Meal Planning for an Active Diabetic

Physical activity is recommended for any person to stay healthy.  But for a diabetic it
now only increases energy levels and can help maintain an ideal body weight it also helps
to control blood sugars.  But an active diabetic needs to take extra care and precautions to
ensure they are getting enough fuel for their body so their blood sugars do not drop
dangerously low – known as hypoglycemia.

The amount you exercise is going to determine how much you are going to eat on your
diabetic meal plan.  The more physically active you are the higher your nutritional
requirements and the higher your risk is for developing hypoglycemia.  The best practice
when you are just starting out is to monitor your blood sugars before and after working
out and during if you feel it is necessary.  It is important to listen to your body and stop if
you are feeling light-headed or are experiencing any of the other signs associated with
low blood sugar.

Before you work out, have a snack that is going to sustain you for a long period of time
without spiking your blood sugar levels.  A granola bar eaten with a handful of nuts is a
good choice as it combines a carbohydrate that is high in fiber and a high-quality protein.
The food that you eat before working out should have a high-fiber content, this will slow
down the breaking down process of the carbohydrates in your system and you will be
sustained for a longer period of time.

Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) when you are working out to stay hydrated.  In
case of an emergency, carry glucose tablets with you at all times or some hard candy that
will quickly raise your blood sugar.  At other times of the day, eat balanced meals to
maintain your energy.

Easy Meal Planning for Diabetics

Meal planning is essential to a successful diabetic diet.  It will prevent times when you
don’t have anything ready for dinner and grab something that you probably shouldn’t be
eating.  The planning of meals should begin before you head to the grocery store in the
form of a list and meals you are going to make for those ingredients.

Once a week you should sit down and plan what meals you are going to eat and make for
the next week.  When you are making your meal plan, don’t forget to include all meals
and snacks too.  If you are hungry and know what your next meal is going to be you are
going to be better prepared.

In the beginning, meal planning will take some time.  Depending on what diet your are
following (the Exchange Diet, Counting Carbohydrates, or the TLC Diet) you are going
to have to get used to the foods you can have, the portion sizes and how they can be
cooked.

Plan each day out in its entirety.  Make it realistic; don’t plan to make lasagna on a night
that you know you won’t be home until late.  Save the meals with more preparation for
when you have time and make extra so you can have left-overs when time is tight.

When you are in the grocery store, do not go hungry.  If you do, there is more chance that
you will buy food that you do not need.  Another trick while you are pushing around the
cart is to only get what is on your list.  If you are in line paying for your food and notice
something that snuck its way in – put it back.  This will not only make sure you stick to
your meal plan but can save you money too.