If you have diabetes, you're probably used to counting carbs. But are you also paying attention to fat, cholesterol and calories?

No, don't eat unlimited amounts of foods just because they're free of carbs (carbohydrates). Carbs aren't your only dietary consideration.
Eating a healthy, portion-controlled diet helps you manage your blood sugar levels and reduces your risk of diabetes-related conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. The best way to do this is to choose a variety of nutritious foods — those rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber — and limit foods that are high in saturated fat and sodium.
Consider the following sample breakfast menus. Although they provide almost the same number of carbs, breakfast No. 2 is a better choice because it's considerably higher in nutrients and lower in calories, fat and sodium.
Carbs (g) | Sodium (mg) | Fat (g) | Calories | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 fried eggs | 1 | 190 | 13.5 | 180 |
2 sausage links | 1 | 374 | 12.5 | 150 |
3/4 cup hash browns | 41 | 400 | 14.5 | 310 |
1 slice white toast | 15 | 145 | 1 | 78 |
2 teaspoons butter | 0 | 61 | 8 | 68 |
1/2 cup orange juice | 14 | 2.5 | 0 | 61 |
1 cup black coffee | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
Totals | 72 | 1177.5 | 49.5 | 849 |
Carbs (g) | Sodium (mg) | Fat (g) | Calories | |
---|---|---|---|---|
3/4 cup cornflakes | 18 | 153 | 0 | 75 |
1/2 medium banana | 13.5 | 1 | 0 | 44 |
1 cup low-fat milk | 12 | 107 | 2.5 | 102 |
1 slice whole wheat toast | 13 | 141 | 1 | 76 |
1 tablespoon peanut butter | 4 | 68 | 8 | 96 |
1/2 cup orange juice | 14 | 0 | 0 | 59 |
1 cup black coffee | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
Totals | 74.5 | 475 | 11.5 | 454 |
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