Low-Income Diabetic Diet

People who have diabetes cannot adequately produce or use their own insulin. As a result, they regularly experience unhealthy levels of elevated blood glucose or blood sugar. Following a healthy diet can help diabetics keep their blood sugar under control. Well-balanced and adequate in all essentials, the diet generally advocates a massive reduction in sugar and limits the daily intake of carbohydrates, including those found in alcohol. Unfortunately, following a healthy diet can be expensive. With proper planning and a bit of creativity, a diabetic diet can be followed without breaking the budget.

Planning

• Plan your menu one week in advance. This way you only go to the store once a week, reducing the odds of impulse buying. In many places, grocery stores have weekly sales. Be sure to pick up a copy of the paper so you have access to the store's circular. Plan your meals based on the sale items and stock up on basics. Make a list of everything you will need to prepare your meals and snacks and stick to it. Clip any relevant coupons and place them in your car, so you won't forget to take them with you. Avoid convenience foods, such as fully prepared dinners and preshredded cheese. Doing the work yourself allows you to control the quantity and quality of the finished product, and you won't be caught off guard by hidden sweeteners that can undermine the success of your diet.

Shopping

• The basic diabetic diet contains five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fresh produce tends to cost more than canned, but it tastes better and is healthier for you. As a compromise, consider purchasing frozen vegetables. They're easy to prepare, which encourages their use, and different brands tend to go on sale each week. If you simply prefer canned, make sure you choose fruit packed in water or juice, not syrup. Also, choose the store brand over the national brands when it is available. Odds are good you won't notice the difference, but this small change can make a huge impact on your total bill.

  You can also ask the local extension office when and where the farmer's market meets. You'll get fresh, seasonal produce for a fraction of what you'd pay at the supermarket. As a bonus, farmer's market items tend to be more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts. You may also want to consider joining a wholesale club and purchasing shelf-stable items, such as artificial sweetener, in bulk.

Preparation

• Eat before you go to the store; it is much easier to resist unhealthy snacks and sweets on a full stomach. If you're not sure you can stick to your list, take a friend with you. Knowing there will be a witness may help you keep your hands off the chocolate bars at the checkout. Additionally, you should take cash with you and leave your ATM cards and credit cards at home to prevent overspending.