Healthy Eating is one of the self-management behaviors for people with diabetes, prediabetes or cardiometabolic disease. However, what is healthy eating? Eating healthy can fit all tastes and traditions while choosing a variety of nutritious foods and beverages. Be mindful of added sugars, saturated and trans fats, sodium and alcohol.Â
There are 3 main types of nutrients in food: carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Including some portion of all 3 in each meal, helps round out a healthy plan for improving blood glucose (sugar) and lipid (fat) levels. No one eating pattern fits everyone.
Collaborating with a diabetes care and education specialist, registered dietitian-nutritionist and others on your healthcare team to formulate a plan that fits your personal preferences and health needs can assist you to:
Set realistic, achievable healthy eating goals
Consider different healthy eating options
Develop a meal plan that fits you
Learn about appropriate portions/serving sizes
Understand the Nutrition Facts Label to make healthy choices
Know your carbohydrate foods and portions to avoid blood glucose spikes or drops
Be aware of sodium and saturated/trans-fat content of foods/beverages
Adjust meal plan for physical activity, holidays and travel
For more information, talk to your diabetes care and education specialist. If you don’t have one, find a diabetes care and education specialist near you or talk to your doctor to learn more and get a referral.
Healthy Eating Handout
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