Diabetes Friendly Foods

I recently had another physical exam. I hadn't gone in two years and the only reason I discovered I needed to go back again, was because the prescriptions for my hypertension medication had run out and I had to go back to ask my doctor for renewal. I honestly didn't realize it's been two years since I was there! Really!

So before she renews my prescriptions, she put me through the whole exam, complete with blood tests and, yikes!, mammogram. Good news is, my high blood pressure seems to be manageable, the mammogram came back negative and the blood test results were favorable. Well, almost...

I found out I'm borderline diabetic. That means if I do nothing, I will probably reach full blown diabetes by my next exam. So here's my game plan for the next year: eat better, exercise and lose some weight. I'd rather do some lifestyle changes than add to my prescription list.

I've been researching various ways to accomplish my goals and one of my favorite places to get tips on managing and preventing diabetes is Readers Digest. I get their magazine monthly, but their online version is even more packed with helpful information. They have a specific section, RD.com - Managing Diabetes, that contains a mother load of information on how to beat this disease. You can get more detailed information on understanding why your blood sugar matters and how it affects your overall health. You can familiarize yourself with what the Glycemic Index (GL) is. GL is an important factor in stabilizing your blood sugar levels.

Of course, my favorite part is the section on diabetes friendly foods, RD.com - Diabetes Friendly Foods. Many people think that once you get diabetes, that means the end of your good food eating days. This section shows you that is not so. Sure, you'll have to give up some of your favorite foods, but you'll also learn, as I did, that the rest of your favorite foods may be on their list of 25 Smart Foods to Eat when you have diabetes.

I love the recipes! With dishes like Moroccan Spiced Carrots, Maple-Walnut Roasted Apples, Multi-Grain Pancakes or Waffles, Dinner Makeovers, 3 Magic Breakfast Menus, Bran Muffins, and the list goes on and on! Just browsing through the recipes is making me hungry!