Diabetic Seniors

Tonight’s dinner menu: Ice cold lemonade, asparagus grilled to perfection, kabobs with tangy cherry tomatoes, rosemary chicken, green bell pepper, fresh mushrooms, a side of mashed cauliflower (in lieu of potatoes) with garlic and parmesan cheese, and a flavorful fruit salsa—Who says following the diet plan for diabetes has to be lackluster and unappetizing? A dinner plate doesn’t have to be smothered in heavy sauces or covered in calorie-rich carbohydrates in order to taste good. Besides, eating foods with high quantities of salt, fat, and sugar are counterproductive to the diabetic diet plan. “But, what are my options?” and “How can I build a meal the appeals to my palette and corresponds to the diabetic diet plan?” you ask. These are understandable questions, with not so difficult answers. This is accomplished by being aware of food items listed in the recommended diet plan for diabetes management and being willing to try new foods and recipes.

Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan:

As a diabetic, you are accustomed to plans and schedules, and eating healthy is only one aspect of your day. However, since what you eat, along with what you do, affects your blood glucose and insulin, it is vitally important that you eat properly. An easy way to daily achieve this is by planning, as much as possible, a weekly menu. Not only will this help you maintain a healthy diet, but planning will ensure that you have the necessary food items available in your kitchen. Here are a few tips to help with preparation for a Type 2 Diabetes diet plan:

1. Basic pantry for a diabetics diet plan should include, but are not limited to-

2.   Additional diabetes diet plan-friendly foods that are helpful in meal preparation are:

3.   Choose a day to plan your weekly menu and grocery list.  If planning a menu stymies you, or you feel you are eating the same food all the time, consider purchasing (or borrowing from a friend/ local library) a new diabetes diet

Now that you have a plan of action, you can again look forward to mealtime and snack times. Here is a sample of what a daily diabetic diet plan may look like-

Breakfast- Apple oatmeal, wheat toast, fat-free milk, coffee
Lunch- Corn muffins, chef salad with sliced turkey, lettuce or spinach, peppers, onion, mushrooms and fat-free dressing, and a banana
Dinner- baked/grilled chicken breast, rice, cooked carrots
Dessert- Fruit salsa

A salsa is a great way to provide interest and variety to your menu. A salsa is made by dicing up an assortment of foods then mixing them together, using their own juices as a sauce. A fruit salsa is especially nice with a few low fat chocolate wafers or graham crackers.

Being a diabetic doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, but it may be necessary to be more creative in your cooking. However, with a little planning, following a diabetic diet can be achieved.

Tags: diabetes diet plan, diabetic diet, diabetic diet plan, diet plan for diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes diet plan