Food and diabetes: Dining out

When you have diabetes, eating away from home poses special challenges.

• The portions are often too large.
• The amount and type of fat can be hard to figure.
• If you are very hungry, you may be tempted to make poor choices or eat too much.

How to eat out

• Plan ahead. Do not go to a restaurant hungry.
• Eat moderate portions. Share a meal. Ask for a to-go box when you are served and put half of the meal into it before you start eating.
• Ask for salad dressing, sour cream, sauces, butter and mayonnaise on the side.
• Choose foods that are broiled, baked, grilled or steamed.
• Do not panic if you eat too much. Just get back on track.
• Limit alcohol. It can affect judgment and lead to overeating.

Other tips

• You may eat or drink calorie-free and sugar-free foods. Be careful about sugar-free foods that have more than 20 calories per serving. Eating a lot of these foods may raise your blood glucose.
• Try to eat three to five servings of carrots, green and yellow beans, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers every day. These nonstarchy vegetables have vitamins, minerals and fiber but not much carbohydrate.
• Remember that low-fat on a food label does not mean it is low in carbohydrates or calories.
• High-fat meals tend to make your blood glucose stay up for a longer time.
• If you are pregnant, check with your dietitian about a meal plan that is right for you.

Related Links

My eating guide

Food and exercise diary

Food and diabetes: Healthy eating

Food and diabetes: Sample meal plans

Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education

Diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism specialists

First published: 12/01/2006
Last updated: 12/01/2006

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts