It's important to follow your meal plan as closely as possible even when eating out. Always be aware of the nutritional requirements laid out by your doctor or dietitian. This way you can still enjoy eating out without straying from your meal plan.
Eating Out With Diabetes:
If you have “type two diabetes” as I do, it is important to follow your meal plan as closely as possible even when eating out. Try to choose a restaurant with a widely varied menu so that you have a better chance of eating the foods you want. Remember to only order what you want, and what you need. Know the alternatives for your meal plan in case the restaurant doesn't have exactly what you want.
If you phone ahead to the restaurant you have a better chance of having your special needs met. When making a reservation at your restaurant of choice see if your food can be prepared with low-fat margarine, vegetable oil, minimal salt, with no excess of sauce or butter and broiled as opposed to fried. Either that or you could ask for a copy of the menu so that you can know in advance which meals suit your meal plan. Let the manager know you appreciate the healthy menu choices. If you're looking for more choices with low calories and low cholesterol don't be afraid to speak up. Like any business a restaurant will want to make customers happy and keep their business. They can only know what will make you happy as a customer if you tell them.
The average meal from a fast food restaurant can be as high as a startling 1000 calories; it can cause your blood sugar to skyrocket.
It's one of life's great pleasures to eat out at a nice restaurant. Make sure to choose wisely and not be afraid to ask for the meal types you require, balance your restaurant meals with more meals at home in alignment with your meal plan. This way you can manage your diabetes and still enjoy eating out.
Do's:
- Be sure to choose fresh fruit and veggies.
- Request food without salt or MSG.
- Ask for a smaller or even half portion of the meal.
- Plain foods like meat, poultry, fish and shellfish are ideal so long as they are grilled, roasted or broiled.
- Separate out your desired portion and have the rest put in a box to take home.
- Split your desserts. - If your meal is breaded be sure to remove the outer coating. - Vinegar with a touch of oil or squeezed lemon is a good alternative to salad dressing.
Don't:
- Don't eat soups or broths.
- Don't have alcohol with your meal. With your doctor's permission you may be able to have the occasional alcoholic beverage with dinner. However, be aware that alcohol does add calories to your overall meal. It can also trigger complications with diabetes such as eye and nerve damage.
Taking your meals at the same times each day can help balance your blood sugar level; this is especially true for those who take pills or shots of insulin for their diabetes. Consider these pointers when eating out with friends and family:
Make sure the time you go out to eat will be at your usual mealtime.
Make a reservation or avoid busy restaurants so that you don't end up waiting for a table.
If eating later than your scheduled time is unavoidable then snack on fruit or some variety of starch at your usual time.
No matter where or how you're eating, proper nutrition is key to managing diabetes. You'll need to consume a number of different healthy foods. Keep the salt in your diet to a minimum. Make sure to control your portion sizes. Always be aware of the nutritional requirements laid out by your doctor or dietitian. This way you can still enjoy eating out without straying from your meal plan.
Kim Green
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