It may sound like a hard thing to do – be consistent and have variety in your diet at the
same time. But it is possible and it is the best way to control your diabetes with your
diet. The consistency comes in at specific meal times and the same servings from the
different food groups. And the variety refers to trying as many different foods in the food
groups as you can.
It can be easy to find a few meals that work well with your blood sugars and are easy to
prepare and just stick with them. You are more than likely to get bored with this and you
probably aren’t getting all of the nutrients you need from a set amount of foods.
Whether you are on the carbohydrate counting diet or the exchange diet, you have a lot of
room for flexibility. You can combine different foods together for something new or try
foods you have never had before. You can meet with your dietician to get additional
ideas for recipes and other foods that you can eat to add more variety to your diet.
There will be times that you try a new food and your blood sugars are higher as a result.
Think back about anything else that you had done differently that day – less activity or
taking your insulin later than usual. If the new food is the only change you experienced
talk to your dietician. You may be able to prepare the food differently or eat it with
something else or you may have to avoid that food if it doesn’t work for your diabetic
diet.
Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean that you can’ be adventurous and try
something new, just do it at regular meal times and within the recommended portion
sizes.
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