The holidays are approaching. If you are planning to travel over the holidays, it is important to plan ahead. Travelling with diabetes is manageable, when you are prepared! Here are a few tips to help you:
1. At least a month before you travel, consult with your physician. Changes to your medications may be needed. Depending on your length of stay, it's always good to be prepared with medications and meal plans.
2. Meal plan before, during and after you plan to arrive at your destination.
3. Dress comfortably.
4. Drink plenty of water and avoid coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages while travelling. Not only may it affect your blood sugar levels but it can also cause dehydration.
5. It is recommended to check your blood sugar levels more frequently than usual. You may need to pack extra testing supplies and treatment for hypoglycemia (low-blood sugar), and healthy food snacks for the trip.
FLAX PROTECTS AGAINST DIABETES
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
Diet and lifestyle are very important factors we are in control of to prevent or control diabetes. The diabetic diet is an excellent and healthy diet which emphasizes fruits and vegetables. Best choices are non starchy choices such as spinach, carrots or green beans. Choose extra-lean meat, fish 2-3x/week, and non-fat dairy products. Drink plenty of water (at least 1 litre/day) instead of regular soda, fruit punch or other sugar sweetened drinks.
Smaller meals are often spaced throughout the day. Your Registered Dietitian can always help you plan healthier food choices for your everyday meals. Of the whole grains, flax is an excellent food addition to your everyday snacks!
Clinical research shows Type 2 diabetes to be the most common form of diabetes that accounts for 90% of the cases diagnosed in North America. Dietary fibre, lignans and omega-3 fats, all found in flax help to dramatically reduce diabetic complications by regulating and lowering blood glucose levels. The Flax Council of Canada recommends approximately 2 tablespoons of ground flax a day for optimal nutrition.
To make an immune-boosting power juice, blend 85g (3 oz.) each of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries with 1/2 litre of soya milk and 2 tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed. Use a coffee grinder to grind flax for best results. Enjoy!
Ask the Nutritionist
1. Is there any difference in nutrition between the brown or gold/yellow flax varieties? Lynn, Ontario
Great Question! Actually there is no difference in nutritional value between the brown or golden flax varieties. The only difference is their colour.
2. I just recently started buying flax and to my surprise, love it! I just read in a magazine that flaxseed must be ground in order to release the essential nutrients. Do I need to grind the flax to get its benefits? Gary, British Columbia
Regular or raw flax must be milled or ground in order to get the nutrition and health benefits flax provides. Even with careful chewing, it can be difficult to break open the seed. I recommend a coffee grinder or even purchasing a pepper mill exclusively for grinding flax. So, yes, you must grind flax in order to get the most nutritional benefit that it provides. Thanks for the question, Gary!
0 comments:
Post a Comment