According to Health.com, making small dietary changes that you know you can maintain is better than making drastic ones you won't be able to live with. If you're an emotional eater, start by addressing this. When you have diabetes, food should be used as a source of nutrition and energy and not as a way to ease loneliness, boredom or sadness. Try keeping a diary for a week or two to help you understand your eating patterns. Then mark things you want to change and aim for one or two changes a week.
Reduce Alcohol, Sweets, Saturated Fats
As much as possible, avoid alcohol, sweets and saturated fats. Carbohydrates can be part of a healthy diabetic diet, but simple carbs such as sugary drinks and candy don't provide any nutrition while affecting your blood sugar significantly. Fruits and vegetables are good choices, but keep fruit juices to a minimum. They contain higher concentration of sugars. Health and wellness site Life Clinic recommends eating your favorite sweet treats no more than once or twice a week.
Learn to Count Carbs
Your doctor or dietitian can help you determine how many grams of carbs you should eat at each meal in order to keep your blood sugar steady. Once you have a number to guide you, the next step is to start reading labels on everything you eat and track how much you're eating. Look for hidden carbs in everything from canned soups to sauces to salad dressing.
Eat Smaller Meals at Regular Hours
According to MayoClinic.com, a nutritious, balanced meal is the first step to managing your diabetes. Another important dietary change is to start eating small, regular meals instead of eating a few large meals at irregular hours. Eating regularly also keeps you feeling fuller longer, so you won't be as hungry or develop cravings. This is important because eating too much can lead to weight gain, which can worsen your diabetes. Aim for three meals and two snacks a day, spaced throughout the day.
