Dining Out With Diabetes
By Sara Butler
Dining out is about more than eating! It’s a social activity that everyone participates in from time to time. If you have diabetes, it can cause a bit of stress since eating out and good health don’t exactly feel as if they go hand in hand. If you have diabetes, you don’t have to avoid going out to eat with friends and family, you simply need to know these tips to help you navigate your night out.
Be a Stalker
Stalk the restaurant before you arrive by looking at the menu online. This can help you plan ahead so you know exactly what you can eat. It can also pay to look at their social media accounts before you go since the pictures can help you get an idea of portion size. Remember, one of the most important aspects to dining out is to keep the portion sizes reasonable since restaurants aren’t exactly known for serving just one serving of a dish!
Take a Snack
When you have diabetes, timing can be everything to help you control your blood sugar. Making a reservation at a restaurant doesn’t guarantee that you’ll actually be seated at the same time, so make sure you pack a snack to help you manage cravings and blood sugar in case you have to wait. Almonds or raisins can make a great snack option and are very portable, too!
Be Description Savvy
You have to learn to read between the lines a bit when it comes to restaurant menus. Stay away from words such as “loaded,” “crunchy,” au gratin,” and “crispy.” All of those words are simply code for foods that will be higher in carbs and most likely be fried. You should search out foods that are broiled, stir fried, or grilled. Sautéed can work, too, as long as you make sure they’re not soaking it with butter.
Be Wary of Sauces
As a diabetic, your focus in on carbohydrates and the carbohydrate content of many foods at restaurants can vary widely from what you’re used to. That’s because of one thing: sauce. Sauces may not sound like trouble, but they’re often a source of sugar, flour, and cornstarch – hidden carbohydrates that could have an impact on your blood sugar. Either skip the sauce or ask for it on the side so you can make sure to have some control over how much you get.
You can live a full and healthy life with diabetes -- you just have to remember to stay sharp and know your limits!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sandy, Utah.