Type 2 Diabetes - Carb Counting When Eating Out

Type 2 Diabetes - Carb Counting When Eating Out
By Beverleigh H Piepers

Carb counting is a tool for managing blood sugar levels by calculating the exact amount of carbohydrates you are eating at each meal and snack. In is used intensely by many people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to set the appropriate insulin doses for the food they eat.

To so many diabetics, it seems like all they do is count carbs. After awhile though, counting carbs at home becomes relatively easy. With practice a diabetic can become pretty accurate because they cook meals in the same manner every time. But what about when you go out to eat? Since you aren't familiar with the cook, and they don't know you are a diabetic, there are many variables that can mess up your eating plan and blood sugar.

By knowing how to count carbs you won't have to give up your option of eating out.

No matter where you go out to eat, you still have to know exactly how many carbs you have to work with. Your doctor or a dietitian can help you figure out this number. Since there are many factors that come into play as far as what you will have at your disposal, it's best to be accurate. Never guess it on your own.

Armed with your number, you next need to find out exactly how many carbs are in the food you are interested in eating. When ordering your meal, be sure to ask specific questions as to how it is being prepared. Don't assume any ingredient: verify it through the server. One mistake could mean a significant difference in your total carb count.

If you are not completely sure how many carbs are in certain foods, take along a carb counter which lists out certain foods and their carb content. It's better to use reliable information than to try to rely on just your memory or guesswork.

Even if you are sure of the carb content of foods, you still have another problem: portion size. Restaurants are notorious for dishing out much more than a normal portion size in their meals. Eating it simply because it is put in front of you is a recipe for disaster. This means you have to be able to accurately measure out what a portion size should be.

If you aren't sure of exactly how big your meal is, and it isn't listed in the menu, ask your server. Your best bet is to separate your meal into one serving as soon as it hits the table and package the difference up to go. Don't leave all of it on your plate and rely on your willpower. If you tempt fate, you will end up looking at an empty plate and regretting the fact you didn't split up the food when you had the chance.

How do you start to create a healthy lifestyle today so you can avoid blood sugar swings?
For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

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