Eating out with diabetes isn't always easy. Here are 7 tips to help make your dining out experience more fun and manageable!
1) Dine on Time
When taking medication and/or insulin for diabetes, it's important that you time your meals correctly. We suggest making a reservation to avoid a delay in food consumption.
2) Ask Questions
If you don't know what's in a dish or how the dish is prepared, ask! By knowing what's in the dish may allow you to make a healthier meal choice.
3) Pay Attention to Carbs
Some carbs are better than others. Avoid sugars and refined grains (i.e.: white bread). You might even suggest to your server to not bring the complimentary bread to avoid temptation.
4) Beware of "Hidden Sugar"
Of course, desserts have the most sugar, but it's not the only place where large amounts of sugar are present on a menu. Salad dressing, juice, soda, sweet tea, and alcoholic drinks are all loaded with sugar. Try substituting oil and vinegar for dressing on your salad. Drink water with fresh squeezed lemon or artificially sweetened beverages to help avoid a "high".
5) Have it Cooked "Your Way"
Restaurants will cater to you more than you may think. Don't be afraid to ask if you can order fish or chicken grilled, instead of fried. Request the chef hold off on the added butter and/or salt and try substituting steamed veggies for a healthier option.
6) Order it "Plain Jane"
Ever ordered a dish that's drenched in dressing, butter, cream or cheese? This can add so many calories to a dish and may be completely avoided by ordering it on the side for dipping. Try squeezing a fresh lemon on your dish for healthy and natural flavor.
7) Pay Attention to Portion Size
More often than not, entrees at restaurants are much larger than you should have at one sitting. Try splitting your meal with someone or get half boxed up to eat later.
Have questions about how to successfully manage your diabetes or set realistic resolutions? Schedule a 15 min call with Kent, our diabetes educator and pharmacist. He can help you learn how to get healthy this year.
Mississippi:
6856 Cobblestone Blvd | Southaven, MS, 38672
P: 888.416.0008 | F: 888.416.0009
Alabama:
220 W. Tennessee St, Suite 101 | Florence, AL, 35630
P: 256.203.5058 | F: 888.416.0009