How to choose the best food choices for a diabetic

Choosing the best foods for a diabetic

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Diabetics need to pay special attention to their diet and make sure they eat the best that they can. This does not mean that you have to suffer taste at all. Some of your favorite meals can be adapted in a way that is healthy for you and taste great. Today more then ever there are many choices for sugar free candies and desserts as well as great tasting low fat meals.
   
   The most important thing to do is know what you are eating. Read the ingredients and amounts of saturated fats and sugars are in the food you are eating. Stick to the food pyarmid that not just diabetics, but everyone should stick to for their health and weight. The food pyarmid gives you the amount of servings in each food category that you should consume. Here is a look at what is suggests ....
2. Fats, oils and sweets ~ Use as sparingly as possible.
   
   Dairy items ~ 2-3 servings a day.
   Meat, poultry, nuts, beans, and eggs (proteins) ~ 2-3 servings a day.
   Vegetable group ~ 3-5 servings a day.
   Fruit group ~ 2-4 servings a day.
   Bread, cereal, rice, and pasta ~ 6-11 servings a day.
   
   Of course you need to limit your sugar intake and your salt intake for numerous reasons. Having diabetes means that you have to watch everything that you eat. It is not like a food allergy where if you avoid one or two items you will be fine. Instead you have to watch everything that you intake. You need to watch your carbohydrates well since carbs turn into sugar in your body, and as well watch your sugar intake.
3. Eat foods that are high in fiber for your health. Fruits and vegetables are always a healthy choice although you don't want to eat some fruits in excess. The natural sugar in fruit can be just as dangerous as other sugars. You want to eat it in moderation and make sure your blood level stays the same or pretty close to the same. Talking to your doctor about fruit consumption is best because there are different forms of diabetes and one may have limitations then the other.
4. Here are some of the best foods that you can eat for your diabetes....
   
   Vegetables of all kinds but for diabetes these vegetables are said to give a little extra help cabbage, spinach, broccoli, green beans, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumbers and lettuce. Although eating any vegetables is ideal for your health.
   
   Diary items such as low fat milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurt etc. The low fat choices are great today and offer you all the calcium your body needs.
   
   Meats can be eaten in moderation for best results. Grilled chicken breast (ideally skinless) is best for you as well as fish. Choice leaner cuts of meats and prior to cooking cut off all visible fat.
   
   Fruits eaten in moderation like discussed above is ideal for your diet and health.
   
   You can also have desserts just eat them in moderation for best results. Try sugar free items as well. So many of the sugar free items taste great these days.
5. Knowing the best way to eat is all you need to do to handle your diabetes's in the best way. There are many places that can help you in any way that you need it, here are a few different numbers you can call for a dietitian that is educated in helping diabetics in your area ....
   
   1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) ~ American Diabetes Association Recognized Diabetes Education Programs.
   
   1-800-366-1655 ~ American Dietetic Association.
   
   1-800-TEAM-UP4 (1-800-832-6874) ~ American Association of Diabetes Educators.
   
   Calling any of the above numbers and asking for a few different dietitians in your area is the first step in understanding exactly what you can and can not eat. Since there are different stagers of diabetes's is is bes t for you to talk to your doctor and a dietitian for your health.
6. Being a diabetic does not mean you have to suffer taste at all. Change around your every day recipes to fit your needs. Not only will they still taste great but they will be healthier for you. Each and every person should be eating the way a diabetic should for their overall health. So switching things over does not only have to be for the one who has diabetes, but for the entire family.