Healthy Eating and Diabetes: before you see an RD

WHAT ABOUT YOU?
How many meals and snacks do you eat each day? __________ meals __________ snacks

Which is your largest meal? _________________

How would you describe:

The size of your servings?	[     ] small	[     ] average	[     ] large
How much fat you eat?	[     ] small	[     ] average	[     ] large
How much added sugar you eat?	[     ] small	[     ] average	[     ] large

Do you eat foods from each of the food groups every day?

grains/beans/starchy vegetables	[     ] yes	[     ] no
vegetables	[     ] yes	[     ] no
fruits	[     ] yes	[     ] no
milk	[     ] yes	[     ] no
meat	[     ] yes	[     ] no

WHY LEARN ABOUT HEALTHY EATING FOR DIABETES?

• You can make a difference in your diabetes control through your food choices.
• A meal plan can help you decide what, when and how much to eat.
• You do not need special or diet foods.
• When you learn how food affects your diabetes, you can have your favorite foods in your meal plan.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

• What to eat until you meet with a Registered Dietitian (RD).
• How an RD can help you make healthy food choices.
• Where to find an RD.

FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID
In April of 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture released a new food guidance system replacing the former Food Guide Pyramid. The new system, called “My Pyramid” provides a set of tools based on caloric requirements to help Americans make healthy food choices. It also encourages physical activity.

An individualized plan is recommended for those with diabetes. The “My Pyramid” web site can provide you general information about healthy eating until you are able to see a Registered Dietitian (RD). The RD will then provide you a personalized meal plan that can meet your nutritional needs. Please visit: http://www.mypyramid.gov for more information.

WHAT CAN YOU EAT?

• Eat at least 3 small meals each day, especially if you are taking diabetes pills or insulin.
• Try to eat about the same amount of food at the same time each day.
• Cut down on foods and drinks with a lot of added sugar (regular soft drinks, rich desserts, and sweet baked goods) until your dietitian shows you how to fit them into your meal plan. It’s OK to use low-calorie sweeteners and diet soda.
• You might need a snack, such as half a sandwich or a small bowl of cereal, between meals and before you go to sleep if you take insulin.
• Avoid drinking alcohol until the dietitian shows you how to fit it into your meal plan.

A REGISTERED DIETITIAN (RD) CAN:

• Work out a food plan based on what you like to eat.
• Give you tips on grocery shopping, reading food labels, cooking and baking and eating away from home.
• Help you prepare for special times like holidays and when you are ill.
• Help you learn more about how food affects your diabetes.

HOW TO FIND A REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Call the Health Education Unit at McKinley Health Center at 333-2714 or SportWell Center at 244-0261 to schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian.

SET YOUR SIGHTS
Write down your questions about food and diabetes until you see a registered dietitian.

1.
2. I will try to eat		fruits per day by
I will try to eat		vegetables per day by

3. I will try to eat less fat by
I will try to eat less added sugars by

KEEP TRACK
Keep food records for three days and bring them with you when you meet with your RD. Write down what you eat and how much you eat right after you eat it to help you remember. Don't wait until the end of the day.

Example: Day 1

Time	Food and drinks eaten and amount
7:00 a.m.	dry cereal-corn flakes, 1 1/2 cups

 

Time	Food and drinks eaten and amount

The above information is adapted from material by and reprinted with permission from:
American Diabetes Association and American Dietetic Association.

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