Diabetics: Learn To Trust Your DietitianHaving a personal dietitian can be one of the greatest attributes in your defense against complications that may stem from diabetes. This is especially true if you have type 2 diabetes because your health can worsen to dangerous levels due to poor nutrition and obesity. Your dietitian can help ensure that you are eating the right foods in order to keep your weight down and your blood glucose levels normal.
Type 1 diabetics can also benefit from having a personal dietitian. As a person with type 1 diabetes, it is crucial that you understand how certain foods will interact with your insulin injections. A personal dietitian will educate you on carbohydrate calories as well as train you on knowing exactly how much insulin you may need to take during mealtimes.
Not only does a quality dietitian help you understand food and gives you a proper meal schedule, but they will also take stock of how and when you eat your foods, which is just as important as what you are eating. For example, you'll be conscious of when you were consuming most of your calories. You'll take notice and understand where these calories are coming from. You'll be able to assess whether or not certain foods fit your regimen by simply looking at labels. All of these things are signs of a quality dietitian that not only tells you what to eat but helps you understand why you were eating those foods in the first place.
Your personal dietitian will also educate you on food portions. Most people, especially diabetics, have a misunderstanding on exactly what a portion size really is. Between fast food commercials and mixed messages from restaurants, we are inundated with the thought that a portion should be three times the size that it really should be. A good dietitian will explain to you just why you need to lower your portions of food and help you to train yourself to be satisfied with these smaller servings.
Last but not least, be sure that your dietitian is willing to be flexible with variations of meal planning and food types. A diabetic diet does not have to be rigid nor does it have to be filled with boring foods. Diabetic diets are nutritious for anyone, even men and women that do not have diabetes. Although there are some strict rules about certain calories, meal portions, and carbohydrates, it leaves plenty of room for tasty foods and satisfying meals.