Dining Out When You Have Diabetes
Canada has over 800,000 seniors that are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and it is sure that this number will rise with every passing year. And everyone that has been diagnosed with diabetes will get a restriction on what they can eat, so when they plan their meals they will have to follow the guidelines they have received from their specialists. Now, working with diabetic menu plans isn’t that difficult when you’re at home, but what to do when you’re one of those people that loves to eat out?
Giving up on eating out, just because you have diabetes, isn’t something everyone wants to do. But if you follow the guidelines the American Diabetes Association has put together, you don’t have to. You just need to make the right choices and ask what you need to know to make the right decision on what you order. Also, balancing dinners out with healthy menus at home will keep your diabetes under control. It’s not hard, you just need to know what to do, and follow up.
Because not everyone with diabetes has the same nutritional goals you should seek help with a registered dietician or diabetic educator. They can help you sort out what to do when dining out. The first choice that can help you is picking a restaurant that offers a great variety of choices. The more you can choose from, the more chance you have in finding appropriate foods. You can always phone ahead and ask what is on the menu. You should make a reservation as this will avoid waiting and ensure that you can eat on time. If you use insulin, this is very important. When you make your reservation, you could also mention that it is important to be able to eat on time, because of your insulin. Most restaurants will make a note of this next to your reservation, so your table should be ready on time.
How to order:
- Ask what is in a dish if you dont know for sure, they will give you the information you need.
- You should check if they used liquid oil instead of solid fats to prepare the food.
- Choose a meal that is prepared with a minimal amount of salt, no extra sauce or butter.
- Don’t choose a fried meal, rather pick a broiled, grilled or steamed one.
- Don’t eat more than you would at home. You can take the extra food home when it’s a large serving.
- Let them bring the sauce, gravy or salad dressing on the side.
- If you like to eat baked potatos, order one. You can top it with low-calorie yoghurt or sour cream and vegetables.
- Don’t overdo on sugar, caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks.
And remember, enjoy the time you spend in the restaurant. Its not because you have diabetes, you can’t enjoy lifes little pleasures. Having to live on a diabetic menu doesn’t mean you can’t live you life to the fullest.
