Dining Out With Diabetes
The last few years Canada has recorded over 800,000 seniors with Type 2 Diabetes and this number is climbing every year. The first thing they got after they had their diagnosis is a list with restriction on what they can and can't eat, which they have to follow when they are planning their daily menus. Following these restrictions when you're in the privacy of your own house isn't that hard to do, but what if you want to go out to eat?
Giving up on eating out, just because you have diabetes, isn't something everyone wants to do. But if you follow the guidelines the American Diabetes Association has put together, you don't have to. You just need to make the right choices and ask what you need to know to make the right decision on what you order. Also, balancing dinners out with healthy menus at home will keep your diabetes under control. It's not hard, you just need to know what to do, and follow up.
Next to following the general guidelines, you should best contact a registered dietician or diabetic educator because not everyone diagnosed with diabetes will have the same nutritional goals. They can also help you to sort out what you can do when you're eating out. The first step that will help you maintain control is choosing a restaurant where you can find a great variety of meals. If you have more options, you will have a greater chance in finding foods that are appropriate for you. If you don't know how the choices are in the restaurant you are planning to go, you can always call ahead and ask them. Also making a reservation to avoid waiting time and to ensure that you will eat on time is important, especially when you are using insulin. The moment you make the reservation be sure to mention that eating on time is very important because of it. In most cases, restaurants will make a note of it, to assure that your table is ready on time.
Making your order:
- If you don't know what ingredients are in a certain dish, ask the waitor, they will give you the information needed
- You should check if they used liquid oil instead of solid fats to prepare the food.
- Go for a meal that contains a minimum of salt, sauce or butter.
- Pick a meal that is broiled, grilled or steamed instead of fried.
- If it's a larger serving than you are used to eat, make sure you don't overeat. You can take the extra food home.
- Ask if your sauce, gravy or salad dressing could be brought on the side.
- Order the baked potato, you can top it with a teaspoon of low-calorie yoghurt or sour cream and vegetables from the salad bar.
- Don't overdo on sugar, caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks.
And remember, take the time to enjoy yourself while you're out. It's not because you have diabetes that you can't live your life to the fullest.