Eating Well

Eating Habits are Lifetime Habits

Eating well is important for everyone. But if you have any form of diabetes, it is especially important. What, when, where, how much and why one eats, can all affect your blood sugar levels.

It is important to know, there is no standard meal plan or eating pattern that works for everyone with diabetes. Together with the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association promotes heart healthy eating habits. This includes:

• Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups
• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes
• Limit saturated fat and trans fat and replace them with the better fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated
• Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation (that means no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman and no more than two drinks per day if you’re a man)

Everyone obtains their energy source from the following nutrients.

Protein

Protein helps build and maintain tissues and muscles. Protein has minimal effect on blood sugar levels.

Fat

Fat is a nutrient that’s used to store energy. Fat is found in many foods, and there are many types of fat. It is recommended to choose heart-healthy fats in moderation. Fats do not raise blood sugar levels.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are sugars and starches that break down into glucose. Most of the well studied, sustainable meal plans include carbohydrates to be part of a meal plan, even when you are managing your blood glucose or trying to lose weight and keep it off. Talk to your clinical team to learn how to incorporate carbohydrates into your diet.

For more information

The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

Reference

The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations