How to Plan Meals for Your Diabetic 1 Child

Set up a system that will help your child feel in control of their diabetes by making good food choices.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• File box with file cards
• A specified spot for special treats
• Food scale - optional
• Pocket guides to carb counting

1. Make an index card for each type of food that your child is allowed to eat. Write the amount of food and carb count for each amount. For example, one cup milk - 13 carbs. With sugar-free chocolate syrup - 17 carbs. Your child will be able to pick out cards for what they are eating at dinner, or be able to get a snack on their own after school. Place the file box and a calculator in a small box on the counter within easy reach.
2. Put measuring cups and spoons in a drawer for easy access. Make sure they know how to use them correctly. If you want to be really precise, you can use a food scale for measuring food that is calculated in ounces, not number of pieces.
3. Clear a space in your cupboard to place special low-carb snacks. This is also a good place to put the emergency juice boxes and glucose tablets for the low-sugar situations.
4. Take your child shopping with you. Let them pick out favorite fruits, vegetables, etc. By involving them they will be more eager to eat correctly. Teach them how to read the nutritional information on pre-packaged food.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to get a pocket guide that gives information on fresh food carbohydrate counts. Store this in the same container with the calculator and index box. A good container is the small crate used for Clementine oranges.
• Either purchase a book or go online to get carb counts for your favorite restaurants. Looking at this in advance will make it easier at ordering time.
• Have a few low-carb snacks that will help with the cravings your child may get. This will help them to not cheat.