Dining Out Tips for Diabetics

If you're a diabetic, you might find dining out difficult. Most restaurants don't cater to people with an intolerance to glucose. As a result, finding a healthy meal is a challenge. Yet, it isn't impossible. Here are a few helpful tips. Just:

Tip #1: Ask for water.
Don't get sidetracked by a specially concocted drink with an umbrella on top. This type of beverage is normally high in sugar. Instead, ask for water with a slice of lime. Water not only complements every meal, it also cleanses the body.

Tip #2: Go for raw veggies.
Order raw vegetables like salads at restaurants. Most dining facilities cook the nutrients out of their vegetables or add other ingredients like large amounts of butter that can throw off a diabetic's diet. By ordering your vegetables raw, you can limit the amount fat you consume and get the most out of Mother Nature's garden.

Tip #3: Bypass the bread.
As the bread basket passes by you at a restaurant, look the other way. Bread is high in carbs and often slathered with fatty oils. Therefore, keep your meal high in protein and vegetables by letting your non-diabetic dining companions fill up on your portion.

Tip #4: Keep sauces on the side.
Barbecue, sweet and sour sauce and mayonnaise are heavy in fat and sugar. This combination is detrimental to diabetics trying to control or lose weight. Stay true to your health by asking for these items on the side. Drizzle them on your meal as necessary without going overboard.

Tip #5: Avoid fried foods.
Fatty, fried foods will only clog your arteries and spread your hips. While dining out, avoid eating them. Opt for baked, not fried, meats and poultry. By letting go of the stuff that makes them crisp, you will maintain your weight more easily; and, as a result, your diabetes.

Tip #6: Pre-plan your meals.
Pre-plan your meal if the restaurant you'll be visiting serves foods that raise your glucose levels. Start by checking out their menu on the Internet. Then, write down what you want to eat. With many sites, you can even check out the calories and plan out how much sugar, protein, carbs and salt you want on your plate.

Ready to go out for a good meal? Use these tips and be successful at dining out. By doing so, you can stick to your diet and maintain your glucose levels.