Here is a link to the most recent GlucoMenu Newsletter from November 30 – December 6, 2009. It includes a turkey panini recipe and diabetes related topics including grocery shopping, risk factors, and more.
Diabetes & Fiber
November 20, 2009 by Christine Carlson, Registered Dietitian & Certified Diabetes EducatorHere is a question I received from someone wondering about fiber and diabetes:
What do you think of ground flax seed to enhance the fiber in my diet? I was told that it would help with my constipation too.
Answer: Why not just adopt a diet that is high in fiber? Focusing on a variety of high fiber foods will offer the benefit of additional vitamins and minerals as well.
The ground flax seeds we have encountered contain 4 grams of fiber per ounce but also contain 14 grams of fat.
You should talk with your doctor or dietitian about what type of foods to include in your diet to increase fiber and alleviate constipation.
Most people should strive to consume 25-35 grams of dietary fiber each day. What do you think of ground flax seed to enhance the fiber in my diet? I was told that it would help with my constipation too.
You can learn more about diabetes and diet by visiting the following link:
Acai Berry & Diabetes
October 5, 2009 by Christine Carlson, Registered Dietitian & Certified Diabetes EducatorBelow is a question I received from someone wondering about whether acai berry:
I love your site as recently I have been diagnosed with type 2 and it has helped a lot. Is all the hype over acai berry for real, is it worth the high cost? Does it really help with weight loss?
Answer: In general, when a food or supplement promises “cure all” or miracle properties, it is usually not backed with scientific proof or credible organizations.
Here’s what I know… The acai berry is fruit from South America. Like many other fruits, the acai berry does contain antioxidant properties which may help to prevent oxidation. Again, lots of other fruits (and vegetables) contain antioxidants as well.
After researching several credible websites, to date, I do not see any scientific findings supporting benefits of acai berry to aid in weight loss, or other claims you may find promised.
If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is too good to be true.
Diabetes & Dining Out
September 29, 2009 by Christine Carlson, Registered Dietitian & Certified Diabetes EducatorHere is a question I received about dining out and what foods to select:
We eat out a lot could you give us some suggestions for Japanese and Chinese?
Answer: Dining out can be challenging because of the large portion sizes and the unknown of how foods are prepared. You might look at a few dinners listed on your menu to get an idea of portions prior to dining out.
Here are a few suggestions when ordering.
- Ask how items are prepared prior to ordering.
- Look for items that are baked, broiled, roasted, grilled or steamed to save fat calories. Often foods that are stir fried, pan fried, etc. can add a lot of oil/fat to a dish.
- Try to eat the same amounts (portion sizes) that you normally would at home.
- Eyeball your portion sizes to help adhere – 1 cup of rice is about the size of a tennis ball, 3 ounces of meat is the size of a deck of cards.
- Choose lean cuts of meat such as skinless chicken or turkey breast or seafood.
- If you are watching your salt intake, limit sauces.
Use our online Food Picker to help with making better selections at restaurants.




