What is a Diabetes Diet?

Just diagnosed with diabetes? Are you wondering what changes  you need to make to your diet? As mentioned many times, there's no special diabetes diet.

Healthy eating habits are needed to manage diabetes. You will take some time to get used to the planning and the cooking but if you learn fast you can get good blood glucose control.

There is no standard meal plan. So do not copy what another person with diabetes eats. Plans vary from person to person. The crux of the matter is to control portions, control your blood glucose level and eat a variety of nutritious food.

There are diabetes educators and dietitians at MVH who can help you make an eating plan that fits your needs.

Here are some basic guidelines.

•   Eat whole grains instead of refined, processed grain products. Use wheat bran to increase fibre.

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       •      Add millets to your diet.

        

        • Include a variety of vegetables and fruits.

       

        • Eat lean meats, like chicken and fish . Limit red meats to once a week.

    

        • Try to eat more fish, as it has heart-healthy fats.

  

        • Use monounsaturated oils, such as olive oil, rice bran oil, sun flower oil for cooking.

    

        • Eat meals at fixed hours.

  

        • Eat slowly and chew your food well.

    

        • Drink water instead of fizzy drinks and sweetened fruit juices.

      

        • Reduce the amount of fats and foods with sugar such as cakes and pastries and desserts.

A healthy diet coupled with regular exercise, can help you lose weight, and keep your blood sugar levels under control.

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