| When it comes to diabetic dining information, there | | | | a bad plan, as pasta and lasagna are carb-based. |
| seems to be a shortage of guidance on the various | | | | However, if you look for higher-end Italian restaurants |
| international foods available in so many restaurants. | | | | you'll see dishes on the menu like grilled veggies with |
| You have probably read all about reducing your intake | | | | mozzarella cheese and rocket salad that are healthy, |
| of French fries, steak, and chips...but what about falafel, | | | | delicious, and even though they lack pasta... are Italian. |
| sushi, and egg drop soup? | | | | Japanese: When you think Japanese food, rice may |
| Like good ol' American food, food from abroad is a | | | | come to mind but that's not an altogether accurate |
| double-edged sword. Some dishes are carb and | | | | representation of Japanese cuisine. |
| saturated fat bombs, while others are perfect for | | | | Sushi, the prototypical Japanese import, is a healthy |
| people with diabetes, type 1 or type 2. | | | | food for most people with diabetes... when eaten in |
| Here is how to navigate an international menu if you're | | | | moderation. The omega-3s in the fish and the fiber in |
| diabetic: | | | | the vegetables make sushi a great choice. However, |
| Mexican: Traditionally, Mexican food was composed of | | | | some sushi places load on white rice in a cost-cutting |
| two chief foods... corn and beans. Sadly, most US | | | | effort. Ask for sushi with little to no rice and you'll be |
| versions of Mexican food pile on additions like refined | | | | upping the healthfulness of the meal considerably. |
| flour, oil, and sour cream. | | | | If you're feeling adventurous, try Shabu Shabu. Shabu |
| Beans are an especially healthy food for diabetics as | | | | Shabu (literally translating to "splash, splash") is an |
| they're chock full of fiber and minerals. Also, whole | | | | eating experience where you're given a bowl of boiling |
| grain wheat and corn tortillas are also a healthy option | | | | water and a set of raw ingredients. You cook them |
| in moderation. | | | | together yourself and enjoy the results. |
| One of the best dishes to ask for in Mexican | | | | Because you're controlling what you put in it, most of |
| restaurants is for fajitas loaded with grilled vegetables | | | | which is chicken, fish, and veggies, Shabu Shabu is as |
| and beans... but be sure to hold off on the tortillas. | | | | healthy as you want it to be. |
| Chinese Food: Traditional Chinese takeout is not the | | | | Thai: Thai food is exploding in popularity and you may |
| place for most diabetics to find a healthy meal. | | | | have one down the street from your house. Thai food |
| Because they tend to load their food with MSG and | | | | tends to be healthier than other Asian cuisine, as the |
| unhealthy fats, you should seek out more traditional | | | | focus is on vegetables and lean cuts of meat. |
| Chinese restaurants that tend to serve more | | | | To get even more health benefits from your Thai |
| vegetables. | | | | meal, ask for extra vegetables and brown rice... most |
| When there, look for chicken dishes that are low in | | | | Thai restaurants are happy to oblige. |
| sodium or ask for the cook to pour less salt into the | | | | People with type 2 diabetes need not stop eating in |
| meal. | | | | restaurants serving international foods... you just need |
| Italian: Because they tend to be loaded with carbs, | | | | to know which foods to avoid so you can control both |
| many diabetics steer clear of all Italian dishes. This isn't | | | | your weight and blood sugar levels. |