When you have diabetes, following your diet can be a challenge. Your doctor may have put you on a calorie or carbohydrate limitation, and you many not be used to counting carbohydrates and calories prior to every meal and snack. Eating healthy for your condition does not have to be complicated. It is about changing old habits in order to keep your blood sugar under control.
Step 1
Discuss with your medical provider what kind of diabetic diet you should be following. Depending on your weight, gender, activity level and condition, you will be given certain limitations. Ask for a sample diet that you can use for the first week or two.
Step 2
Read labels of everything you eat. If you are on a diet where you need to track calories or carbohydrates, this is the only way to make sure that you are not exceeding what is allowed for a particular meal or snack.
Step 3
Plan what you are going to eat for the day. It is important to be prepared so that you do not eat on an impulse or eat because you are starving.
Step 4
Start a diet log. Use this lock to track your blood sugar readings, medications and what you ate. It is important to bring this log to your appointments with your medical providers so that they can see what your readings are and how it relates to your diet. If you exercise, this should be tracked on this log as well.
Step 5
Stick with whole grains and fiber-rich starches as much as possible. This includes oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain breads and grains such as quinoa. These grains are more filling and nutritious for you.
Step 6
Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet. Try buying seasonal fruit and vegetables. Instead of snacking on something that is high in calories and carbohydrates, opt for a fruit or vegetable snack.
Step 7
Instead of full-fat dairy products, make sure you choose low-fat or nonfat milk, yogurt and cheese.
Step 8
Choose lean protein sources rather than red meat or fatty meats. These include fish, chicken breast, tofu or beans and legumes.
Step 9
Avoid high-fat products like food fried in oil or cooked with butter and margarine. Stay away from high cholesterol foods such as egg yolks or animal organ meats.
Step 10
Be prepared when you go out to eat. Check the menu prior to selecting a restaurant. Discuss with the waiter how the foods are cooked. Since restaurants tend to have large serving sizes, make sure you do not finish your plate by getting part of your meal packed in a doggie bag before you start eating.
