Meal Planning Tips for Children with Diabetes
Although a child with diabetes presents challenges, it's possible for your youngster to enjoy a relatively normal life. Diet is a basic method of controlling diabetes. By implementing some basic concepts, you and your child can plan for meals and avoid unsafe situations. Making a habit of healthy food choices will allow your child to have the benefit of a healthy, happy childhood.
Healthy Carbohydrates
Plan to include healthy carbohydrates in your child's diet. There are two basic categories of carbohydrates: simple sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates). According to the Nemours Foundation, simple carbohydrates cause your child's blood glucose levels to rise quickly. Simple carbohydrates include fructose, lactose and fruits. Complex carbohydrates include whole grains and starchy vegetables, and produce a slower rise in blood glucose. When planning meals, avoid processed foods with high sugar content. Instead, focus on healthy carbohydrates such as fresh fruits, brown rice, whole-grain cereals and bread products, and low-fat dairy.
Fruits and Vegetables
According to the American Diabetes Association, fruits and vegetables contain valuable nutrients essential to your child's health. Include generous portions of these as part of every meal, and for between meal snacks. Have fresh fruit and vegetables available for snacking options, and vary your choices to keep your child from becoming bored with the selection. Avoid processed fruit with sugar added, and, when possible, refrain from peeling it to provide your child with extra fiber. Choose non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers and green beans.
Special Meals
Special meals, such as birthday parties, holidays or eating out can be difficult for your child unless he goes prepared. To enable him to enjoy the meal with everyone else, plan ahead. The American Diabetes Association recommends consulting with your child's health care team about how to adjust his medication dosage to accommodate extra carbohydrates. Be sure to check his blood glucose levels more frequently, and encourage physical activity to help his body use excess glucose. Communicate with your child's teacher or the host, and provide them with the guidelines your child needs to follow as well as your contact information.
Fats
Heart disease is a concern for individuals with diabetes. To help your child develop healthy eating habits and reduce her risk of developing cardiovascular issues, learn to choose healthy fats. Reduce or eliminate foods high in saturated and trans fats such as butter, shortening, cream cheese, fried foods and meat. Replace these with healthy fats found in vegetable oils, nuts and trans fat-free margarine.
By Bronwyn Ellison
References
American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness; What Can I Eat
American Diabetes Association: Living with Diabetes; Food & Fun
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: What I need to know about Eating and Diabetes
Meal Planning Tips for Children with Diabetes courtesy of LIVESTRONG.COM
