Diabetic Terms from Geri’s Medical Minis

Hello, here are some more terms for diabetics.

·      Sweets and Desserts

·      Try (notice I said try) to limit sweets they provide little nutrition.

·      If you have favorite sweets that you binge on, count your carbs all week and make a date with yourself to have that slice of chocolate pie.  Then once finished make a date and work toward the next indulgence next week.  This approach works best with a coach that you can eat with like the girls on girl’s night out or your wife on a special date night.

·      When you read sugar-free it does not mean carb or calorie free

·      Protein

·      Protein is the building blocks of the body and most Americans eat too much protein.

·      Most Americans need 2-3 ounces of protein at two of their three meals.  2-3 ounces is about the size of a deck of cards or a woman’s hand.

·      Other protein sources include dried beans and peas, cheese, nuts, soy, and milk or milk products

·      If you have kidney problems ask your health care provider you may have to limit your protein intake

·      Fats

·      Fats are maligned for good reason: We need it to absorb certain vitamins.  We use it to flavor foods, of course people eat too much and the wrong kind of fats.

·      Here are some simple ways to cut fat:

·      Cut the amount in half and see if it tastes good

·      Measure the fat.

·      Do not add fat to foods, we no longer need to use lard for example in cooking, use cooking sprays

·      Bake, microwave, grill, boil, roast or broil your foods.

·      Choose oils that are liquid at room temperature such as olive or canola oils.

·      Look for total fat content on the food label and keep under 3 grams per 100 calories.

More will be coming, eat healthy today. At least you don’t have to cook on a wood stove!  I am finally learning how!  Geri