[acb-diabetics] Summer tips for eating

Fri Apr 27 18:38:46 EDT 2012

Summer Eating Tips for People With Diabetes 

Ask The Diabetes Educator

Diabetes Health Staff

Apr 23, 2012 

Healthy Barbeque 

As we approach the summer season, our thoughts turn to barbecues, picnics,
amusement parks, and road trips to the beach. It is a season of fun, but it
can be hard for people with diabetes <http://www.diabeteshealth.com/>  to
enjoy the festivities and still maintain healthy eating habits.

Of course, the first step to take when you have diabetes is to consult a
diabetes educator who has the training to advise you on how to best manage
your condition. We asked the experts at the American Association of Diabetes
Educators (AADE) to answer some questions and provide tips.

Q: I am going to a summer barbecue. How can I best enjoy the event, but
still eat carefully?

A: Summer barbecues and picnics can offer a tempting array of unhealthy
choices. Knowing how to create a well-balanced meal helps keep your blood
sugar <http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/monitoring/blood-sugar/>  level
as close to normal as possible. Here are some summertime tips to help you
keep your cool:

Choose lean grilled meats. Bypass the fried chicken and go for lean items
such as a grilled chicken breast, turkey burger, or fish.
Veg out. Grill up some veggie burgers, veggie kabobs, or sliced vegetables
in foil for a low-carb, low-fat entrée alternative. Raw veggies with hummus
or other low-fat dips are great for snacking.
Hold the mayo. To add some flavor to your sandwich, try tomato slices,
lettuce, bell peppers, or mustard instead of mayonnaise. Mayo adds fat and
calories to your plate. Try to avoid mayo-based dips, salads, and sauces.
Pick a side. You can enjoy a number of side items, such as vinegar-based
coleslaw, sweet potatoes, greens, seasonal vegetables, and fruit. Limit your
intake of breads, rolls, chips, and dips.
Consider the recipe <http://www.diabeteshealth.com/recipes/> . Barbecued
chicken with extra sauce or baked beans with added brown sugar can throw off
your sugar intake. Barbecue sauces often contain added sugar. Recipes with
cream cheese are often high in fat. If you suspect that a homemade recipe
has lots of fat or calories, it's best to take a pass and go for the fruits
and vegetables. 
Bring a dish to share. If you are attending a summer party, offer to bring a
green salad or fruit salad to share. That way, you'll be certain that
there's something healthy for you to eat, and your host will thank you for
helping out.

Q: What should I drink? Can I have any alcohol at all?

A: Drink water, not sugar. It's especially important to stay hydrated in the
hot summer months. However, summer quenchers such as soda, fruit juices,
lemonade, and alcoholic beverages
<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/food/beverages/>  can be very high in
sugar. It is better to drink water or non-caloric beverages such as
unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water, or mineral water. For extra flavor,
add a wedge of fresh fruit such as lemon, lime, orange, or even a cherry. If
you do decide to drink alcohol, drink in moderation. It is recommended that
in a one-day period, men have no more than two alcoholic drinks and women
only one.

Q: Can I have anything "bad" at all-any kind of dessert
<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/food/desserts/> , for example?

A: Try just a taste. If you want to sample a high-fat or high-calorie item
such as ice cream, potato salad, or chicken wings, take a small portion. Be
sure to try the taste only after you've eaten healthier options.

Q: When I go to the beach, it seems like everyone is eating or snacking all
the time. Does it matter when I eat, as long as I'm eating healthily?

A: You should stick to your routine. If you're eating with others, schedule
the gathering at your usual mealtime if possible. Eating at the same time
every day can help you maintain steady blood sugar levels-especially if you
take insulin <http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/medications/insulin/> .

Q: I am planning a trip to the beach, and the drive will take several hours.
May I stop at fast food joints along the way?

A: Many fast food restaurants have healthier options today. Choose salads
with non-fat dressing or sandwiches with plain grilled chicken.

Q: What else can I do to stay healthy this summer?

A: When you get to the beach or an outdoor picnic, be sure to take advantage
of the surroundings. Regular exercise
<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/fitness/exercise/>  will help you
manage your blood sugar levels. Here are some ideas to get you moving:
• Go for a walk on the beach
• Bring a Frisbee to the picnic
• Take a hike
• Play badminton or volleyball
• Spin your wheels on a bike ride
• Grab a baseball glove and play catch
• Go for a swim

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etes-educators-aade/>  Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), Blood
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  _____  

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