5 Tips to Manage your Diabetic Diet Plan
Being diagnosed with diabetes requires a mandatory change in dietary habits.
The type of diabetic diet plan will ultimately depend on the type of
diabetes one is diagnosed with along with recommendations from ones health
care providers.
A Type I diabetes diagnosis will require not only daily insulin injections
but also a need to closely monitor ones eating habits. The goal of this type
of diet is to keep blood sugars under control to prevent both hyperglycemia
and hypoglycemia and maintain a healthy body weight.
The goals for a type 2 diabetic are a little different because the reason
for this diagnosis usually includes obesity. Therefore not only is diet
important for controlling the effects of the diabetes but also need to
address the weight issue. Many type 2 diabetics find that once they get
there weight under control the signs and symptoms of the disease ease up or
go away completely.
The following five tips will be useful to anyone diagnosed with either type
of diabetes. The idea behind them is to keep the idea of eating healthy in
ones mind at all times because this disease needs to be closely managed.
1. Snacks – This is probably the hardest adjustment for anyone to make. It
goes without saying that cutting back on unhealthy snacks is very important.
This doesn’t mean that one cannot have a snack but they need to be of the
healthy variety. Mixed nuts, dried fruit that’s unsweetened, along with
fresh fruits and vegetables are all good snack choices. It can also help to
develop a routine when it comes to snacking; keeping to a daily schedule
instead of just randomly snacking throughout the day is a great way to keep
diabetes under control.
2. Carbohydrates – The thinking here is simple; cut back on the processed
and refined carbs found in most foods made with refined sugars and white
flour. Whole grain and whole meal foods are the way to go. Breads made of
whole grains with few preservatives actually have more flavor then plain old
white bread. Supermarket shelves are also stocked with whole grain pastas
and choose brown or basmati rice instead of white. Controlling the amount
and type of carbohydrates is an essential part of any diabetic diet plan.
3. Fruits and vegetables – These foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals,
fiber, and natural sugars that the body is better able to deal with.
Steaming or eating them raw is the best way to take advantage of their
natural goodness, but no matter how they are prepared they are an important
part of managing the affects of diabetes.
4. Alcoholic drinks – Beer, wine, and cocktails are generally considered off
limits to the diabetic. This doesn’t mean a drink cannot be enjoyed from
time to time, but in strict moderation. Avoid mixed drinks and instead opt
for a low calorie beer or red wine.
5. Water – There is nothing bad about drinking to much water. It is the
lubricant that keeps the human body running smoothly. This is no different
for the diabetic. Keep a water bottle at hand throughout the day to make
sure you get those 8 glasses a day.
Living with diabetes presents many challenges but these five tips can help
make following a diabetic diet plan easier and more effective.
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