If you have diabetes, your health and future may be easily affected by what you eat. Diabetes can affect different people very differently; therefore it is important to learn what foods work best for you to help manage a healthy weight. Discover what foods your body works best with and view the full article at http://healthbridge.parrishmed.com/rx-food. For more information on diabetes, visit http://www.parrishmed.com/programs-services/parrish-medical-center/cardiovascular-programs/heart-diabetes/default.aspx.

1. Rx: Food
Good nutrition is important for everyone

2. Good nutrition is important for everyone, but when you
have a chronic condition like diabetes, your diet
dramatically affects your well-being.
"Every day, you have a choice," notes registered dietitian
Janet Brill, PhD, a nutrition and fitness expert and the
author of Blood Pressure Down and Prevent a Second
Heart Attack. "The foods you eat can either make you
more unhealthy, or they can work for you
- it's up to you."

3. No two people with diabetes are exactly alike, but the
general goal is to keep calories in check by modifying
portion sizes (smaller servings of starches and meats;
larger ones of vegetables) and limiting total carbs to no
more than 45 to 60 grams per lunch and dinner.
The key is to make sure you're following a nutrient-rich
plan that can help you manage a healthy weight.

4. Breakfast:
 Scrambled egg whites tossed with black beans,
salsa, avocado and cilantro
 Low-fat cottage cheese with fresh peaches

5. Lunch:
 Whole-grain pita half stuffed with hummus and
sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and scallions
 Cup of fresh berries with a handful of pistachios

6. Snack:
 Bell pepper strips with bean dip

7. Dinner:
 Green salad with red onion, balsamic vinegar and
olive oil
 Rotisserie chicken breast without skin
 Roasted asparagus
 Steamed brown rice sprinkled with lemon juice
and pine nuts

8. Snack:
 Fat-free Greek yogurt with sprinkle of granola and
pinch of cinnamon