Diabetes is different from many diseases in that it's directly affected by foods you eat. Every meal has the ability to dramatically change your health status and your need for medications, like insulin. The New Year is a great time to make a fresh start and get your diabetes under control or keep it under control by making the dietary changes you need to make. The Daily Plate D and a few tips about healthy eating habits can help you kick off your healthiest year yet.
Never Skip Meals
When you eat is just as important as what you eat, according to the University of Illinois. It recommends eating three regularly spaced meals and two snacks each day to keep your blood glucose levels steady and stable. It also recommends eating roughly the same amount of carbohydrates at each meal to further increase blood glucose stability. You can add the foods you eat into The Daily Plate D to help keep your carbohydrate levels on target and plan better meals.
Indulge Before Workouts
A vigorous workout burns up your stores of glucose and lowers your levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. It's important to test your blood glucose before workouts and make sure it's within the normal range. If so, indulging in a snack that would normally negatively impact your levels, such as a candy bar, before your workouts can help you control your sugar cravings in a healthier way. You don't feel deprived of sweets or chocolate and you get the blood glucose lowering benefits of your workout.
Add More Fiber to Your Diet
High fiber diets may help improve glucose tolerance, according to the American Diabetes Association. Its studies indicate that the carbohydrates that come from fiber have only a small impact on blood sugar, so they can decrease your meal's impact on blood glucose levels. The Food and Drug Administration recommends six to 11 servings of grains per day. Choosing whole grains can increase the fiber in your diet.
Choose Whole Foods
When in doubt about what to eat, choose whole foods. Whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and low-fat or fat-free dairy are universally healthy. Colorado State University recommends using the plate method. Fill half your plate with fresh vegetables, one-fourth of your plate with lean meat or protein and the remaining one-fourth with a whole grain, cereal or other starch.
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