Health Signs - Fall 2011 - (Page 6)

Dining for Diabetes Healthy diets lead to better diabetes management Y 6 FALL 2011 You are what you eat. Sometimes old sayings have more truth in them than we want to admit. And this one packs a particular punch when it comes to diabetes, a condition so profoundly affected by diet. Fortunately for individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes, good nutrition can go a long way in managing a condition that comes with a lifetime’s worth of challenges, says Anna Mazzei, R.D., CDE, a Washington Hospital dietitian and certified diabetes educator. “When I counsel people with diabetes, it’s not just about what they eat, but also when, in what portions, and the timing of meals,” Mazzei says. “A well-thought-out diet can be one of the best tools to keep your blood glucose levels inside the target zone.” Mazzei says she sees a lot of patients who, once diagnosed with diabetes, are afraid they’ll never be able to enjoy the foods they love. “This is a myth,” Mazzei says. “Of course, you can’t eat an entire pizza and a sugary beverage every night, but there are plenty of creative alternatives for delicious meals and snacks that won’t sabotage your blood sugar management. It’s a matter of planning for special treats and working them into your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about how these items can fit into your menu.” Anna Mazzei, R.D., CDE, is a Washington Hospital dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Recommended Rules Mazzei suggests following the guidelines set forth by the American Diabetes Association, which include: • Maximizing your vegetable and fruit intake and aiming for a “rainbow” of colors. Choosing nonstarchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals. Choosing whole-grain foods over processed grain products. • Choosing nonfat dairy such as skim milk, nonfat yogurt and nonfat cheese. Going with water and calorie-free “diet” drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea and other sugarsweetened drinks. Selecting liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Cutting back on high-calorie snack foods and desserts like chips, cookies, cakes and full-fat ice cream. Checking the nutrition facts on food labels. • • Everything in Moderation “It’s also important to remember that even if you’re eating healthy items, you don’t want to overdo it,” Mazzei cautions. “Additionally, we always want people to talk with a certified diabetes educator to develop an achievable meal plan. People should also continue to take classes to brush up on how to better manage their blood sugar through diet, exercise and medications prescribed by their physician.” Mazzei counsels patients with diabetes almost every day and is quick to point out that food isn’t the only aspect of diabetes management. “When people come here for education, they tend to want to focus only on nutrition, but there are other aspects they need to look at, like medication management and complications associated with diabetes,” she says. “Just telling people about the complications can really help them understand why the nutrition part is so important.” To learn about educational resources through the Washington Outpatient Diabetes Center that can help you better manage your diabetes, visit whhs.com/diabetes. • • • • Incorporating dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils into meals. • • Including fish in your meals two or three times a week. Opting for lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in “loin,” such as pork loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey. • • ATTEND THE DIABETES HEALTH FAIR On Saturday, Nov, 19, from 8 a.m. to noon, Washington Hospital will hold its annual Diabetes Health Fair featuring diabetes experts, both physicians and diabetes educators, which will be followed by a health fair. The free event will take place in the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditorium, 2500 Mowry Ave. in Fremont, across the street from the main hospital. To register, visit whhs.com or call 800-963-7070. http://www.whhs.com/diabetes http://www.whhs.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Signs - Fall 2011

Health Signs - Fall 2011
Constructing Care: Washington Hospital is expanding its facilities to ensure quality care for years to come.
Washington Hospital is helping people learn how to live well with diabetes.
Urgent care facilities offer expert care when you need it most.

Health Signs - Fall 2011