Planning Meal for Active Diabetics
Physical activity is recommended for any person to stay healthy. But for a diabetic it now only increases energy levels and can help maintain an ideal body weight it also helps to control blood sugars.
However, the active diabetic has to be especially careful to get enough nutrients to prevent hypoglycemia from setting in due to a drop in their blood sugar levels.
The size of the caloric intake in your diabetic meal plan largely depends on how much exercise you'll be getting. The more active you are, the more calories and nutrients you need to prevent from becoming hypoglycemic.
The best practice when you are just starting out is to monitor your blood sugars before and after working out and during if you feel it is necessary. It is important to listen to your body and stop if you are feeling light-headed or are experiencing any of the other signs associated with low blood sugar.
Before you work out, have a snack that is going to sustain you for a long period of time without spiking your blood sugar levels. A granola bar eaten with a handful of nuts is a good choice as it combines a carbohydrate that is high in fiber and a high-quality protein.
Any food that you have before a workout should be high fiber; the reason for this is that fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, giving you a sustained energy level instead of a rush followed by a crash.
When working out, you need to stay hydrated; so drink plenty of water. It's also a good idea to carry glucose tablets and perhaps some candy with you in case you need to raise your blood sugar level in a hurry. During the rest of the day, eat a healthy, well balanced diet which will allow you to maintain a good energy level throughout the day.