Meal-Plan Myths Revealed

By Colleen Pierre, R.D.

Like all people newly diagnosed with diabetes, I needed help with what to eat and sorting food myths from facts -- even though I'm a registered dietitian. After several inglorious stumbles, I got help from some diabetes specialists. Here's what I've learned about common meal-plan misperceptions.

is it true that sugar is forbidden, but sugar-free foods are free?

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Myth: Sugar is forbidden, but sugar-free foods are free

Fact: I'm not a big sweets eater. But when there's a family birthday cake, I don't want my sad, deprived face spoiling the fun. So I trade my potato for a small dessert because the carbs in sugar get processed just like the carbs in potatoes. True, potatoes and other vegetables, fruits, and dairy products deliver vitamins, minerals, and energy that protect my health, so those are mostly what I eat. But to help me avoid feeling deprived, I allow myself the occasional sweet treat.

Many so-called sugar-free foods (such as cookies or candy) often aren't free because they have carbs from flour or milk. Some are made with sugar alcohols such as maltitol or sorbitol. "People with diabetes absorb about half the carbohydrate listed as sugar alcohol," says Gillian Arathuzik, R.D., CDE, a diabetes nutrition educator from the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. So if the label says 10 grams of sugar alcohol, count it as 5 grams of carbs. And be aware that large amounts can cause diarrhea or gas.

Try these low-sugar dessert recipes.

Next: Myth: Eating healthful carbs will control blood glucose

famsite59 says:

Thank you for the tip on sugar alcohols. I believe they missed that one in my diet class.

A good friend of mine has just been diagnosed with type 2 but because he is VERY active believes that eating 'healthy' (for a diabetic)includes a fruit smoothie for breakfast is acceptable. His smoothies include 1 banana, 1 cup of blueberries, 1/2 cup of yogurt, 1/2 cup of fresh OJ, a handfull of strawberries/raspberries, and a cup of soy milk! I say that the carb level exceeds what he should be eating and he disagrees; even 'refusing to take his B.S. level pre & post 'smoothie'. Any advice?

12/28/2009 03:10:29 PM Report Abuse

cwj13319 wrote:

I thought the first year was free If it not free you can keep it. i do not want the issuses

12/10/2009 09:34:23 PM Report Abuse