NUTRITION FOR DIABETICS: EATING OUT

The best eating plan for a person with diabetes is one that helps keep blood sugar levels under control. Each person with diabetes needs a meal plan designed especially for them. A dietitian or diabetes health educator can make a meal plan that fits the way a person usually eats, their daily routine, and their diabetes medicines.

A meal plan will tell what, when, and how much food to eat in order to keep blood sugar at a healthy level. It will be based on the diabetic medicine ordered and a person's activity level. When away from home, especially when traveling, it is important to eat about the same time, the same amount, and the same types of food as usual.

Diabetes does not require special "diabetic" or "dietetic" foods, so choosing foods from a menu should be simple. Many restaurants make a special effort to meet diner health needs. They offer foods lower in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and higher in fiber. Healthier food selections are readily available on menus, including salad options, whole-grain breads, baked or broiled foods, sugar and salt substitutes, and diet beverages.

If eating out a lot, pick a restaurant with a variety of food choices and order only what is needed and wanted. Some restaurants will even allow ordering of smaller portions at lower prices. If a special diet is needed, phone the restaurant in advance with the request.

When dining out:

Ask for low calorie items, even if they are not on the menu.
Eat the same amount of food as you would at home. Share a meal with a dining partner. Eat only half the meal and take the rest home or choose a healthy appetizer and salad.
Order baked, broiled, or grilled items.
Ask that sauces be placed on the side and avoid those high in fat.
Ask for low calorie dressings or use vinegar with a small amount of oil and add a splash of lemon.
Ask for substitutions of lower fat options or just ask that the high-fat food be left off your plate.
Order steamed vegetables or fresh fruit when available.
Ask that eggs be prepared with a low-cholesterol egg product.
Ask that items be prepared without extra butter and do not add butter at the table.
Order fruit for dessert.
Follow your healthcare provider's recommendation regarding the use of alcohol.

Having diabetes should not keep you from traveling. Planning ahead is necessary. When traveling by plane, boat, or train, request a diabetic meal a day or two before leaving. Travel agents can be helpful with this. Always keep a carry-on bag with you. The bag should have your diabetic medicines and supplies and some snacks. If a meal is late, eat a snack from your bag and then buy more to put back in the bag. Snacks that travel well are fruit juice boxes or cans, some fresh fruits, dried fruit, cheese and cracker packs, peanut butter, and breakfast bars.

When changing time zones, talk to your healthcare provider to find out what changes you need to make and when to take your medicine.

For more information about dining with diabetes, contact your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association or call the national office at (800) 342-2383. Visit their website at www.diabetes.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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