Dining Out Tips for Diabetics
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According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "The average American eats out at least four to five times a week." Most of our social activities and cultural activities revolve around food. It is almost impossible not to eat out.
When it comes to diabetics dining out, Nora Saul, M.S, R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E, of the Joslin Clinic said, "Choose foods that you really like. Decide if it is really good and worth it, and if it is, make accommodations. If a place has very good bread, maybe have a roll, but skip the potato. If you like sweets, share a dessert with a few other people, and take a walk afterwards."
Here is a combination of dining out tips from the Joslin Diabetes Center, AAPR, American Diabetic Association, the National Diabetes Education Program and Diabetic Living:
Plan ahead:
• Ask your dinner companions to eat at the time you normally eat.
• Choose a restaurant with a large menu of healthy items.
• Call the restaurant ahead of time and ask if they can handle special requests.
Order wisely:
• Ask your server how the food is prepared.
• Order an appetizer for a main course.
• Eat half of your meal or split an entree with a friend. Take the rest home.
• Request substitutions. Order fruit or vegetables instead of french fries.
• Avoid breaded or fried foods, or foods in heavy sauces.
• Order grilled or broiled fish or poultry.
• Order sauces and salad dressing on the side.
• Limit alcohol to one serving.
Safe foods:
• Whole wheat rolls or bread
• Fat-free/low-fat milk or water
• Salad with dressing on the side or fat-free
• Fruit or cottage cheese
• Wrap on whole wheat tortilla (no dressing)
• Low-fat deli sandwiches on wheat or pita bread
• Single hamburger, regular or children's size
• Grilled chicken
• Low-fat or sugar-free frozen yogurt
Other quick tips:
• Have a small snack before going to a restaurant.
• Always leave the restaurant with a “doggie bag”.
Things to avoid:
• Super-sized foods
• French fries
• Onion rings
• Double burgers
• Super hot dogs with cheese and or chili
• Restaurants with buffets
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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