Diabetes Prevention Diet

Avoidance Tactics: Diabetes Prevention Diet

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. When Benjamin Franklin coined this phrase, diabetes was a little understood disease. However, today diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in America; consequently, a diet to prevent diabetes is in great demand. Interestingly enough, a diabetes prevention diet is not all that unique. In many cases, diabetes—especially Type 2—can be prevented by a healthy diet and getting a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily.

In considering a diet to prevent diabetes, it may be help to understand that the average American consumes large quantities of foods high in fat, sugars, and salt on a daily basis. Combined with jobs that often require little or no physical activity, and an elevated stress level, this unhealthy way of life does little in the way of conforming to the needs of a diet to prevent diabetes. Consequently, in order to prevent, or at least delay, full blown diabetes, a health conscious diet is a necessity.

“So...what exactly must I eat to have a diabetes prevention diet?” you ask. “And, does a diet to prevent diabetes require buying a bunch of foods that am unfamiliar with and then spending hours every week cooking?” Are there any special nutrients or supplements that I can add to my daily routine that will enhance the success of a diabetes prevention diet? Don’t Fear! While following a healthy diet to prevent diabetes may take some planning, its payoff of good health and more energy are well worth the effort to follow and the diet. Prevent diabetes by making the changes listed and soon you will be amazed at how much better you feel and look!

Q. Diabetes Prevention Diet: What should I eat?
A.  A diet to prevent diabetes should have plenty of proteins, especially from legumes (beans), and seafood such as salmon or tuna; healthy starches like those found in whole grain cereal, breads, and pasta, fresh fruit or fruits packed in water or their own juices, and vegetables.

Q.  I don’t want to spend hours shopping, prepping, and cooking. Will a diabetes prevention diet require this?
A.  While it may take a bit of time—at least first—to purchase your foods, it won’t take any longer than your standard time at the grocery store. In addition, if your grocer has a fresh salad bar in the deli area you can get items pre-cooked/sliced which are great time saver. At home, one of the best ways to save time in the kitchen is by having everything you need for a recipe laid out and pre-measured before beginning your meal preparation.  Your time spent cooking will be dictated by the recipe(s).

Q. What about diabetes dietary supplements?
A.  A vegetable and fruit, and properly cooked meat diet prevents diabetes more successfully when combined with the following nutrients/supplements—these are available at most health food stores and on numerous websites.

The diet suggestions/guidelines here have been known to prevent diabetes; however, be sure to consult your physician before making them a part of your lifestyle. However, it is important to remember that your greatest help in preventing diabetes is by good eating habits, and getting plenty of exercise.

Diabetic Seniors Team

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