Living with Diabetes: How to Improve Eating Habits

Type 1 Diabetes For Dummies

You can take simple steps to improve your eating habits for healthier living with diabetes. Follow these simple tips to make a difference in your health:

Keep a food diary.
Figure out why you eat the way that you do.
Avoid missing a meal; eat at regular times.
Sit down for meals.
Use water in place of caloric drinks.
Include vegetables in all meals.
Cook with half the fat you usually use.
Remove all visible fat.
Don’t add salt.
Flavor with condiments, herbs, and spices.
Cook by the B’s: Braise, broil, or boil.
Follow portion sizes. To determine the size of a portion, compare it to something you see regularly. For example:
Three ounces of meat is the size of a deck of cards.
A medium fruit is the size of a tennis ball.
A medium potato is the size of a computer mouse.
A medium bagel is the size of a hockey puck.
An ounce of cheese is the size of a domino.
A cup of fruit is the size of a baseball.
A cup of broccoli is the size of a light bulb.

About This Article

About the book author:

Alan L. Rubin, MD has been a physician in private practice for more than 30 years. He is the author of several bestselling health titles, including Diabetes For Dummies, High Blood Pressure For Dummies, and Thyroid For Dummies.

Cait James, MS, has counseled clients in individualized nutrition and personal fitness plans in health clubs.