If you are a Type 2 Diabetic like me, dining out is a challenge. Why? The chef's main concern is providing customers tasty, colorful food; your glucose levels aren't part of his thoughts. As a consequence, you must be smart when dining at a restaurant in order to avoid a glucose spike later.
Count your carbs.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends diabetics eat between 45-60 carbohydrates per meal. Keep this number in mind as you plan your excursion. Decide to swap one carbohydrate for another in order to safeguard your glucose levels. For example, determine to bypass any bread in order to eat a few spoonfuls of a rich dessert. See: Carbohydrate Counting
Preselect your meal.
Visit the webpage of the restaurant you plan on eating at. Pick out an appropriate meal for a Type 2 Diabetic. This process helps me avoid temptation and an impulsive order because of an impatient server or group of friends.
Consume half of your food.
Portion sizes in restaurants far exceed suggested dietary standards. With this in mind, eat half of what's on your plate. Take your leftovers home and eat them the next day for lunch. You'll safeguard your glucose levels and also stretch your dollars. See: Restaurant Portion Size: Nearly All Entrees Exceed Nutrition Standards
Skimp on the sauces.
Gravies, condiments, creams - all of these sauces have hidden calories and carbohydrates. Of course, they add more flavor and texture to your food, but at a heavy cost. Therefore, drizzle -- do not pour -- sauce over a piece of meat or starch or veggie.
Limit alcohol consumption
For Type 2 Diabetics, alcohol is a two-edged sword. In moderation, alcohol can spike glucose levels. In excess, alcohol can lower glucose levels too much. Therefore, your best bet is to stick with other beverages or as I do, consume only one glass. See: Diabetes and Alcohol
In conclusion, Type 2 Diabetics, the above are five helpful tips for eating out. Use them and enjoy another person's cooking without any negative effects.
No comments:
Post a Comment