06 Jul 09 So What Can I Eat since I’m Diagnosed as Diabetic?

Exercise burns fat. Excess weight causes a cycling effect. You become more fatigued with more weight and less apt to exercise or do other things that will help maintain a lower weight. Even eating moderately without exercise will result in increased weight. It doesn’t have to be a 3-hour stint at the gym to become healthier. You can lose weight without that huge block of time at the gym. Gradually increase the exercise and you’ll find yourself breaking that negative cycle.

Eating well balanced meals does two things for you. You can become healthier and lose some weight in the process. Well, that is if you eat fewer calories than you expend with the exercise. For example a large person can eat 2000 calories and exercise enough to use 2400 calories and the end result is inevitable . . . weight loss.

There’s always been a battle between those people who feel it’s better to eat raw vegetables and those who prefer the taste of cooked vegetables. While adding spices to the cooking process may improve flavor, the simple fact that you are cooking them kills some of the beneficial enzymes. Raw fruits and vegetables can provide enzymes your body needs. Vegetables are beneficial because they have fewer calories and provide fiber to your diet. Many vegetables, like lettuce and carrots help you to feel full while having limited the number of calories you’ve taken in.

Freshly squeezed juices are much better than store bought. The processing procedure to package juices kills not only the bad bacteria, but a lot of the good elements we receive from juices. The solution to this problem is to use a blender at home and prepare your own juices (preferably without adding extra sugar). You need to develop a taste for certain juices such as pomegranate or guava, but when you can make your own, it is much better for you. Check the sugar content of fruits before making your juice. Some are naturally high in sugar and you may want to stay away from those. Try some guava or red grapes. Those both are great for controlling blood sugar.

High carbohydrates, fat and sugar content are the bad parts of this society’s eating habit. So many fast food restaurants have popped up that make meals quick (i.e. frying) and sweet (soda, shakes and even little sweet pies) it is difficult to find ways to eat away from home and maintain a healthy diet for the diabetic. No one said you couldnt have ANY of those things, but you MUST balance the things you eat.

Eat ifoods rich in fiber. Vegetables high in fiber content help clean the blood of fats and blood glucose, thus enabling you to maintain a lower blood sugar level and keep the body clean. You see many diabetics eat salads regularly to keep these issues under control. Care needs to be taken when choosing the salad dressing, however. Many dressings include mayonnaise and sugar to improve flavor and those are on the don’t use list. The real key there is moderation. Most people cant do totally without those things, so now we ask that you limit the use. That’s right. Use in moderation. Remember, they contain calories (and lots of them).

The pancreas produces enzymes to digest food in addition to insulin to regulate the sugar level of the blood. Over a period of time, the pancreas starts to lose its ability to produce both in most people. This simply means a good diet becomes more important as people get older. Many doctors end up suggesting patients add a dose of acidophilus to their diet to ease the stress placed on the pancreas by adding bacteria into the system that assists with the digestive function.

Four fat-fighting compounds are calcium, fiber, omega-3s and vitamin D. These things will help you in your search for good nutrition. Calcium is generally found in milk and cheeses, but remember to use fat-free or a soy milk product. Fiber is found in whole grain products, fruits and vegetables. Think bran, grapefruits and salads. Omega-3s are a product of walnuts, flax seed and fish. Finally, vitamin D can be found in dairy products, fish (tuna, salmon and sardines) and eggs.