Diabetes and Diet

Controlling diabetes does not mean that you are advised to starve. You have specific foods to eat and specific food to avoid so that your blood sugar level is maintained. You can go ahead with your food habits, but your position is like that of a horse. Gallop forward, but well controlled by the jeans.

You will be put on restrictions with regard to certain types of foods, but you will begin to taste some of the items, which you have not hitherto been fortunate enough to taste. This change in food pattern will be for the better, diabetes or no diabetes.

When you study the recipes for diabetes, you will realize the importance of diet in your life. Hitherto, what you have been doing? Dump into the stomach anything that appeals to your eyes, anytime. Since you need to control your diabetes, don't be emotional in your food habits. Be factual and realistic.

For treating diabetes, you can not say with certainty that this one is good for you and that one is not good for you. It is a trial and error method. You will have to view the food from its medicinal content point of view.

As a rule, you know that when you are out to control diabetes, you avoid heavy meals, instead you take food in small quantities, several times in a day. Several times, does not mean that you go on eating at the interval of every two hours.

It is better if you draw a time table for your eating, and what you should take for the breakfast, lunch and dinner. This disciplined approach to the food itself would be part of the recovery process.
Diabetes is not a time bound disease as such; it's all about controlling. Diabetes is such a widespread malady that in every County, there exists a diabetic association which will give you the latest about this disease.

The underlying point about any system or procedure that you follow with regard to the intake of food, is that you need to control the insulin level within your body.
So, your emphasis should be on citrus fruits and fruits and vegetables in which the fiber content is more. Some foods release the insulin in to the blood slowly. This is Nature's way to control the sugar level within your body.

There is an ancient, trusted method to make your food items tasty and good from the point of view of controlling the diabetes. Along with every meal, take some fresh curry leaves. This item, taken regularly over a period of 6 months, has the capacity to cure even the hereditary diabetes.

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Cashew Your Way to Health

Diet To Lower Triglycerides

A high triglyceride level has been shown to increase the risk of stroke and heart attack by as much as 60% even if the Cholesterol level is normal. Simple changes in the diet may help with high triglyceride levels. This article discusses several ways to use the diet to lower triglycerides.


Triglycerides are naturally occurring fats that come from both dietary intake and are manufactured within the body. When present in high levels in the bloodstream, they are blood vessel clogging fats. Triglycerides are considered to be largely responsible for diseases such as atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and venous and arterial occlusion in areas such as the lower legs, heart and brain. While medications to lower triglycerides are available, they have considerable side effects and most experts agree that controlling the diet is the best place to start when attempting to lower triglyceride levels. Many people are successful in lowering triglycerides to normal healthy levels simply through a healthy diet.


The first step to improving the diet in a person with high triglycerides might be to avoid refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates such as white sugar, corn syrup, white flour and foods containing large amounts of these products are a major contributor to high triglyceride levels. Many think that fat content in the diet is the most important factor in reducing triglyceride levels but experts agree that the biggest problem is refined sugar and other simple carbohydrates. Instead of eating processed white flour, one should consume more whole grain products, fibrous foods and other carbohydrates with a low glycemic index such as vegetables, fruits and nuts. Total carbohydrate consumption should be approximately 50% of the total caloric intake.


The second step in controlling the triglyceride levels through diet might be to limit fat consumption to no more than 20 to 30% of the total caloric intake. These calories should be composed of healthy oils such as olive oil, canola oil, safflower oil and peanut oil along with eating foods high in unsaturated fats such as avocados and nuts. In addition, omega 3 fatty acids are present in large amounts in oily fish and have been proven to aid cardiac health. Fish is a healthy substitute for other meats with saturated fat such as beef and pork. Eating fish on a regular basis has been proven to lower cholesterol and triglycerides and to improve cardiac health by as much as 40%.


Losing weight by reducing total calorie consumption and exercising is also important step for reducing health risks of high triglyceride levels in overweight individuals. Obesity is a common contributor to type II diabetes which is known to increase the risk factors and frequency of diseases commonly caused by high triglyceride levels such as arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis as well as the end results of stroke and heart attack.


In conclusion, many people will benefit from a diet to lower triglycerides. The three best options to accomplish this appear to be reducing refined carbohydrate consumption, limiting fat intake to healthy oils, and losing weight by reducing total calorie consumption.

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Research-proven information on the best diet to lower triglycerides. Discover how to lower triglycerides naturally, much more effective than any supplement or medication ever can. Go to:
http://www.lowertriglycerides.org

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EXCELLENT pdf on Food Plans and Recipes!

http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/FoodPlans/MiscPubs/FoodPlansRecipeBook.pdf

Good recipe sites for health and weight loss

Healthy Recipes from the Mayo Clinic

American Heart Association Recipes

American Council of Exercise Recipes

Healthy Recipes

Cooking the Heart Healthy Way

American Institute for Cancer Research Recipes

Recipe and Meal Planner Guide

Diabetic Recipes

Searchable by category (low fat, low cholesterol, etc)

Does diet or exercise plays a greater role in weight loss?

Think about it, then go see:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30826120/

Healthy Eating on a Budget

• Sign up for your grocer’s bonus/discount card for additional savings.
• Try store brands. The most costly brands are typically placed at eye level. Store brands that may be cheaper and are just as good are often placed higher or lower on the shelf.
  
• Comparison shop for healthier brands. Read the Nutrition Facts Label. Learn how to find serving sizes and the per serving amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, sugars, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. For more information on the Nutrition Facts Label go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: Certain foods, like grapefruit, celery, or cabbage soup, can burn fat and make you lose weight.

Fact: No foods can burn fat. Some foods with caffeine may speed up your metabolism (the way your body uses energy, or calories) for a short time, but they do not cause weight loss.

Tip: The best way to lose weight is to cut back on the number of calories you eat and be more physically active.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth : Starches are fattening and should be limited when trying to lose weight.

Fact: Many foods high in starch, like bread, rice, pasta, cereals, beans, fruits, and some vegetables (like potatoes and yams) are low in fat and calories. They become high in fat and calories when eaten in large portion sizes or when covered with high-fat toppings like butter, sour cream, or mayonnaise. Foods high in starch (also called complex carbohydrates) are an important source of energy for your body.

Tip: A healthy eating plan is one that:
Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.
Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
Is low in saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

For more specific information about food groups and nutrition values, visit http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: “Going vegetarian” means you are sure to lose weight and be healthier.

Fact: Research shows that people who follow a vegetarian eating plan, on average, eat fewer calories and less fat than nonvegetarians. They also tend to have lower body weights relative to their heights than nonvegetarians. Choosing a vegetarian eating plan with a low fat content may be helpful for weight loss. But vegetarians—like nonvegetarians—can make food choices that contribute to weight gain, like eating large amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods or foods with little or no nutritional value.

Vegetarian diets should be as carefully planned as nonvegetarian diets to make sure they are balanced. Nutrients that nonvegetarians normally get from animal products, but that are not always found in a vegetarian eating plan, are iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and protein.

Tip: Choose a vegetarian eating plan that is low in fat and that provides all of the nutrients your body needs.

Food and beverage sources of nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet are listed below.

• Iron: cashews, spinach, lentils, garbanzo beans, fortified bread or cereal.
• Calcium: dairy products, fortified soy-based beverages, tofu made with calcium sulfate, collard greens, kale, broccoli
• Vitamin D: fortified foods and beverages including milk, soy-based beverages, or cereal
• Vitamin B12: eggs, dairy products, fortified cereal or soy-based beverages, tempeh, miso (tempeh and miso are foods made from soybeans)
• Zinc: whole grains (especially the germ and bran of the grain), nuts, tofu, leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, lettuce)
• Protein: eggs, dairy products, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, soy-based burgers

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: Dairy products are fattening and unhealthy.

Fact: Low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese are just as nutritious as whole-milk dairy products, but they are lower in fat and calories. Dairy products have many nutrients your body needs. They offer protein to build muscles and help organs work properly, and calcium to strengthen bones. Most milk and some yogurt are fortified with vitamin D to help your body use calcium.

Tip: The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming 3 cups per day of fat-free/low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.

If you cannot digest lactose (the sugar found in dairy products), choose low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products, or other foods and beverages that offer calcium and vitamin D (listed below).

• Calcium: soy-based beverage or tofu made with calcium sulfate; canned salmon; dark leafy greens like collards or kale
• Vitamin D: soy-based beverage or cereal (getting some sunlight on your skin also gives you a small amount of vitamin D)

For more information on these guidelines, visit http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: Eating red meat is bad for your health and makes it harder to lose weight.

Fact: Eating lean meat in small amounts can be part of a healthy weight-loss plan. Red meat, pork, chicken, and fish contain some cholesterol and saturated fat (the least healthy kind of fat). They also contain healthy nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc.

Tip: Choose cuts of meat that are lower in fat and trim all visible fat. Lower fat meats include pork tenderloin and beef round steak, tenderloin, sirloin tip, flank steak, and extra lean ground beef. Also, pay attention to portion size. Three ounces of meat or poultry is the size of a deck of cards.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: Nuts are fattening and you should not eat them if you want to lose weight.

Fact: In small amounts, nuts can be part of a healthy weight-loss program. Nuts are high in calories and fat. However, most nuts contain healthy fats that do not clog arteries. Nuts are also good sources of protein, dietary fiber, and minerals including magnesium and copper.

Tip: Enjoy small portions of nuts. One-half ounce of mixed nuts has about 84 calories.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight.

Fact: Studies show that people who skip breakfast and eat fewer times during the day tend to be heavier than people who eat a healthy breakfast and eat four or five times a day. This may be because people who skip meals tend to feel hungrier later on, and eat more than they normally would. It may also be that eating many small meals throughout the day helps people control their appetites.

Tip: Eat small meals throughout the day that include a variety of healthy, low-fat, low-calorie foods.

For more information about healthy eating, read the Weight-control Information Network brochure Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan: Tips for Adults.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: Fast foods are always an unhealthy choice and you should not eat them when dieting.

Fact: Fast foods can be part of a healthy weight-loss program with a little bit of know-how.

Tip: Avoid supersized combo meals, or split one with a friend. Sip on water or fat-free milk instead of soda. Choose salads and grilled foods, like a grilled chicken breast sandwich or small hamburger. Try a “fresco” taco (with salsa instead of cheese or sauce) at taco stands. Fried foods, like french fries and fried chicken, are high in fat and calories, so order them only once in a while, order a small portion, or split an order with a friend. Also, use only small amounts of high-fat, high-calorie toppings, like regular mayonnaise, salad dressings, bacon, and cheese.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: “I can lose weight while eating whatever I want.”

Fact: To lose weight, you need to use more calories than you eat. It is possible to eat any kind of food you want and lose weight. You need to limit the number of calories you eat every day and/or increase your daily physical activity. Portion control is the key. Try eating smaller amounts of food and choosing foods that are low in calories.

Tip: When trying to lose weight, you can still eat your favorite foods—as long as you pay attention to the total number of calories that you eat.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: Low-fat or fat-free means no calories.

Fact: A low-fat or fat-free food is often lower in calories than the same size portion of the full-fat product. But many processed low-fat or fat-free foods have just as many calories as the full-fat versions of the same foods—or even more calories. They may contain added sugar, flour, or starch thickeners to improve flavor and texture after fat is removed. These ingredients add calories.

Tip: Read the Nutrition Facts on a food package to find out how many calories are in a serving. Check the serving size too—it may be less than you are used to eating.

For more information about reading food labels, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration online at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html.

~ Myths on Dieting and Food ~

Myth: Natural or herbal weight-loss products are safe and effective.

Fact: A weight-loss product that claims to be “natural” or “herbal” is not necessarily safe. These products are not usually scientifically tested to prove that they are safe or that they work. For example, herbal products containing ephedra (now banned by the U.S. Government) have caused serious health problems and even death. Newer products that claim to be ephedra-free are not necessarily danger-free, because they may contain ingredients similar to ephedra.

Tip: Talk with your health care provider before using any weight-loss product. Some natural or herbal weight-loss products can be harmful.

~ Myths about Dieting and Food ~

Myth: High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are a healthy way to lose weight.

Fact: The long-term health effects of a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet are unknown. But getting most of your daily calories from high-protein foods like meat, eggs, and cheese is not a balanced eating plan. You may be eating too much fat and cholesterol, which may raise heart disease risk. You may be eating too few fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which may lead to constipation due to lack of dietary fiber. Following a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet may also make you feel nauseous, tired, and weak.

Eating fewer than 130 grams of carbohydrate a day can lead to the buildup of ketones in your blood. Ketones are partially broken-down fats. A buildup of these in your blood (called ketosis) can cause your body to produce high levels of uric acid, which is a risk factor for gout (a painful swelling of the joints) and kidney stones. Ketosis may be especially risky for pregnant women and people with diabetes or kidney disease. Be sure to discuss any changes in your diet with a health care professional, especially if you have health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or type 2 diabetes.

Tip: High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are often low in calories because food choices are strictly limited, so they may cause short-term weight loss. But a reduced-calorie eating plan that includes recommended amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat will also allow you to lose weight. By following a balanced eating plan, you will not have to stop eating whole classes of foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—and miss the key nutrients they contain. You may also find it easier to stick with a diet or eating plan that includes a greater variety of foods.

More GREAT Resources to Check out

Good Carbs vs Bad Carbs
Carbohydrates
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition/nutrition_for_everyone/basics/carbohydrates.htm

Complex Carbohydrates
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19529.htm

“Power” Foods
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=61

What’s Complex About Carbohydrate?
http://www.snac.ucla.edu/pages/Resources/Handouts/HOCarbohydrate.pdf

Types of Carbohydrate
http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/types-of-carb.jsp


Eating Out

Health Dining Finder (by zip code)
http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/site/

Healthy Fast Food Options
http://www.healthchecksystems.com/ffood.htm

Fast Food Alternatives
http://children.webmd.com/child-nutrition-8/fast-food-alternatives

Healthy Fast Food Meals
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/21-healthier-fast-food-meals

List of Restaurant menus w/fat, carbs, calories, Weight Watchers points
http://www.dwlz.com/restaurants.html

Reading Food Labels
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html

Recipes for One or Two
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/easy-meals-for-1-or-2

Portion Control

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/lf_hl_kick_start_your_health/article/0,2857,FOOD_26736_5513088_01,00.html

http://www.checkyourhealth.org/nutrition/portiondistortion/pd_movies.htm

Some Resources You Might Like

Activity Trackers
My Physical Activity Tracker
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/healthieryou/html/phys_activity_tracker.html

Food and Activity Tracker
http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/GP_FoodActTracker.pdf

Calorie Range For Weight Loss
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/NU00595 calorie range required for wt loss
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/SM00109 exercise required for wt loss

Diabetic Resources (Type II)

Reading Food Labels: People with Diabetes
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-labels/DA00129

Create your Healthy Eating Plan: Diabetes
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-diet/DA00027

New guidelines for healthy diabetic Diet
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-diet/DA00128

Diabetes: Exercise and Weight Loss
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DA00123

Tips on healthy eating, weight control, recipes and special diets.
http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/eatright.htm

Recipe and Meal Planner Guide
http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/MealPlanner/en_intro.htm

What I need to know about Eating and Diabetes
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/eating_ez/


Your Guide To Eating Out with Diabetes
http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/eatingoutguide.jsp

Diabetic Recipes
http://www.diabetic-recipes.com/