A balanced, healthy diet and lifestyle are important for everyone. But when you’re managing diabetes, the good and bad results of your choices can be more immediate. The good news is that even modest changes will improve your health and wellbeing.

If you’ve been diagnosed recently, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by managing diabetes. But managing it is within your power. Working with a dietitian or diabetes educator, you can create a plan that includes the foods and activities you enjoy.

“It takes persistence, but soon you’ll be looking and feeling better,” said Carol Siegel, a Nestlé nutritionist and diabetes educator. “And remember, every day is a fresh opportunity. If you ‘fall off the wagon’ one day, get back on the next. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep trying. Managing diabetes is a series of slow, steady steps. It’s not a race. It’s your life.”

Eating Right Instead of Dieting

There’s no single diet that’s appropriate for everyone living with diabetes. That’s a good thing. You have your own unique likes and dislikes, habits and needs. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional who will help you identify the best choices for you.

While losing weight may be a goal, think of your new approach to food as a choice to eat better. It’s a fresh start to a healthier you—not a crash diet.

As you begin your new, healthier lifestyle, here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Tell your dietitian about your food preferences, religious restrictions, etc.
• Buy low-fat and diabetes-specific cookbooks that provide nutrition information.
• Try to eat at roughly the same times daily. Your body is better able to process smaller meals at regular intervals than big meals spaced further apart.
• Work with your dietitian to find a level of carbohydrates that keeps your blood glucose well controlled.
• Minimize total, saturated, trans fats and cholesterol. Reducing saturated fat to less than 10 percent of calories and cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day may help you lower your cholesterol. Some people with high cholesterol may require a more restricted diet.

Choose low-fat milk products, lean meats, fish, poultry, beans and peas to get essential protein and nutrients with less fat.

Look for products with 3 grams or more dietary fiber per serving.

Manage portion size. Work with your dietitian to determine how much of your favorite foods you can safely enjoy.

Making smart food choices and taking your medication, if prescribed, will make a huge difference in how you feel both emotionally and physically. So will regular exercise

If you need help with meal planning, you can find a registered dietitian with expertise in diabetes in your area by calling 1 800/877-1600 extension 5000 or visit www.eatright.org and click on Find a Nutrition Professional on the home page.