Dining Out With Diabetes

Eating out is a real challenge for older adults with diabetes.

Your relative who you are caring for may have no trouble sticking to his diabetes diet at home. It's much harder to "just say no" when the restaurant menu lists dozens of mouth-watering treats, the buffet table is loaded with goodies, or a friend invites you both to a luscious holiday meal. People with diabetes need to maintain blood sugars as near normal as possible to avoid serious complications. With a little planning you and your loved one can make healthy food choices and enjoy a pleasant meal away from home with no regrets.

HEALTHY RESTAURANT DINING

Eating at restaurants is real challenge for people with diabetes. However many fast food and chain restaurants now post nutrition information on their websites. Check menus to see which foods fit into your relative's meal plan and decide what foods each of you will order before you go out for lunch.

Other tips for healthy eating out:

• If portions are large share a dish or ask for a take-home container. Place a portion of the food in the container before you start to eat.
• If you choose potatoes, rice or pasta, skip the bread or rolls – and vice versa.
• Order another vegetable or salad instead of potatoes or rice.
• Order open-face sandwiches; eat only half a hamburger bun.
• Choose steamed fresh vegetables without sauce.
• If you both like sweets, skip potatoes and bread and share a dessert.
• Ask for sauces, salad dressing and gravies to be served on the side.
• Order sugar free soft drinks, black coffee or unsweetened tea. Ask for artificial sweeteners or bring your own.
• Order thin crust pizza with vegetable toppings.
• If you're bread lovers ask your server to remove the bread basket

BEWARE OF BUFFETS

It's very easy to overeat at buffets – and hard to resist all those tasty treats and even harder not go back for seconds or more!

When dining at a buffet discuss strategies for healthy eating with your older family member:

• Check out what's being served before you pick up a plate.
• Decide which foods look most tempting and eat those foods only.
• Don't overload your plates.
• No second helpings.

DINING WITH FRIENDS

If and your mother are eating at a friend's house ask what foods will be served. Volunteer to bring a healthy side dish or dessert. If dinner will be served later than your parent usually eats make sure he eats a snack before you leave home to avoid low blood sugar. Eating a high in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and low in sugar, salt and fat is essential for maintaining your older relative's good health and avoiding long-term complications. Following the same diet plan – when eating at home or eating out – also benefits the health of the people care for them.