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Step 1
Schedule an appointment with a registered dietician; you can find a list at your local hospital. Take the basic information your physician or internist gives you and discuss it with your dietician. Begin to identify the foods you can keep in your diet as well as those you will have to stop eating. Visit the Medline website and visit the attached links provided. You can also visit the Love to Know website. This site provides dietary guidelines and food group daily allowances specific to diabetes. Register with the website to gain access to all online resources.
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Step 2
Enlist help and support from family and friends. Explain why you need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Ignore "advice" from friends who say you don't need to stop eating high-fat, high-sodium or high-cholesterol foods or stop drinking alcohol. Take comfort in the fact that you still need a fully balanced, nutritious diet plan. Print out the dietary guidelines from the websites provided and post them prominently on your refrigerator or pantry door. Discuss these guidelines with your doctor so she knows what plan you're working from and what foods you're eating.
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Step 3
Learn to read nutrition labels on the foods you buy and buy the foods which will enable you to stay within the daily allowances recommended by your dietician. Make it a habit to read nutrition labels at the store; when eating out, do the same and ask for alternative menu items and dressing "on the side" instead of already drizzled on your salad.
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Step 4
Begin to cook your meals using less sugar, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, less salt and low fat cheeses. Include more fresh fruits and vegetables; if you select a frozen vegetable, make sure it has no added salt, fat or sauces which will take you over your daily allowance of these items. Look for new recipes which will include baked or grilled lean meats and fish, stir-fried vegetables and pastas.
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Step 5
Find and enjoy desserts such as yogurt, sugar-free cookies and pies, fruit salads and a low-fat, sugar-free ice cream which still has flavor. Begin to buy low-fat milk. If, however, you want a sweet beverage, buy a sugar-free drink mix and add it to a water bottle.
