By: Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP

When you read the title “Eating right with diabetes”, you probably would say: “There is nothing new.” I would agree that the information is not totally earth shattering. However, when I reviewed this topic, I found that my fruit intake is way more than my vegetable, which means my sugar consumption is out of proportion. Hence I decided to present this article from the website eatright.org. Below are highlights which you might find applicable to your healthy choice of food.

• Eat a variety of foods. Choose foods from each food group every day, and don’t be afraid to try new food.
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Fruit contains fiber, vitamins and minerals and can satisfy your sweet tooth. Include more non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, asparagus, carrots and broccoli each day. Choose whole fruit rather than juice.
• Choose healthy carbohydrates. Eat at least three servings of whole-grain foods each day such as brown rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, whole-wheat breads.
• Eat less fat. Choose lean meats, poultry and fish whenever possible. Bake, broil, roast, grill, boil or steam foods instead of frying them.
• Cut the salt. Use less salt, more pepper, herbs and seasonings.
• Avoid skipping meals. Skipping meals can make you more hungry, moody and unable to focus. Find an eating pattern that is healthy for you.
• Focus on your food. Pick one place to sit down and eat at home. Eating while doing other things may lead to eating more than you think.
• Watch portions to manage your calorie intake. Portion control is a good habit to follow. Think before you go for a huge plate or second serving.

I purposely keep it simple this week so that you can review the above tips and at least pick half of what might be helpful to you.

Your homework from the Care Ministry this week: review the list of above and follow at least 2 new tips that you have not tried before.

Love to hear from you: kunlouis@gmail.com