MICHAEL SMITH: When you have
diabetes one of the best things
you can do to help manage
your condition and your blood
sugar is to eat healthy.
So here are some ways
to actually do that and not
spend a lot of money
at the grocery store.
One of the foods that you really
want to focus on when you have
diabetes
and you're trying to eat healthy
is lean protein.
While certainly lean meats do
that, there are a lot
of other options too.
Great choices are cottage
cheese, Greek yogurt, tofu.
Even eggs are really great ways
to get your protein in.
Protein is really
good for several reasons.
It's going to help you stay
full.
And it's going to help you build
muscle when you're exercising.
When you're starting to eat
healthy you might be concerned
that the food is going to be
bland and you're just not going
to like it.
But one of the best ways
to spice it up
is with those herbs and spices.
And you know, spices and herbs
are one of your best sources
of anti-oxidants.
You may have heard
of those low carb specialty
foods.
They can be a really good option
to help you manage your carb
intake.
But be cautious.
There may be some hidden fat
and hidden calories.
And in fact, they might actually
not be better for you
than the regular fresh food.
Get used to reading
those labels, and make sure you
know what you're eating.
When you're trying to eat
healthy one of the best ways
that you can save money
is to buy your produce,
your fruits and vegetables,
in season.
And a great place
to get that fresh produce
is your local farmer's market.
It's going to be less expensive,
and tends to be much fresher.
When you're shopping
look out for specials.
You can buy more and save even
more.
For example, in the summer when
those berries are a lower price,
buy them when they're two
for one,
put them in the freezer.
That chicken when it's a lower
price per pound,
wonderful option.
Freeze it.
And you can pull it out
at any point
for that fresh dinner.
And don't forget to hydrate.
Water is always your best
source.
If you want to mix it
up a little bit, that's totally
fine.
But really your go to source
of fluid should be water.
To save money plan ahead.
Americans throw away 40%
of the food that they purchase.
And when you go to the grocery
store, make a list,
and stick to it.
And don't go to the store
hungry.
That's a sure fire way
to purchase foods that aren't
good for you or your diabetes.
To save time and money prep
ahead.
The night before chop up
those veggies
or marinate that chicken,
so that the next night when you
come home and you
are too tired to really fix
something, it's halfway done,
and you can stick
to that healthy dinner.
Lean protein, in-season produce,
planning ahead.
These and the other tips
I mentioned are great ways
to manage your diabetes,
eat healthy, and keep
your wallet and taste buds
happy.
