Here's a question I recently received from Foodpicker.org My doctor has diagnosed me with diabetes and has told me to lose weight. I have heard about high protein diets, low fat/high carb diets, and many others. I want a sound diet instead of a fad. What type of diet is best given my situation? You are on the right track - fad diets, like any other fad (think acid-wash jeans, ick!) will soon fade away. The key to losing weight is to eat healthy and exercise. This shouldn't be thought of as a "diet", but a way of living your life. This may sound tough, but minor changes to your diet can make BIG strides in your health. Everyone, especially people living with diabetes, can follow these same rules: 1. Move away from full fat foods and try the low-fat versions: 2% milk and fat-free (or even Greek) yogurt provide you with your daily doses of calcium, yet they leave out those unnecessary fat calories! 2. Try adding some delicious berries (any with no added sugar) to your cereal or even a little pumpkin puree to your yogurt - this will give a great natural sugar taste and also provide you with antioxidants and fiber. 3. Whole Grains are KEY - yes, we all hear that carbs are the "bad guys", but in the right doses (no more than 1 cup per serving), they actually help boost your activity level and keep you focused throughout the day. Keep an eye out for this in the grocery store - cereals, bread, rice, oatmeal, & crackers all have that whole grain option. 4. Green leafy veggies and citrus fruits also pack a great amount of vitamins and minerals - they also keep you fuller longer without worrying too much about those added calories! 5. We MUST remember that getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day will help you toward a healthier weight and mind! Remember, everyone trying to maintain a healthy weight struggles, especially those with diabetes who may think certain foods are out of reach. The idea to remember when planning a meal is: Less is More! Less additives and more natural ingredients keep you healthy and alert. For more ideas on meal planning, and to keep those portion sizes in check, check out the following links: |
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