Diabetes, Blood Sugar & Fast Food

An occasional visit to a fast-food restaurant is pretty much the lifestyle of many people in ourdays. When you eat a meal, your blood sugar generally rises. For a diabetic, not being careful can send your levels to the roof. Always keep in mind the "big picture" when you order at fast food restaurants. Order foods that will keep you on track with your diabetes diet, and foods that will maintain your blood sugar level in range.

Tips to keep Blood Sugar Levels in range at Fast Foods Restaurants

Tip #1: - Know your numbers. .
Many restaurants make their menus available online. Do your homework before you go. Some of them will make the nutritional content of each item available on their website. As a diabetic, you should always go for the "low-calorie foods" to keep your calories and blood sugar level for the day in balance.
If you can not find your favorite fast food or restaurant on the web, try this awesome food search tool at www.Live-Well-Now.com/content_food_search.htm

Tip #2: - Go for the "baked or grilled" option..
If a chicken breast sandwich is on the menu, usually they will also offer a breaded and grilled option. Stay away from the fried chicken, chips, mushrooms, cheese sticks, zukinis, or fried anything. Diabetics are at a higher risk for heart disease and high cholesterol levels when eating foods cooked in saturated fat.

Tip #3: - A Salad may NOT be the best option..
Beware of the high-calorie salad. It's great that fast food restaurants are finally offering healthier foods like salads. But, be cautious of the ingredients. A salad loaded with cheese, croutons, bacon bits, creamy dressing - you get the idea - can be just as fattening as a McDonald quarter pounder with cheese. Check the nutrition facts before you order or do your homework before you go out to eat.(see tip #1).

Tip #4: - Ask for "WATER" instead of sodas or fruit juices..
Save yourself a few hundred calories by ordering water with your meals instead of Sodas and fruit juices. they are loaded with sugar and calories that can send your blood sugar level way up. Water is calorie-free and sugar-free.