Six Smalls Meals

Sun 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though there is not a specific "diabetic diet," the American Diabetes Association has guidelines that they recommend for persons with diabetes. These guidelines include 50% carbs, 30% fats and 20% proteins. Additionally, the concept of 6 small meals has been supported. There are several reasons for this: * maintains more consistent blood sugar levels * reduces the urge to binge * promotes hydration * decreases hunger sensations, especially in those who are reducing calories or intake to promote weight loss 1. When you eat at regular 2-3 intervals throughout the day, your blood sugar does not have time to drop to any significant degree. This pattern of eating decreases the roller-coaster effect seen with 3 meals a day. 2. Frequent meals decreases the risk that you will binge, as you consistently have food on board, providing feelings of satiety. 3. When most people eat, they also drink a beverage. More frequent eating will then also promote better hydration, just make sure that you are drinking water, low calorie fruit juice or other non- caffeinate or alcoholic beverages, as these will dehydrate you. 4. If you are "dieting" trying to lose weight, the 6 small meals decreases feelings of hunger. Even if the calorie or quantity is decreased, the act of eating every 2-3 hours reduces hunger pangs, and will help you be more successful in your weight loss efforts. Whether you opt to eat 3 meals a day and a bedtime snack, or to go with 6 small meals, each day, remember these key things: * 50% carbs, 30% fats, 20% proteins * hydrate with non-alcoholic and non- caffeinated beverages to a total of at least 1 ounce for each 2.5 pounds of your body weight * test your sugar at regular intervals * keep your Food Diary * notify your doctor for repeated high or low values, so that you can work together to adjust your meal plan and/or medications. Talk to your doctor, Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian about your meal plan; they can provide you with more information about the risks and benefits of the meal plans and the best way to help you manage your diet and your blood sugars.

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Six Smalls Meals