Interesting, yet appropriate article from the local news
Blueberries Are Good for What Ails You | The Pilot
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Traveling with Diabetes
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org
I have type 2 diabetes and travel quite a bit. My eating & exercise are unpredictable at best when I travel and I’m having a difficult time managing my diabetes. What do you suggest?
When on the road, it is difficult to be healthful, with or without diabetes! Here are some tips to get you into a healthier routine when you're traveling:
1) Some hotels have refrigerators and kitchen facilities. If possible, try to prepare your own meas.
2) Some airlines have diabetic meal options.
3) Hotel chains usually have some sort of pool and/or fitness center. Use these facilities to get your daily exercise.
4) If possible, walk instead of drive or using other transportation.
5) When eating out, be careful of portion sizes. Also, ask for dressings and sauces on the side and opt for grilled items instead of fried items or dishes with heavy sauces.
6) Drink plenty of water. Carry a water bottle!
7) Research when you're planning your trip.
I have type 2 diabetes and travel quite a bit. My eating & exercise are unpredictable at best when I travel and I’m having a difficult time managing my diabetes. What do you suggest?
When on the road, it is difficult to be healthful, with or without diabetes! Here are some tips to get you into a healthier routine when you're traveling:
1) Some hotels have refrigerators and kitchen facilities. If possible, try to prepare your own meas.
2) Some airlines have diabetic meal options.
3) Hotel chains usually have some sort of pool and/or fitness center. Use these facilities to get your daily exercise.
4) If possible, walk instead of drive or using other transportation.
5) When eating out, be careful of portion sizes. Also, ask for dressings and sauces on the side and opt for grilled items instead of fried items or dishes with heavy sauces.
6) Drink plenty of water. Carry a water bottle!
7) Research when you're planning your trip.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org
I have just been diagnosed with diabetes. Doctors say I have uncontrollable diabetes any tips on how I can get my sugar level down?
As a new diabetic, it is normal for your blood sugars to be out of control, due to the new diagnosis. However, this is the best time to take ownership of your condition and receive proper education and strategies to manage your condition.
The following hints may be helpful to you:
*Take medications regularly
*Check blood sugars as recommended
*Don't skip meals
*Exercise daily
*Keep a food diary to keep an accurate record of your daily food intake
*Meet with a registered dietitian (RD) and/or certified diabetes educator (CDE)
*Meet with your doctor regularly
*Check to see if there are diabetic education classes or support groups in your community. Many hospitals and/or local health centers offer these types of resources.
I have just been diagnosed with diabetes. Doctors say I have uncontrollable diabetes any tips on how I can get my sugar level down?
As a new diabetic, it is normal for your blood sugars to be out of control, due to the new diagnosis. However, this is the best time to take ownership of your condition and receive proper education and strategies to manage your condition.
The following hints may be helpful to you:
*Take medications regularly
*Check blood sugars as recommended
*Don't skip meals
*Exercise daily
*Keep a food diary to keep an accurate record of your daily food intake
*Meet with a registered dietitian (RD) and/or certified diabetes educator (CDE)
*Meet with your doctor regularly
*Check to see if there are diabetic education classes or support groups in your community. Many hospitals and/or local health centers offer these types of resources.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Starches
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org
I have type 2 diabetes and am confused about carbohydrates. Are all starches out completely?
No. Starches are an essential part of a balanced diet, like all other food groups. However, as a diabetic, you need to be more careful about the portions of starches and what is eaten with starches to best control diabetes.
Not all starches are created equal. Smarter choices are frsh fruits and whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas. These foods contain fiber, which helps with digestion. It also keeps you full longer, as it takes longer for the body to break down and digest.
I have type 2 diabetes and am confused about carbohydrates. Are all starches out completely?
No. Starches are an essential part of a balanced diet, like all other food groups. However, as a diabetic, you need to be more careful about the portions of starches and what is eaten with starches to best control diabetes.
Not all starches are created equal. Smarter choices are frsh fruits and whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas. These foods contain fiber, which helps with digestion. It also keeps you full longer, as it takes longer for the body to break down and digest.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Exercise
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org
I have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. The doctor has not put me on any medication, but would like me to lose weight and watch my diet. I’m not sure how much or how often I should be exercising. Could you give me some tips?
Exercise is great way to stay in shape, stay healthy, and help control blood sugar.
When exercising, it is best to find an activity you enjoy. Whether its walking, jogging, yoga, dance, or hitting the gym, by choosing something you enjoy, you're much more likely to see it as a chore and keep this habit for the long haul.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of exercise a week, or 30 minutes 5 times per week. This may seem overwhelming, but splitting your time up throughout the day is a key to success. If you don't feel like you can do 30 minutes per day, try 10 minutes of exercise 3 times a day. Persistence and dedication to exercise is they key to success. Good luck!
I have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. The doctor has not put me on any medication, but would like me to lose weight and watch my diet. I’m not sure how much or how often I should be exercising. Could you give me some tips?
Exercise is great way to stay in shape, stay healthy, and help control blood sugar.
When exercising, it is best to find an activity you enjoy. Whether its walking, jogging, yoga, dance, or hitting the gym, by choosing something you enjoy, you're much more likely to see it as a chore and keep this habit for the long haul.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of exercise a week, or 30 minutes 5 times per week. This may seem overwhelming, but splitting your time up throughout the day is a key to success. If you don't feel like you can do 30 minutes per day, try 10 minutes of exercise 3 times a day. Persistence and dedication to exercise is they key to success. Good luck!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Candy
Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org
I have type 2 diabetes. I’m kind of addicted to jawbreaker candy (especially fireballs). How harmful is it to eat these candies and what alternatives should I try… Is fruit a good alternative?
Fireball candies contain 11 grams of carbohydrate- almost 1 carbohydrate serving for 1! When feeding your "addiction", it is important to keep this in mind.
Eating a fireball may be a a good choice if you are choosing 1 piece of candy for one of your snacks. Is it the best choice? No. It is up to you to decide if indulging frequently is worth it.
Fruit is a better choice as it is a good source of fiber and will keep you satisfied longer. However, if you are craving sweet things often, it may be in your best interest to try some sugar-free treats, such as sugar-free jello or popsicles to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health.
I have type 2 diabetes. I’m kind of addicted to jawbreaker candy (especially fireballs). How harmful is it to eat these candies and what alternatives should I try… Is fruit a good alternative?
Fireball candies contain 11 grams of carbohydrate- almost 1 carbohydrate serving for 1! When feeding your "addiction", it is important to keep this in mind.
Eating a fireball may be a a good choice if you are choosing 1 piece of candy for one of your snacks. Is it the best choice? No. It is up to you to decide if indulging frequently is worth it.
Fruit is a better choice as it is a good source of fiber and will keep you satisfied longer. However, if you are craving sweet things often, it may be in your best interest to try some sugar-free treats, such as sugar-free jello or popsicles to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Diabetic Breakfast
Here is a question I recently received at FOODPICKER.org
I have type 2 diabetes and am having trouble with breakfast. It seems so many breakfast foods are high in carbs. Could you give me some breakfast ideas that are diabetic friendly?
Portion control, portion control, portion control! Yes, many breakfast foods are high in carbs, but by carefully watching portion sizes and making smart choices, many of your favorite brekfast items will fit into your diabetic meal plan.
Let's take the classic milk and cereal. Milk and cereal are both carbohydrates. The idea is to eat 3/4 cup of cereal and 1 cup of milk to ensure adequate serving size. Also, by choosing a high fiber cereal, the breakfast will fill you up more than is you choose a sweetened cereal. Hot cereals are also high in fiber, but also remember to watch portion sizes. Additionally, make your own instead of buying the instant, flavored varieties.
Fruit is also a good choice, but remember to eat a small piece of fruit or cut it in half. Also be very careful about your fruit juice intake; a little goes a long way. Remember that a portion size of juice is 4 oz (1/2 cup). How big is your cup?
By making wise choices and wathcing portion sizes, you will be well on your way to eating a healthy and delicious breakfast.
PS Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for diabetics! If you do not already eat breakfast, START. There is no written rule that breakfast food items need to be eaten fro breakfast.
I have type 2 diabetes and am having trouble with breakfast. It seems so many breakfast foods are high in carbs. Could you give me some breakfast ideas that are diabetic friendly?
Portion control, portion control, portion control! Yes, many breakfast foods are high in carbs, but by carefully watching portion sizes and making smart choices, many of your favorite brekfast items will fit into your diabetic meal plan.
Let's take the classic milk and cereal. Milk and cereal are both carbohydrates. The idea is to eat 3/4 cup of cereal and 1 cup of milk to ensure adequate serving size. Also, by choosing a high fiber cereal, the breakfast will fill you up more than is you choose a sweetened cereal. Hot cereals are also high in fiber, but also remember to watch portion sizes. Additionally, make your own instead of buying the instant, flavored varieties.
Fruit is also a good choice, but remember to eat a small piece of fruit or cut it in half. Also be very careful about your fruit juice intake; a little goes a long way. Remember that a portion size of juice is 4 oz (1/2 cup). How big is your cup?
By making wise choices and wathcing portion sizes, you will be well on your way to eating a healthy and delicious breakfast.
PS Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for diabetics! If you do not already eat breakfast, START. There is no written rule that breakfast food items need to be eaten fro breakfast.
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