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Diabetes diets are a thing of the past. Modern health care
professionals, including nutritionists and dieticians have found a
better way for people with diabetes to control their disease.
Instead of offering restrictive bland diets, they turned to a
diabetic food pyramid. This eating program incorporates the idea of
the USDA food pyramids with its daily requirements and the special
needs of a person with diabetes.
The most effective way to get people to change their diet or
eating habits is to offer them alternatives that are similar to the
choices they already make. By suggesting the widest variety of foods
possible and not restricting their choices considerably, you allow
the greatest chance for success.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your next appointment should
be with a dietician or nutritionist. There you will get tips on how
to follow the guidelines that should get your diabetes under control
without starting medication. The dietician will explain the food
pyramid to you, talk to you about counting carbohydrates and food
exchanges and explain to you how you can eat some of the foods you
have always eaten and avoid going on any of the archaic diabetes
diets.
Food exchanges, trading equivalently valued foods on the pyramid,
allow you to enjoy an occasional dessert or have alcoholic beverages
without sending your blood glucose soaring. The key to eating this
new way is to balance your intake of foods by splitting your meals
up into 3 regular meals and 2 or 3 snacks. This method keeps you
from getting so hungry that you overeat or binge. It keeps your
blood sugar levels at a steady rate and you avoid the hills and
valleys that are so unhealthy.
By avoiding strict diabetes diets and changing your eating style,
instead, you can lose weight slowly and safely, the method most
doctors prefer. In addition to the altered eating habits, your
health care will suggest you add at least 30 minutes of exercise to
your daily routine at least 5 days a week. Between the diet and
exercise, you will have more control over your diabetes.
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