Diabetes. A word associated with change, testing, blood tests, shots, and complications. However, it doesn’t have to be hard. It was actually kind of easy for me to change my eating habits when I was diagnosed with diabetes, but only because I love to research foods.
The thing that I miss the most are fruit, fruit juices, and breads. The carbs convert to sugar and my pancreas cannot process the sugars. Thanks to our love of grilling, though, the meats and vegetables have become more plentiful around the house. We grill year-round so staying trim and more healthy is easier for me. Admittedly, I did have to do a lot of research.
I learned to eat bread made with whole grain rather than whole wheat. I also learned that the cereals marked “HEALTHY” will kill you. My blood sugar was still near 200 (was over 500 when admitted to hospital..had no clue diabetes was the culprit) and when I took my eating diary to Dr. Chris he educated me real quick on cereals and whole grains.
So now that all of that mess is straightened out my blood sugar stays around 95. Let me suggest a cereal to you…Glucerna. I found it at Wal-Mart in the pharmacy section. It is AWESOME!
In all of my research I found a color-wheel for vegetables. As a good teacher would do, the wheel breaks down the complexities of eating and makes it simple for the learner. I have used this in many of the grilling seminars I teach. Hope you find it helpful. Notice in the picture how I make vegetables more pleasing at pool parties. I also make plenty of pickle platters for parties. What a hit!
Did You Know: Pickle platters are popular at wedding receptions. The reason is men do not particularly care for weddings and dainty foods. They can fill up nicely on the vegetables that can be found on pickle platters or relish trays. I used the canned goods I make during the summer for my pickle platters.
KNOWING YOUR COLORS
When diagnosed with diabetes, knowing the right foods to eat can be a daunting task. Knowing what foods to eat when diagnosed with any disease is difficult. Each of our bodies reacts to foods in a certain way depending how the body process the nutrients. For example, fruits and fruit juices are things I have to steer away from.
Here is a simple way to help you eat well. Know your colors. Shop your local grocer and farmers market for these colorful foods.
RED
Red foods such as tomatoes, red peppers, and watermelon contain lycopene. Lycopene may help protect against prostrate and breast cancers.
ORANGE
To help keep your eyes, bones, and immune system healthy try orange. Foods such as carrots, and sweet potatoes contain alpha a beta carotene which converts into Vitamin A. Orange foods act as antioxidants, which sweep out antioxidants in your system. Other foods to consider are apricots, cantaloupe, mango, papya, and tangerines.
YELLOW AND LEAFY GREEN
Good sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, yellow veggies and leafy greens help prevent macular degeneration in the eyes. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in older people. Shop for yellow corn, brussell sprouts, artichokes, lettuce, summer squash and wax beans.
THE OTHER GREENS
Veggies such as broccoli and kale help fight cancer by clearing toxins from the body. Shop for green cabbage as well.
BLUE, PURPLE, & DARK RED
Fruits and vegetables that are deep blue and red are full of antioxidants associated with keeping the heart healthy and the brain functioning at its best. Shop for blackberries (I pick my own every summer), blueberries, eggplant, red radishes, raspberries, and strawberries.
I hope this helps you in your quest for healthy eating
Michael Wright
http://www.athomewithmichael.com
Purchase Michael’s best-selling book at http://www.athomewithmichael.com.
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