Diabetes & Holiday Sweets?

Here is a question I recently received from FOODPICKER.org

I have diabetes and this time of year is the toughest for me.  It seems holiday treats/sweets are everywhere tempting me!  Is it ok to indulge a little?  If not, how can I build up enough will power to avoid holiday sweets?

Answer: This time of the year can tempt everyone to overindulge on sweets and other high fat foods. However, you don't have to deprive yourself from these since it's okay to consume them in moderation every now and then. A few tips to help you along the way:

• Pick up your exercise routine as this will help you burn off the excess calories and fat during this time
• Eat regularly, don't skip meals! You are more likely to overindulge if you skip a meal
• Balance your plate. Have a little bit of everything and you may have room for that tasty dessert!
• Be mindful. Eat just enough to satifisfy your craving
• Forgive and forget. If you overindulged, simply pick up your healthy diet again the next day

Soup & Diabetes?

Here is a question I recently received from foodpicker.org

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last spring.  I enjoy eating hearty soups in the fall and winter months.  Can I still eat soup?  Are there any soups that are better for me to eat than others?

Answer: Suffering from diabetes doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself from many foods. In fact, everything in moderation is key in a healthy diet. Soups are nourishing meals to choose from and most are low in fat and calories. They are also a nutritive way to eat vegetables since vitamins are retained in the broth as opposed to cooked vegetables which sometime leak out the vitamins in the cooking water. Soups are excellent for people suffering from diabetes since the antioxidants present in vegetables and garlic help repair the damage by the high blood sugar levels in the body.

Opt for recipes that include:

• Nonstarchy vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower and onions. These carry lots of nutrients and are low in carbohydrates and calories.
• Add legumes such as beans, peas or lentils for fiber and protein. Fiber is especially beneficial when trying to control blood glucose levels.
• Choose low-sodium broth and use spices instead of salt to flavor soups. Herbs like coriander, lemon grass, ginger and garlic contain powerful antioxidants to help fight against aging and disease.
• Choose lean meats like skinless chicken breast or change it up a bit with shrimp. With its low fat and calorie content, shrimp offers beneficial doses of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and niacin as well as being a rich source of iron.

First Blog Post

Hey everyone!

My name is Jessamyn and I'm a college student majoring in Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of North Florida. I am a Nutrition Editor at foodpicker.org, a website designed to help people with diabetes. I'm very excited to start blogging and hope to answer many of your questions regarding nutrition. Feel free to add any comments or concerns. Also, don't forget to check out foodpicker.org!

Jessamyn