Food for Diabetics

The New Year is a good time to reflect on the previous year and make goals for a healthier life in the upcoming year.  Being diabetic creates a challenge for those who are trying to lose weight.  Most people do not make it to February before the New Year’s resolution is thrown by the way-side.  If you want to make a change and eat healthier, ask yourself, what type of foods should I be eating?  How much should I be eating?  What is the best food for diabetics?

The single most important thing a person can do to lose weight is to keep a food log.  When I was on Weight Watchers and had to type in (I did this on-line) the food I ate, I saw how much I was eating.  It was crazy how big my portions were compared to what they considered a portion.  So, the second important thing to do is to measure your food.

A nutritionist gave me this list of foods.  She told me that if I ate only the foods on this list, I would lose weight.  She was right!  It was not an overnight process.  I had to stick with it because the pounds came off slowly.  I only lost about two pounds per week.  So the third thing to keep in mind is that this is a lifestyle change.  However, you are more likely to keep the weight off if you lose it slowly.

To be most successful, you should eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day.  This increases your metabolism which increases your weight loss.  Do not eat after 7:00 p.m. if possible.  You should never go to bed on a full stomach.

Drink as much water as possible.  This helps communicate to your stomach that you are full.  You should drink a minimum of eight 12-ounce glasses per day.  I try to drink more if possible.  Avoid alcohol and soda.  These add extra calories without any nutritional value.

Finally, find some form of exercise that you enjoy doing.  Even if you start off by walking a mile 3-5 times a week, it is a start.  That first step is the hardest.  Once you begin, you will experience the sense of accomplishment as you continue be physically active.

Here is the list of foods that will help you lose weight.  You may eat only the food on this list.  Try this for two weeks.  I guarantee that you will see an improvement in the way you feel!

Lean Ham

Canadian Bacon

Chicken Breasts (skinless)

Cornish Game Hen

Fish (all types) – No batter

Shellfish

Sirloin

Tenderloin

Turkey Bacon

Veal

Tofu

Eggs (whole)

Cheese (fat-free or low-fat – American, Cheddar, cottage, cream substitute, feta)

Green Vegetables

Peanut Butter

Peanuts

Pecans

Pistachio Nuts

Rye Crackers

Canola Oil

Olive Oil

Seasoning/Spices (broth, butter sprays, pepper, anything containing no sugar)

Vegetables (artichokes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, legumes, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, green/red/orange peppers, spinach, squash, tomatoes, zucchini)

If you are looking for a way to track your fitness activity, log your food and count your calories, you need the FitBit Ultra.  At $99.00, it is the best device I have found that goes everywhere with me.  It even tracks my sleep patterns.  Just click here for more information.  Best of luck to you as you reach your 2012 goals!