Healthy Eating Habits

Many of us often look for effective, simple methods for improving our diets.

Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, this issue is always at the forefront. Understanding the body and how food and nutrition can be a friend, not a foe, will make a difference in our present and future health.

Remember, the goal is to make healthy eating an everyday part of life!

Daily Diet Habits for Better Health

• DRINK PLENTY OF WATER Water flushes our systems of waste products and toxins; many people mistake thirst for hunger, therefore staying hydrated can help with making better food choices. Try to drink more between meals rather than during or just after; drinking too much during meals, even if it's just water, dilutes your digestive fluids.
• SIMPLIFY When choosing fruits and vegetables, focus on color, variety, and freshness. Don't worry about recipes or "how" you're going to eat them. Produce can always be eaten raw and by itself. If you have Type 2 diabetes, make sure to educate yourself on which foods can help you manage it - too many starchy potatoes and sweet fruits can be problematic even though they are natural, "whole" foods.
• START GRADUAL Little changes in diet add up and make a big difference over time. The goal is to develop good habits.
• OPT FOR SMALLER PORTIONS Choose appetizers instead; or share a main dish with a friend. Meat portions should be no larger than a deck of cards, and a slice of bread no larger than a CD case.
• EAT WITH OTHERS This provides social and emotional benefits and helps you create good eating habits as opposed to eating “mindlessly” alone.
• TAKE TIME TO EAT Taste and savor each bite while chewing your food slowly.
• EAT BREAKFAST Jumpstart your metabolism in the morning.
• EAT MEALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY Eat smaller portions more frequently, rather than just three larger meals.
• AVOID EATING AT NIGHT After dinner snacks should be avoided unless you need something to regulate your blood sugar. Give your body time to digest.

Photo by John Nyboer