An Easy Recipe

Canada has over 800,000 seniors that are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and it is sure that this number will rise with every passing year. And everyone that has been diagnosed with diabetes will get a restriction on what they can eat, so when they plan their meals they will have to follow the guidelines they have received from their specialists. Now, working with diabetic menu plans isn’t that difficult when you’re at home, but what to do when you’re one of those people that loves to eat out?

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.

When you were first diagnosed your doctor will surely set out some nutritional goals for you to achieve. As those goals aren’t the same for everyone, it would be best to find help with a registered dietician or diabetic educator. If you have someone like this you can contact, they can also help you out with your questions regarding dining out. What you should consider first when choosing a restaurant, is the variety in the menu. If you have enough choices on the menu, it would be easier to find something that fits your needs. If you’re not sure about what is offered, you can always phone ahead and ask about it. If you explain why you ask, they will gladly help you to assure that your evening out doesn’t cause problems for your health. Also making a reservation so you don’t have to wait and can eat on time is something you might do, especially when you’re on insulin. Mention your needs while making the reservation, most restaurants will make a note of it so your table will be ready on time.

How to 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.

- Choose a meal that is prepared with a minimal amount of salt, no extra sauce or butter.

- Don’t choose a fried meal, rather pick a broiled, grilled or steamed one.

- 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.

- Let them bring the sauce, gravy or salad dressing on the side.

- Don’t be afraid to order a baked potato, just top it with a teaspoon of low-calorie yoghurt or sour cream and some 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.