Dining Out With Diabetes
The last few years Canada has recorded over 800,000 seniors with Type 2 Diabetes and this number is climbing every year. The first thing they got after they had their diagnosis is a list with restriction on what they can and can’t eat, which they have to follow when they are planning their daily menus. Following these restrictions when you’re in the privacy of your own house isn’t that hard to do, but what if you want to go out to eat?
Dining out is for many people a treat they aren’t willing to stop, and they don’t have to, just because they have diabetes. There is a list of guidelines made by the American Diabetes Association that can be used to enjoy the pleasure of dining out while keeping a close look on your diabetes. You just need to make the right choices. Don’t be afraid to ask everything you need to know, and remember to balance those wonderful evenings out with healthy dinners at home. When you set your mind to it, diabetes is easily controlled.
When you were first diagnosed your doctor will surely set out some nutritional goals for you to achieve. As those goals aren’t the same for everyone, it would be best to find help with a registered dietician or diabetic educator. If you have someone like this you can contact, they can also help you out with your questions regarding dining out. What you should consider first when choosing a restaurant, is the variety in the menu. If you have enough choices on the menu, it would be easier to find something that fits your needs. If you’re not sure about what is offered, you can always phone ahead and ask about it. If you explain why you ask, they will gladly help you to assure that your evening out doesn’t cause problems for your health. Also making a reservation so you don’t have to wait and can eat on time is something you might do, especially when you’re on insulin. Mention your needs while making the reservation, most restaurants will make a note of it so your table will be ready on time.
When ordering:
- If you don’t know what ingredients are in a certain dish, ask the waitor, they will give you the information needed
- Check if the food has been prepared with liquid oil rather than solid fats.
- Choose something that doesn’t contain too much salt, and no extra sauce or butter.
- Don’t choose a fried meal, rather pick a broiled, grilled or steamed one.
- Dont overeat, try to eat the same portion as you would at home. If its a large serving take the extra food home.
- Ask if they can 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.
source to this post: Dining Out With Diabetes
From the Your Home Health Care website