How to Make Breakfast for a Diabetic - Breakfast for Diabetics

How to Make Breakfast for a Diabetic

By RaeWrites, eHow Editor
eHow.com

Conventional wisdom says that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Conventional wisdom applies doubly so for people with diabetes. The first meal of the day helps the body to emerge from a fasting metabolism rate, during which the body strives to conserve energy. For a diabetic, spending too much time at a fasting rate of metabolism may cause glucose to be drawn from the liver. To avoid starting the day off the wrong way, a diabetic needs to eat right. For a spouse or loved one, preparing breakfast is a wonderful way to help her start her day right. It may seem intimidating; but it is rather easy to make breakfast for a diabetic if the preparer assumes diabetic food equals healthy food. Read on to learn more.

Step One
Familiarize yourself with the diabetic’s meal plan if one is available. Make special note of carbohydrate limits and protein guidelines for breakfast. Also be aware of limits for fats and sugars.

Step Two
Plan out breakfast. Decide on which foods and beverages to offer. Check their nutritional analysis against the meal plan. Eggs are an excellent source of protein. Oatmeal is loaded with blood-sugar-friendly fiber. Unpeeled fruit can be a great source of soluble fiber--only if it included as a part of a balanced meal.

Step Three
Compare the entire meal to the guidelines. Account for toppings such as butter and jelly or incidentals like cooking oil. If the breakfast falls within or very near to the meal plan, prepare breakfast.

Step Four
Grill, bake or broil instead of frying when possible. Make lean, less processed meats instead of highly processed, fatty meats. Choose low-fat dairy products over those made from whole milk. Offer orange juice that has pulp. Use whole grain flour instead of white flour.

Tips & Warnings

* Caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea and juices may cause a spike in blood sugar. Offer them to the diabetic sparingly and only in conjunction with a well-balanced meal.
* Diabetics are at greater risk for heart disease. If the diabetic you are cooking for has elevated LDL cholesterol, use egg whites instead of whole eggs, make Canadian bacon instead of the traditional cured strips. Also, include a fiber boost. Be especially careful of saturated fat because it contributes to cholesterol.
* Always read food labels carefully. Be aware of sugars, fats, protein and simple carbohydrates.

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