With some planning, a person with diabetes can easily enjoy a meal at their favorite restaurant. It all depends upon making good choices. Keep the following tips in mind when dining out.
Eat Before Going to Dinner - You may be thinking, "What?" But, eating a small nutritious snack and having a glass of water before going out to dinner, will keep you from being starved by the time you get to the cafe. If you eat before leaving home or the office, you'll be not as likely to order an unhealthy meal or overeat.
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 get tothe cafe. If you're going to a familiar restaurant, don't even look at the menu. Checking out tips and make return trips to the restaurant.
Make the Healthiest Choice - You may be hankering for a certain meal, but think about how you'll feel afterwards if you don't eat healthy. 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 best choice for you.
Order Vegetables - Order a salad and steamed vegetables with your dinner, even if it means making a change.
Drink Water - Order a glass of water with lemon to drink with your dinner instead of choosing alcohol or soft drinks. A cup of black, green, or oolong tea is also an excellent 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 dinner. Have your server box up the rest and eat it later. The good thing is you keep your blood sugar and portions in control and don't have to prepare anything for your next meal.
Remember That Eating Out is Not a "Treat" - Diabetes is a way of life and you must eat healthy and control your blood sugar to avoid problems. Remember that you're not "taking a break" from eating healthy when dining at a restaurant.
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