Posted on December 14, 2007 in Diabetes FAQ
A diabetic and cannot eat what you want? Difficult isn’t it? Yet it is not the end of the road. You have many dishes to choose from, perhaps in moderate quantities, but tasty enough to relish them. Also by exercising choice in foods you are maintaining good health and control on your weight and also getting plenty of exercise. You gain and not lose in several ways on the health front. Your self- esteem is at a higher level. Motivate yourself and eat right!
Diabetes is condition wherein the body does not produce the hormone insulin, which helps in the conversion of sugar, starches and other foods into energy. This results in high- blood sugar. Hereditary factors, lack of exercise, stress and modern day life-styles are responsible for its occurrence. It is controlled by diet, insulin injections and medicines and is not a curable disease. One has to live with it and cope up with it.
Dietary restrictions in the control of diabetes often make it difficult for a person to adhere to eating habits that may not be very palatable. He or she has to religiously follow the diet. Any deviations could cause further health complications. But does one keep up to this diet schedule? Does he or she need to be motivated? If Yes, How?
Motivating Factors for a Person to follow a strict Diabetes Diet?
- It promotes healthy eating. One has plenty of fruits and vegetables, which may be expensive, but are good for health
- One avoids fast foods, which are otherwise also not to be taken as they are nutritionally negative
- One avoids sugary beverages which only help you put on more weight
- One can hope for a slim figure due to such dietary restrictions
- Regular exercise regimen is followed which is good for general health as well
- Required changes in modern life styles have to be made, even food habits have to be changed, and this promotes general well being. A fast paced lifestyle and fast food culture can cause other health problems such as heart diseases etc
- Healthier way of cooking foods is required if suffering from diabetes. For example one may have to bake or broil an item rather than fry it. The choice of oils should be appropriate; one has to use less quantity of them. One need not avoid the food completely, only one has to use reduced amounts. You have taste coupled with sensible eating
- Sensible eating means less diabetic complications such as controlling the blood sugar levels, kidney problems and nerve damage as well as heart problems
- Behavior patterns can be changed through motivation interviewing and you can be a totally new person. Addictive behavior patterns, eating disorders, cultivating a positive attitude towards life, controlling one’s temper due to blood sugar fluctuations can help in interpersonal relationships and make you a more presentable person
- One exercises self-control. He or she is able to gain control over oneself. Although this may be the case in food choices initially, but eventually it can be extended to other areas of life as well
- One learns to say ‘No’ to things. He or she is more decisive and firm in eating what is good for him or her, rather than pleasing somebody else. Self-awareness is developed and one decides upon something that is good for him or her.
- A feeling of closeness with others suffering from diabetes is experienced. You learn to share your problems and also face them collectively. You know there is another person facing similar problems
One does get motivated to follow a strict diabetic diet as one learns and grows along with the disease. Required personality changes are made, thus not confining to changes in food habits only. One learns to leads a healthier and fuller life. Consultations with the physician can also help you in alleviating the agony and misery that one may experience initially.
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