Start and Maintain a Diabetic Diet
Edited by Mian Sheilette Ong, Lynn, Eng
For decades, a vast majority of the world's population has been battling diabetes. Medications and treatments have all been tried, yet the disease continues to eat up both young and old. Diet is a huge factor in either improving or aggravating diabetes. You have to make sure that you know what you're eating and how much of it is appropriate so that your sugar levels don't betray you. If you are determined to throw away those syringes, then you have to start changing the way you eat. Knowing how to start and maintain a diabetic diet could mean a 360-degree change in your life "� mentally and physically. All you need to do is to have the will power to go through the food choices and the portion control, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle.
How to Start a Diabetic Diet
Caloric monitoring and restriction is what a diabetic diet depends on. It focuses on the amount of calories you take in everyday. Your caloric intake is based on your diabetes type, level of activity, gender, and ideal weight. Below are the things you have to consider in starting a diabetic diet:
- 1You have to possess that motivation to go through this specialized form of diet. If you have been used to eating carelessly, you need to change that habit now. Think of the higher level of health that you will get the moment you take control of your diet.Be motivated.Advertisement
- 2Know the ideal calories you need to take in.Advertisement
- For a Type I diabetic. You have to take in about 16 calories for every pound of your weight. If you weigh 150 pounds or 68 kilograms, you need to have a caloric intake of 2,400 calories each day.
- For a Type II diabetic. You need to take in fewer calories. An endocrinologist will help you determine the ideal goal weight that you should have, based on your height. The average number of calories that you should take is 1,500-1,800 calories each day. Then, your caloric intake will depend on the ideal weight calculated for you.
- Diabetic woman. For a 100 pound woman, five pounds will be added to every inch of her height of more than five feet. A large-framed woman would need an additional 10 percent for the total result.
- Diabetic man. For a 106 pound man, six pounds will be added to every inch of his height of more than five feet. A small-framed man would need a decrease of 10 percent from the total result.
- 3If you're a diabetic, the food pyramid is disregarded. Food items there are equivalent to the glucose that enters your bloodstream. About 40-60 percent of your daily calories come from carbohydrates. Each gram of carbohydrates has four calories.Know the sources of your calories.
- 4You have to communicate with your health-care providers constantly so that your progress can be properly monitored. Always have their numbers handy just in case you have a question about a particular meal or beverage.Always be in contact with your doctor and dietitian.
- 5You will be able to start your diabetic diet right by starting your food diary. Here, you will write down the food items you eat and the calories they have.Start a food diary.
How to Maintain a Diabetic Diet
Keeping yourself in a diabetic diet can prove challenging, especially since you have been used to unhealthy eating. The following are some of the ways on how you can maintain your diabetic diet:
- 1Eating a lot of sugar at once will spike your blood glucose. You should distribute your consumption of carbohydrates throughout the day. It would be helpful to anticipate your desserts after each meal.Avoid loading up with sugar.Advertisement
- 2Keep measuring cups and a scale in your kitchen to help you have accurate serving sizes.Observe portion control.
- 3You can do this whenever you buy your groceries. If the food has no nutrition label, you have to search for the lists online and find out its contents.Read the nutrition labels.
- 4Food items that have "free" on them are good choices, but still be careful of how much you eat. Stay away from junk foods like chips and regular chocolates.Take note that every food type has an impact on the sugar levels in your blood.
- 5There are various versions of diabetic friendly food in grocery stores these days. However, the way they taste may not satisfy you as much as their regular versions. Just eat the regular versions as rare treats or just look for fruits and other healthier snacks.Opt for healthier snacks.
- 6Remember that beverages are included in your diabetic diet.Many beverages have high amounts of sugar including soda, processed juices, and alcoholic beverages. You should limit your alcoholic drinks to twice a day if you're a man and once a day if you're a woman.
- 7You don't have to deprive yourself of a good meal at a restaurant. You just need to observe discipline in what you take in. You can share your meal with your companion or take home a doggie bag.Order small portions and watch out for side dishes at restaurants.
How to Make your Diabetic Diet Successful
- 1Tell your friends and family about your diet.This way, you will have the support that you need, especially when you go out with them.
Tips
- Look for alternative recipes to your favorite dishes.
- Monitor your sugar levels everyday to gauge your progress.
- Report to your doctor and dietitian on a regular basis.
- Cook healthy dishes for the rest of the family to help you become more inspired with your diet.
- Learn to prepare your own food and refrain from consuming processed foods.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
