Timely correction of errors is good for health.
In some cases, patients fail to follow an eating plan to control their diabetes, and this needs to be corrected in a timely manner. The following suggestions can help patients get back on track with their health.
Rethinking indulgence
Michael Dansinger, MD, director of the Diabetes Reversal Program at Tufts Medical Center, says, “Everyone indulges occasionally, but it’s important to stick to getting back on track.”
After each dietary indulgence, patients need to reflect. For example, is it hunger that’s playing a role? Keeping snacks like almonds and carrots handy can prevent hunger pangs. This will help think twice the next time you pass a bakery or pizza place.
Control the amount you eat
It’s easy to eat too much when eating out, and ordering smaller portions is a way to control the amount of food you eat. If at home, patients can use measuring cups to dispense exactly the right amount of food.
Low-sugar foods
Treat sugar-free cookies or sugar-free pies with caution, as they often contain refined starches. Such snacks are too high in carbohydrates, which can affect blood sugar levels.
Read labels carefully before shopping and calculate the total amount of carbohydrates, not just the amount of sugar. If you want to consume sweet foods, we recommend choosing foods with a low glycemic index, such as sugar-free gelatin or berries (which are rich in fiber and help prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar).
Reducing calories
Often people may skip breakfast and lunch because they have a dinner party to attend in order to control their caloric intake. This is actually a bad idea. Failing to eat on time will result in low blood sugar and inevitably overeating at dinner.
Patients are advised to consult a dietitian to develop a daily meal plan and the best plan for special occasions, and to enjoy three meals a day with moderate snacks to keep their blood sugar stable.
Meal preparation
Restaurant food is often higher in fat and calories, so try to plan meals out for weekends and special occasions. When you go out to eat, read the menu online and think ahead about which dishes are appropriate, or ask the restaurant to cook with less oil, sugar and salt.
A little fun
Take control of your diet and enjoy your life, too. A strict ban on certain foods will likely result in a lack of adherence. Being very hard on yourself is not a long-term solution. You can give yourself a small indulgence, for example, if you like dessert, you can have a small bowl of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream after dinner. If you’re not sure how to get a handle on eating limits, get more advice from your doctor or dietitian!