So, I set out to start this whole series on Diabetes and got a little side tracked and didn't finish it. So this is the last post on the topic. I hope you can find something in any of these that will help you.
In my previous two post on the topic (
Post 1 and
Post 2) I talked about how Diabetes is not a death sentence and that food is not always the enemy. A big part of Post 2 was about portion control. Below is the chart I used from that post.
I said I was going to hang this on my fridge, but I haven't done it yet. Something to add to my never ending to do list! He he!
So what do you do if you eat out and the portions are already set? Can you tell the waiter to hold half the steak and baked potato? Here are a few things the teacher of our class told us to try to make eating out not so tricky!
1. Share a meal. This is a great way to get the perfect portion and honestly, how many times do you say to your friend or significant other "We could have split that."? Klint and I say it all the time. I will be honest and say that we are not the best at doing this. We have tried it, but it is hard to make a compromise on what you want to eat and sometimes, the place you might choose is not conducive to sharing. All that aside, this will guarantee that you get a smaller portion and you will also save money buying just one meal!
2. As soon as you get your meal ask for a to go box and put half in the box. Okay, I know this sounds silly, but as a teacher, we are always looking for alternatives to the old lunchroom grab bag! If we go out to eat, we are taking food home with us for lunch the next day. Fellow teachers, am I right? This idea actually came from a teacher I knew. She would get her meal at a restaurant and then get a to go box and split it to ensure she saved some for lunch and because she knew she didn't need the whole meal that night. It really does work. Give it a try!
3. Order from the lighter side menu. Most of the time, these are healthier alternatives and their portions are smaller.
4. Dip your salad in your dressing. I am the world's worst salad eater! I want a little salad with my dressing. It is amazing that if you do this little trick how much less dressing you eat and let's be honest....dressing is full of fat. This was a suggestion from our teacher. I have tried it and it does work, but I really enjoy seeing my lettuce swimming in ranch! He he!
5. At buffets, make one trip and keep in mind your portions. Our church is notorious for hitting a buffet after Sunday morning worship. It isn't that bad as long as you make one trip. I know some people make two and three trips to reload on fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and fried okra. Heart attack! I usually make a salad to start off and then go and get my main meal and then a small desert and I usually don't eat all of that. Just remember portion, portion, portion!
I hope these five little tips help. I know some of them may be common sense, but it helps sometimes to read them. Feel free to message me or comment if you have a question and I will do my best to help!
May your sugars stay normal! (Little diabetes humor! Ha!)
