Blog Post

Summer Food & Fun

August 14, 2014

Susan Pittman, RD, LD, CDE
Knowing how to create a well-balanced meal helps keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible.

Summer barbeques and picnics can offer many tempting food choices that are high in calories and sugar. Knowing how to create a well-balanced meal helps keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. Here are some summer tips to help you keep your cool:

Choose lean, grilled meats. Bypass the fried chicken and go for lean meats such as a grilled chicken breast, turkey burger or fish.

Veg out. Grill up some veggie kabobs or sliced vegetables in foil for a low-carb entrée or side. Raw veggies with hummus or other low-fat dip are great for snacking.

Bring a dish to share. Attending a party? Offer to bring a green salad or fruit salad to share. That way, you can be certain there is something healthy for you to eat, and your host will thank you for helping out.

Drink responsibly. If you decide to drink alcohol, drink in moderation. It is recommended that women with diabetes have no more than 1 drink per day and men are limited to 2 drinks per day.

Drink water, not sugar. It is important to stay hydrated, but many of our favorite summer quenchers are full of sugar and calories. Water is really the best drink to prevent dehydration.

Don't skip meals. Saving all your carbs or calories for a summer outing may make it harder to manage your blood sugar.

Have fun! Making healthy eating choices can make summer gatherings even more fun in the sun.