Dieting With Diabetes

Keeping your blood sugar stable is top priority.

Dealing with diabetes can be a daunting task. For women over age 40, it is just one more thing to take care of when it comes to keeping fit and staying well. The chance of developing diabetes can also increase as age goes on, so if you haven’t been diagnosed, the tips below are also helpful.

Keep your sugar stable

Eating foods with a low glycemic index is number one. Your physician has discussed with you what you should eat and what to stay away from in order to not spike your blood sugar levels.

Curbing cravings

If you’ve been diagnosed as diabetic, one of the first things you were probably told was to stay clear of white pasta, potatoes and sugar. But there is good news: you can have these things in limited quantities in creative new ways.

Try some of the pasta ‘alternatives’ such as wheat, rice or vegetable. They cook the same way as pasta made from white flour and the taste is nearly the same as traditional pasta.

You say potato…

Another white starch you probably miss is potatoes. Well, research has shown that diabetics can have potatoes – but served cold, not hot. Hot potatoes will cause your blood sugar to spike. Chemical compounds in a potato change when heated. Satisfy your potato jones instead with a healthy (cold) potato salad.

The sweet life

There is good news on the sweet front: many berries, such as blackberries, strawberries and blueberries, actually have a fairly low glycemic index. Top the naturally sweet (and antioxidant-rich) berries with a dollop of real cream for a satisfying sweet.

Another way to trick your mind into thinking you’re eating a rich dessert? Try mixing ricotta cheese with a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Add a few drops of vanilla extract for extra flavour, and you’ll have a satisfying dessert that will also keep the calories away.