Diabetic Diets

Thanks to scientific research, diabetic diets are no longer as restricted as they used to be. Many people think that as long as people with diabetes avoid sugar, they can eat anything else. However, just like everyone else, people with diabetes need to consider the quality of their whole diet.

If you have a relatively good control over your diabetes, sugar and other indulgences needn't be completely avoided, but they shouldn't be overeaten. Overeating any food can cause the blood glucose level to remain high for hours, causing problems such as tiredness, nausea and blurry vision. A dietitian will be able to give you advice about how to be flexible with holiday meals.

For example, if you've eaten some snacks before sitting down to a large main meal, eat only a small portion of dessert or eat something that contains less carbohydrate and kilojoules, such as fresh fruit. Alternatively, if you want to eat dessert, eat a smaller first course or main meal.

If you overeat one day, do some exercise to compensate and return to your normal diet as soon as possible.

Don't let the holidays become one long buffet, or rely on convenience and processed foods during the Christmas and New Year season.

These foods are often high in fat, sugar, salt and kilojoules. Instead, buy or make healthier versions of your favourite foods so you don't have to compromise your health just to indulge your tastebuds.

Taken from Healthy Food For Life
Info by Dr Susanna Holt (PhD, dietician)