With some planning, a person with diabetes can easily enjoy meals at their favorite cafe. It all comes down to making good choices. Have the following tips in mind when dining out.
Eat Before Going to Dinner - You may be thinking, "Huh?" But, eating a small nutritious snack and having a glass of water before going out for a meal, will prevent you being famished by the time you arrive at the cafe. If you eat before leaving home or the office, you'll be not as likely to choose an unhealthy meal or eat too much.
Plan Where You're Going Before You Leave - If you know where you're going, you'll have plenty of time to choose what you're going to order before you arrive atthe cafe. If you're going to a favorite restaurant, don't even look at the menu. Reading the menu may make you change your mind about eating properly.
Try to Eat on Schedule - Do your best to always eat at the same time as usual, even when you're dining out at a restaurant. It will be much easier to maintain your blood sugar level when you stay on schedule.
Ask - If you have any questions about how something is prepared, ask. Don't be shy when it comes to enquiring about ingredients, asking for alternatives and changes, or asking that your food be prepared in a particular way. Remember, the restaurant and your waiter wants you to be happy. Satisfied customers leave largermore generous tips and make return trips to the restaurant.
Make the Healthiest Choice - You may be craving a certain meal, but think about how you'll feel afterwards if you don't eat properly. You don't want to say, "I wish I hadn't eaten that," after your meal. You won't have any regrets if you always order the wisest choice for you.
Order Vegetables - Order a salad and steamed vegetables with your dinner, even if it means making a substitution.
Drink Water - choose a glass of water with lemon to drink with your meal instead of ordering alcohol or soft drinks. A cup of black, green, or oolong tea is also a great choice.
On the Side - Request dressings, sauces, and gravy on the side. You can better control how much you eat by dipping your food instead of covering it.
Keep Away From the Complimentary Basket of Bread - Say "no thanks" to the bread basket. Bread will affect your blood sugar.
Only Eat Half of Your Meal - Stop eating when you've finished half of your meal. Have your server box up the rest and eat it later. The bonus is you keep your blood sugar and portions in control and don't have to cook for your next meal.
Remember That Eating Out is Not a "Treat" - Diabetes is a way of life and you must eat properly and control your blood sugar to avoid complications. Remember that you're not "taking a break" from eating properly when dining at a restaurant.
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