My doctor says I need to be on a calorie-controlled diet. Where can I find one?
ANSWER: The number of calories that you need depends on your size, age and activity level. Along with exercise and medications (such as insulin or oral diabetic medications), nutrition is important for good diabetes control.
By eating well-balanced meals and planned snacks in the correct amounts and at consistent times, you can keep your blood glucose level as close to normal (non-diabetes level) as possible. The USDA Food Guide Pyramid is a great place to start. The exact number of servings you need depends on your calorie and nutrition needs, your lifestyle, and the foods you like to eat.
For solutions to meet your specific nutrition needs, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian, who can help you with meal planning to meet your individual needs. For a registered dietitian in your area, call 1 800/877-1600 extension 5000 or visit www.eatright.org and click on Find a Nutrition Professional on the home page.
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What foods are healthy? What foods are unhealthy? How do you establish a plan for eating healthy foods?
ANSWER: No single food will supply all the nutrients your body needs, so good nutrition means eating a variety of foods. Food is divided into four main groups:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains, cereals and bread
- Dairy products
- Meats, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and dried beans
It's important to eat foods from each group every day. By doing that, you ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs. The main nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.
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Why should a person with diabetes watch their salt intake?
ANSWER: Moderate sodium intake is recommended for people with or without diabetes.
Sodium (salt) has no effect on blood glucose. But, if you have high blood pressure or are sensitive to sodium, you should limit the amount of sodium in your diet. Consult your doctor or dietitian.
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