Calorie-Counting Resources

Q: I was recently told that my blood glucose is rising and I'm close to having type 2 diabetes. Please suggest some literature with a listing of calorie, carbohydrate, and fat counts of all foods.

A: Some books list the nutrition content of commonly available foods. The first book provides information for foods you generally purchase at the supermarket or convenience stores. The second book focuses on information for foods you purchase from or eat at large chain restaurants.

• The Diabetes Carbohydrate & Fat Gram Guide by Lea Ann Holzmeister, R.D., CDE (American Diabetes Association, 2006)
• Guide to Healthy Restaurant Eating, third edition, by Hope S. Warshaw, R.D., CDE (American Diabetes Association, 2005)

To prevent diabetes, it's important to eat healthfully and exercise regularly. Some people can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes by losing 5-7 percent of their body weight through healthful eating and being active 30 minutes five days per week.

Madhu Gadia, M.S., R.D., is a certified diabetes educator.