Potluck Diet Strategies for People with Diabetes

Potluck Diet Strategies for People with Diabetes
Potlucks are notorious for having all types of tempting food. As a diabetic, a
potluck can be a great time of food and fun, or it can challenge your health.
How can you attend a potluck and enjoy yourself, while still managing your
diabetes? Learn these diabetic diet strategies, and you can attend a potluck
with confidence.
Have a look at Diet Plan
Eat Before You Eat
This may sound a bit silly, but if you eat something at home before you leave
for the gathering, you will not be as hungry when you finally get into the
food line. Being ravenous and attending a potluck are not good playmates.
You'll end up grabbing all the sugar and white flour delicacies you can find,
for a quick fix. You know how disastrous that would be.
Slow Your Eating Down
If you eat more slowly, you can stretch your eating over an hour or more,
giving your brain time to register that you're full. In addition, if you slow
down your eating, you have more opportunity to visit. After all, isn't visiting
half the fun of a potluck?
Choose Nutrients Wisely
Not all food is equal when it comes to nutrient content. Vegetables, especially
the leafy kind, are loaded with nutrients. If you focus on the greens with a
sizeable salad, you'll have less room on your plate and in your stomach for
other foods that may not be as nutrient dense.
Have a look at Diet Plans
As you well know, not all carbohydrates are the same. As you move along the
potluck food line, choose carbohydrates that will stay with you longer--ones
that are whole-grain. Go for a wheat roll, rather than a white roll. Choose
barley or brown rice casseroles over white rice dishes. Try to keep your

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carbohydrate servings to no more than 2-3 half-cup servings for the whole
meal.
Because ingredients are expensive and there are many mouths to feed at a
potluck, cooks often go for the cheaper carbohydrates--ones that are fiber-
deficient or full of white flour. But if you take a dish that's diabetic-safe, you
best plan for a crowd. Many health-conscious folks are changing their way of
eating, and they'll be glad that you've brought something they can eat with
confidence too.
Drink Calorie-Free Drinks
See to proper diabetes diet
Plan to drink water or bring you own calorie-free drink, just in case. Chances
are there will be punch or lemonade at the potluck, but it will most likely be
sugar-laden. If you're a tea or coffee drinker, you might find these beverages
at a potluck, but if you use sugar substitutes in your hot beverages, you may
not find them available. It's wise to carry a few extra packets in a purse or
pocket.
With these suggestions, you can attend a potluck with assurance that you'll be
able to manage your diabetes while enjoying good food and good company.

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