Information regarding diabetes and day-to-day living with the disease.

Are you looking for simple, easy ways to help you lose weight and avoid diabetes?
Several simple steps can be taken to be healthier, and they are nearly painless.

• Snack on healthier food. Eat fresh vegetables and fruit. Try something new each time you go grocery shopping. Food from other countries may also be good for you to try. Many times, they have less meat, more whole grains and vegetables, and beans for proteins. You also may want to try cooking with various spices instead of using salt. I found that by sprinkling my food with pepper is enough to spice up my meal without adding extra salt.


• Always keep healthy snacks available for you and your family. If you don't think you have time to cut up fresh vegetables and fruit, you can buy them ready to eat at the grocery store. Don't be afraid to try new recipes or ways of cooking meat, chicken, and fish. Look at labels before you buy. You should be looking for low fat, lower calories, and low salt. One item I always forget is to eat before you go shopping. If you do, you will have an easier time passing the unhealthy food.


• Relax. Learn breathing techniques. Don't try to change every habit at the same time. Avoid eating out of stress, depression, or boredom. If you eat only when you are hungry, and eat healthy, you will decrease your risk of diabetes and other diseases.


• Try a different form of exercise or physical activity. If you have been using a stationary bicycle, put a leash on your dog and take him for a walk. Enjoy the sunshine, say hello to your neighbors. When you get home, you will not only feel better, but you won't be as tempted to eat.


• Listen to music while you eat. Surrounding your dinner table with relaxing sounds will not only keep you from overeating, it will also give your family a quiet time to share the day with one another.


• Using smaller utensils might help you to eat less by taking smaller bites. Teaspoons, salad forks, or a child's utensil set might fool your body into thinking it is getting more food, even though you are eating less.


• Remember, it takes twenty minutes for your brain to get the signal that you are full. That means we should eat slow!


• Add a salad to your meal. This will help you fill up faster and you will not want to eat as much of your main entrée. Always keep a healthy snack with you; you won't have to buy a food item that will be high in calories, salt, or fats.

Drinking water is one of the healthiest commodities you can give to your body. Keep a water bottle with you. Start out with it frozen in the morning if you will be gone all-day. As the ice melts, refill it with water and have it handy wherever you are. Water will dull your appetite, keep your body regular, and give your face and skin the moisture they need to look and feel healthy. Want to avoid diabetes? Try some of these simple steps to reduce your risk.