What is a carbohydrate choice?

As those with the disease know, diabetes requires attention to the amount of carbohydrates they choose to consume.  This helps to maintain blood glucose control. 

A carbohydrate choice is the amount of food that contains 15 grams of carbohydrate.

Some examples of foods that contain one carbohydrate choice are:   1 slice of bread, ½ cup of pasta, 1/3 cup of rice, 1 cup of milk, 8 oz. yogurt (no added sugar), 1 tbsp. honey or sugar, ½ cup of beans, 1 small apple, ½ cup corn, 2 tbsp. raisins, or ½ cup unsweetened natural fruit juice.

Diabetes and Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a tough time of year for those with diabetes and/or those trying to lose weight because of the overindulgence and the large emphasis on high-fat and carbohydrate foods.  With thoughtful planning in advance, you can enjoy the day and stay on track with diabetes management.  Here are some tips for the day:

1. Start the day with a good breakfast to help prevent overeating later in the day.
2. Since most Thanksgiving dinners are at an unusual time, have raw veggies and low-fat dip for snacking instead of salted nuts and cheese and crackers.
3. For the meal, focus on variety and sensible portions.
4. Choose white turkey meat, no skin, instead of dark meat.
5. Go easy on gravy, and skim the fat off the top before serving.
6. Embrace plant foods, especially non-starchy vegetables, and those not in creamy casseroles.
7. Make cranberry sauce rather than using canned which is high in sugar.
8. Make stuffing in a casserole dish using low-fat broth and margarine to control fat content. 

Also, try adding a family physical activity away from food, such as taking a group walk

an help make the day more about family and friends togetherness.

My first post

My name is Alonna, and I am currently working towards a M.S. in Human Nutrition.  I recently volunteered to become a Nutrition Editor at http://foodpicker.org/ - a website designed to help people with diabetes. 

The purpose of this blog is to address nutrition related topics that pertain to diabetes.  For additional information visit http://foodpicker.org/ . 

Please feel free to add any comments or questions.