A recipe for the whole family
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, following a sensible diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of primary importance in helping to control your diabetes. Regardless of whether you control your diabetes by diet alone, tablets or insulin, and regardless of your age, eating healthily is essential.
Dietary guidelines for people with diabetes are not as restrictive as they initially seem. You need to base your diet on foods low in sugar, fat and salt, include five servings of fruit and vegetables daily and eat fibre-rich starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, pasta and rice: plus, you can take alcohol; in moderation. There is no need to eat special diabetic dietary products.
Sounds familiar?
That’s because these are the same healthy eating guidelines recommended for the whole population. It’s a myth that people with diabetes have to eat differently from other members of the household.
So how can a family adapt their diet if a member is diagnosed with diabetes? This can be a challenge if the whole family has previously paid little attention to the nutritional value of their food. Altering dietary habits can be difficult. Nobody likes to be told what to do and change is easier if the decision to do so comes from within. Support from family and friends will undoubtedly help greatly.
You may be aware of dietary ‘differences’ at social events, such as a birthday party or visits to restaurants. Be realistic – having something sweet or high in fat for a special occasion or treat will not have a major effect on your diabetes control, as long as most of the time your diet is healthy.
Tips for the whole family
Reject the perception that healthy eating is restrictive and boring. Actually, you will discover a new and exciting range of tastes to pleasure your palate
Don’t set unrealistic timescales for making dietary changes, set simple goals
Don’t think any food is taboo, you will only want it more!
Don’t make an issue of being on a ‘special diet’. Realise that it is a healthier and more enjoyable way of eating for everyone
Remember – enjoy your food!
Breakfast
Instead of a bacon butty or fry-up...
...try wholegrain or oat-based cereal or muesli; wholemeal bread with low fat spread / reduced sugar jam.
Snacks
Instead of chocolate or crisps...
...try a plain biscuit, cereal bar, teacake, very low fat yoghurt or piece of fruit.
Main meal
Instead of battered fish or sausage and chips...
... try grilled, microwaved, steamed or baked fish with jacket / boiled potatoes plus side salad / boiled vegetables.
Instead of apple pie and custard...
... try baked apple with sultanas and with low fat natural yoghurt.
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INS/741/0207
Last updated: May 2007