Diabetes Diet Debunked

Diabetes Diet Debunked

by Karen Hanson Chalmers and Amy Peterson Campbell

Taken from 16 Myths of a Diabetic Diet, 2nd ed., published by the American Diabetes Association ©2007. Thriving with Diabetes is a weekly column that appears in the Diabetes World eNewsletter.

Today, more and more people are being diagnosed with diabetes. For many, their first thoughts and questions usually center on food: "What can I eat?", "What foods should I avoid?", "How much can I eat?", "Do I have to give up all of my favorite foods?", "Am I always going to feel restricted?" The list goes on and on.

Increasingly, those with diabetes are seeking a registered dietitian's care and counseling so that they can update their knowledge about food and diabetes and develop a realistic and individualized meal plan, together with their dietitian, to ensure healthy eating. Learning about current research and how it relates to food is essential for managing your diabetes.

Here are some of the facts you will learn when you meet with a registered dietitian:

• Food that is good for you is the same food that is good for the whole family!
• You can fit foods that contain sugar into your daily intake—you do not have to give up your favorite foods!
• You can eat a wide choice of foods—variety in meal planning is "in," restriction of foods is "out."
• Standardized "diabetic diets" are a thing of the past.
• Special "diet" foods are not needed—all foods can fit!
• Fats are now categorized as "healthy" or "unhealthy," and avoiding all fat is not the best option.
• Registered dietitians provide meal-planning options that are individualized and realistic, based on what you are willing and able to do.
• Moderate weight loss can result in improved blood sugar control and reaching an "ideal" body weight is not necessary.
• Eliminating carbohydrate from your diet and eating large amounts of protein is not a good substitute for healthy eating and weight loss.
• Snacks between meals and at bedtime are optional and certain types of foods work best to achieve satiety.
• Special vitamins and minerals are not needed for people with diabetes.
• Exercise does not have to involve a gym and spandex!
• Creating a plan before dining out can help you choose healthy options that are available at most restaurants.
• Old family recipes can be modified to make them lower in fat, carbohydrate, sodium, and calories