and cereal choices.
Step 4
Create a shopping list based on the menus your dietitian recommends. Having a list written out before you go shopping can help prevent buying foods that are bad for your condition on impulse. Choose plenty of fresh fruits, green vegetables, whole grains and low-fat foods to stay healthy.
Step 5
Exercise portion control. Besides being careful about what foods you eat, you also have to be careful about how much of them you eat. Measure your portions out beforehand, using a food scale or measuring cups. Decline going back for seconds and eating until you feel stuffed.
