Battling Diabetes

The only trick to Halloween is how you are going to decipher manufacturer labels on candy products to make smart diabetes lifestyle choices.

When it comes to nutrition I’m constantly learning, just like you. Reading labels really is an important part of that education process.

Do you read labels? Here’s a few label reading pointers:

There are several important things I try to remember when I look at labels.

The first is that I better check out how many servings are in that candy bar my child brought home in his treat bag and I am about to consume in the closet with the light out. Sure it says 120 calories per serving, but if I look in the teeny tiny print, it also says two servings per bar. Two servings? Who eats half a candy bar?

Most labels are based on the daily nutritional value of a person who is on a 2000 or 2,500 calorie diet. Again my incredulity radar goes off. Who eats a 2,000 calorie diet? The Weight Loss Center says a 2000 calorie diet is appropriate for a large man. Terrific. So when I read that I am consuming 31 grams of carbohydrates and it is only 10% of my recommended daily nutritional intake of carbohydrates…I need to remember that they are talking to a large man on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sound complex and confusing. It can be.

Here are a few sites to help unscramble the American food labeling system.

• From the FDA: How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label
• RealAge: Food Labels
• Mayo Clinic: Nutrition Fact:Reading the Food Label
  

Reading Food Labels is available for purchase from the American Diabetes Online Store.

More →

My first encounters with diabetic diets came from my grandmother. Our large extended family spent many Sundays in her huge kitchen for the family meal.

Grandma spent the entire day preparing homemade tomato sauce which simmered on the stove from early morning until evening. The final product of red velvet sauce was served over fresh pasta with side dishes of pork hocks, sausage, and homemade meatballs. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese was passed around the tables (at least two tables to fit the family) along with homemade bread and a large bowl of salad. Our salads were a meal in themselves, tossed with an oil and vinegar dressing.

The entire family enjoyed the feast–well that is most of us. Not my grandmother. I distinctly remember that most of her meals consisted of a bowl filled with a horrid looking combination of greens and plain meats.

More →