Posted on December 24, 2007 in Diabetes FAQ
Yes, Diabetes need not prevent you from having an outside meal. Only be careful in your selection. Eat a diet less in calories. See what is available at the restaurant, and accordingly plan your meal. Fast foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate your condition. Go out, enjoy a good meal but apply caution in what you choose to eat!
Diabetes restricts your food intake, as the body is unable to convert all foods into energy, as it does not produce adequate insulin, a hormone essential to convert sugar, starch and foods into energy. But this does not imply that you cannot go out and eat. One need not just be confined to home food. You may not be able to decide the menu at a restaurant, like at home, but yet you can select the food that is low in calories, but is tasty enough for you to enjoy it.
A Diabetic cannot have foods of any liking at a restaurant. He or she needs to follow certain guidelines in the selection of appropriate foods. This not only helps him or her in maintaining sugar levels, but also gives him enough opportunities to relish many of the dishes available on the menu. What are these guidelines?
What should a Diabetic eat when out?
- Order carefully. One can eat foods, which are low in carbohydrates. Avoid foods high in fats
- While ordering check out how the food is prepared, whether it is fried or boiled or grilled. In case you require a salt free food then there is no harm in making a special mention about it. One need not feel embarrassed about ordering food the way one wants it. For instance, you can have a grilled chicken rather than fried one.
- One can order salads and steamed vegetables along with the dish. This could be filling
- Eat on time. Eating meals on time help to regulate you blood sugar levels. Keep to your regular schedule
- Regulate the amount you eat. Do not take large portions. One can share the large portions with your friend. One need not force the whole amount down one’s throat
- One can have fast foods, but decide much in advance what you want. You can avoid impulsive eating. Also, if one takes fast foods, one can eat vegetables another time. In other words compensate it the next time. This helps in maintaining a balance in the selection of foods
- Do not overdo the dressings. Do not take too much of them
- Every diabetic has different dietary requirements and accordingly he or she can order or select
- It is good to go in for substitutes. Sugar substitutes are there and fat-free salad dressings are available. It is good to be aware of various foods and one can consult a dietitian with regard to this
- Select a restaurant, which has much to offer. You have more to choose from. It should be serving vegetables and other low in fat and carbohydrates items along with fast foods. This gives you the option to avoid fast foods and go in for something more suited to your health requirements
- Sometimes you may have to go to a place your friends like, but is not well suited to you. Then either take something along with you to eat in case you are permitted to do so, or consult your physician as to what you should do in case you are not allowed to have your foods
- If on insulin, then be careful in case the server takes time to serve the food. The injection should be well-timed
- In case you crave for dessert take some from your friend to kill the cravings
A diabetic should eat sensibly when eating out. He or she has no doubt much to choose from, but selection should be based upon health condition.
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