By: Camella Hernandez

Not scientifically reviewed by Dr. Eeks

Finding out you have diabetes is a blow, not least because of the implications for diet and keeping blood sugar levels under control. But you need not despair as there are safe ways to enjoy your favorite foods without blowing out your blood-sugar levels. In fact, it’s essential to include foods you enjoy in your diet so that you are better able to eat well and not fall into dangerous habits. Thankfully, you can do many things to keep your food enjoyable after a diabetes diagnosis.

Switch Up Brands

Making simple changes can have a significant impact, and one of the most effortless changes to make is reading food labels. Do this by switching to versions of your favorite foods that are higher in protein and lower in carbs, for example. By doing so, you will have more level blood sugars after eating, and you’ll feel satiated and satisfied having enjoyed your meal. Some brands even make specific diabetic-friendly items, so be sure to look out for these.

Sugar Substitutes

Giving up sweet treats need not worry you, as sugar substitutes such as monk fruit sweetener allow you to have your cake and eat it too safely. With the dual benefit of not raising blood sugar levels and being zero-calorie, your sweet fix won’t have the detrimental effect of sugar. And it’s not just in baked goods that you can use plant-based sweeteners; use them in drinks and homemade condiments. And as they’re suitable for the whole family, you can incorporate them into your everyday cooking, rather than making separate dishes.

Cook At Home

While there are ways to safely enjoy pre-prepared foods and eating out, cooking at home is the ultimate way to have diabetic-friendly food. You have complete control of what ingredients are used and the portion sizes. Doing this is a great way to learn accountability and eat better. Food tastes better when you’ve made it yourself as well, so if you aren’t in the habit of cooking already, you’ll appreciate it even more.

Get Expert Help

Navigating what you should and shouldn’t eat after finding out you have diabetes can be overwhelming. As such, it pays to consult with an expert like a nutritionist or dietitian for advice on meal planning and safe foods. Once armed with this information, you can decide which foods you choose to eat. While you’ll typically only need a couple of visits, knowing that you can call upon your nutritionist if required will provide added confidence.

Learning you have diabetes doesn’t mean the end of eating the foods you love. It may mean you need to learn to enjoy them differently by cutting portion sizes and making healthy substitutions. Get expert advice if you’re unsure about the choices you’re making so that you can stay on track. Most importantly, be kind to yourself, it’ll take a bit of time to adjust to a new way of looking at food, but you’ll feel physically better for making changes.