3 Tips for Diabetics – when you’re hungry…
Most diabetics already know that their sugar levels will affect their mood. Therefore, they also know that shopping or snacking when you’re HANGRY = hungry and angry is the worst thing you can do in your condition and that this behaviour will only aggravate the problem. Whether you are at home or on a break from work– your mood will most surely affect what you choose to eat and chances are – you’ll opt for the high-sugar foods. So don’t wait until it’s too late! Plan ahead and be prepared with some healthy alternatives that are quick and easy to grab, even on the go!
Tip #1 - Select a time (preferably after a meal) to prepare a list and do the shop. In our fast-paced world it’s hard to juggle all of the tasks that we have and yet somehow, we manage to get them done. Even if we don’t normally do our shopping and have a service deliver the ingredients to our home each week (i.e., Hello Fresh)– there are options to select a low-sugar menu and omit those high-sugar foods altogether. It’s critical that we decide here and now to strategically fight this enemy and have develop a plan for a successful counter-attack!
Tip #2 – Be sure to have a food scale and plenty of storage bags, containers, etc. Dole out your portions ahead of time so that you don’t have to make choices on a cranky stomach. If you are in a limited space – store just enough for the week. Meals are easy enough with commercially frozen ones already premeasured and counted but those pesky snacks! Be sure to have enough of those on hand in advance! If you have the time and love to cook – there are tons of meals that you can prepare and freeze in advance.
Tip #3 – Do not have high sugar foods within your reach. If other members of the household eat these – ask them to hide them away ad much as possible. Having your own snacks readily available will divert you from taking the “other” kind. If there is a loud food calling your name – (such as a leftover piece of cheesecake) ask someone to remove it from your reach immediately. Some “ALWAYS STOCK” and “RARELY EAT/DRINK” foods are listed below:
ALWAYS STOCK | RARELY EAT/DRINK |
Fruits and vegetables (fresh or *frozen with no sugar added). | Regular candy, chocolate and pastries. |
Low-sugar candies and chocolates approved for diabetics. (These can be found at most pharmacies). | Fruit juices, colas, sodas, *alcoholic beverages. |
Plenty of water – bottled or filtered. *more budget friendly | *1 portion of alcohol 3x/per week is permitted. Red wine is recommended for it’s beneficial properties (when taken in moderate doses). |
Summary:
Take care of yourself – you’re worth it and the people who love you will be glad that you did!