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FAQ

I wish I had a quarter for every time I hear ?  My so and so (fill in the blank) said I can't eat bread because it turns to sugar!"  Well guess what? 

**Everything you eat turns to sugar (AKA glucose).**

It's supposed to.  The purpose of food is to give you energy and nutrients so your body can function.   Glucose or "sugar" is your body's energy.  Without it, you wouldn't survive.  Giving up sugar, bread & pasta won't do anything magical except make you feel depressed & deprived.  The trick to planning meals for diabetes is balance.

I might as well tell you right from the beginning - I don't believe in "forbidden" foods.  Being told you can't have something just makes you want it more.  It's human nature.  I see this with my 4 1/2 year old son Alexander.   If I put 100 toys in the room & point to one & say "You can play with any of them except that one."  Guess which one he wants?  Yep - the one that's "forbidden".  Well, you're no different.  No one wants to be told they can't have something - food or otherwise. 

What exactly is a well-balanced meal plan for someone with diabetes?

With all the different opinions out there, you're probably confused.  I can't say I blame you.  There are so many contradictions to muddle through.  One says a high protein is best.   Another says high carbohydrate.  Another one says you can't mix foodstuffs because they won't digest!  Oh boy!  It's no wonder you're confused.

Believe it or not, eating well for diabetes is really no different than eating for a healthy lifestyle.  I truly believe (OR I have always told my clients) that the diagnosis of diabetes is really just a kick in the pants encouraging you to live a healthful lifestyle.  Diabetes or not, everyone should eat a well-balanced, nutritious menu, participate in exercise on a regular basis & manage their stress.  Having diabetes is nothing but a strong motivator to get you on the road to wellness.

Fact: everything you eat turns to sugar because food has calories & calories provide energy.   Remember this simple equation: 

.  Looking at this in more logical terms: 

"The more calories you eat at a meal, the higher your blood sugar will be after the meal.

- next -

Part   I    II   III   IV  

Will I have to give up any foods?  
How quickly foods turn to blood sugar   
Bottom line on absorption of foods for controlling blood sugars   
Pulling it all together