Healthy Eating Tips For Diabetics

Managing blood sugar is a matter of life or death for diabetics, but most people simply take it for granted because their body will do it automatically. This is not the case for diabetics. If you are diabetic you need to learn how to work with your body to help it maintain a balanced blood sugar level. For diabetics, healthy eating is a life or death matter.
Ensure that each meal or snack contains lean protein, good complex carbohydrates and as little fat as possible. Reduce or eliminate your intake of "bad" carbohydrates such as sugary sweets and starchy grains, breads and potatoes.




Be mindful of your intake of certain 'bad' fats (animal fats are especially bad).
Eat a small meal or snack every 2 to 3 hours - going too long between meals is very bad for diabetics. Consult with your doctor or a diabetic educator to learn what is the best choice for you regarding meal timing.
Carefully plan out your portion sizes at meals and snacks. Too much or too little can dramatically impact the fluctuations of your glucose levels. A dietician can show you how to properly measure your portions. A rule of thumb for protein (in the form of lean meat) is a serving about the same size as a deck of cards.
Here are more healthy eating and cooking tips for diabetics. Avoid deep fried foods - the extra fat is no good for you. Instead grill or broil your meats and vegetables - and drain off the excess liquids. Use a cooking spray instead of butter, or else use a small amount of vegetable oil.
Avoid adding sugar to foods for flavoring, instead use other spices and flavorings such as lemon juice, mustards, herbs, spices, garlic, extracts such as vanilla or almond, vinegar, peppers, salsa. Whenever a recipe calls for oil, use canola or olive oil.
Back off the extra fats. Trim fat off meats, take the skin off chicken and turkey. Use reduced-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise and cheese. Use skim or low-fat milk, cheese, and dairy products such as yogurts.




Any fat that turns to solid when cooled should be avoided. This includes lard and shortening as well as bacon fat and butter.
If you're going to eat out - plan ahead before you go. This is especially true if you are taking insulin or diabetic pills. Avoid fried foods and extra salt. Ask for any sauces to be served on the side. Avoid starchy carbs and sugary sweets. Before drinking alcohol, discuss it with your doctor.
These tips are helpful for diabetics but nothing can take the place of asking your doctor personally. Visit with your doctor or diabetic educator if you have further questions about diabetes and diet.