Do you speak Diabeties??

Wow, whenever I speak to groups I often get thsi question.

Chef Robert, do you have any tips for eating?

Here are some ideas that work for me.

Tips for making healthy food choices

Choosing your foods according to MyPyramid will help you follow these guidelines for healthier eating:

• Eat a variety of foods from the different food groups.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. All fruits and most vegetables contain carbohydrates, but their high content of vitamins, minerals, and fiber make them great choices.
• Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
• Use salt (sodium) in moderation. Here are ways to cut down on salt:
  • - Choose foods "close to nature." Less processed foods have less salt.
  • - Avoid foods canned, boxed, or frozen with extra salt. Try the "no-salt added" varieties.
  • - Use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasoning mixes for added flavor, instead of salt.
• Use sugar in moderation. High sugar foods should make up only a small part of the diet. However, small amounts of sweet foods can be a part of a healthy diet, even for people who have diabetes.
• Use alcohol in moderation. Alcohol can dangerously lower blood sugar in people with diabetes who take insulin or diabetes pills. If you choose to drink alcohol, talk to your doctor or dietitian about how to drink safely. Pregnant women should not drink alcoholic beverages.

Check out www.lillydiabetes.com for more great info.

Reference
1. United States Department of Agriculture. MyPyramid.gov. Available at: www.mypyramid.gov. Accessed March 3, 2006.