What are some general tips and guidelines to keep in mind when dealing with diabetes and food?
- Eat Regularly: Eat three meals a day (spaced out no more than 6 hours between meals). You may benefit from snacks as well. Eating at regular times will help your body control blood glucose levels = less extreme highs and lows.
- Set Limits: Limit the amount of sugars, sweets and high-fat foods you eat.
- Fiber Rich Foods: Eat more high-fiber foods as they will help keep you full longer and may help lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
- Make Better Drink Choices: Drink more water while limiting the amount of pop and fruit juice you drink.
- Exercise: Add regular physical activity to your daily life (30 minutes throughout the day, 5 days a week is recommended).
- Healthy Foods on a Budget: Eating well is possible on a budget, but requires being organized and pre-planning including making a meal plan and shopping the grocery sales with a list.
- Make Food Taste Good: Use spices and herbs to help add flavor without adding additional calories or fat.
- Make Smart Choices for Cooking: Use cooking methods that are lower in fat such as broiling and grilling.
- Colorful in-season Produce: Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables in a wide variety of bright colors.
- Smart Produce Choices: Use fresh produce early in the week and use frozen and longer lasting produce later in the week.
Left to Right: Drink more water, eat less sweets, add more exercise, and a meal plan with shopping list are vital tools for planning.
Reflection...
Which of these tips could you incorporate into your life this week, this month, in the next 6 months?
Which of these tips could you incorporate into your life this week, this month, in the next 6 months?