5 Commonly asked questions – with dietitian responses

Written by:

Younia

Published: 3 June 2024

Question: Are certain fruits completely off-limits for people with diabetes?
1. Answer: No specific fruit is off-limits for individuals with diabetes. While fruits do contain natural sugars, they also provide essential nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy balanced meal plan, fruits can be included in a diabetes-friendly diet. The key is to practice portion control and consider the overall carbohydrate content of your meals.
Question: Should I completely eliminate carbohydrates from my diet to manage diabetes?
1. Answer: No, carbohydrates are an important source of energy and nutrients. The key is to focus on consuming healthy, complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables while managing portion sizes and spreading carbohydrate intake throughout the day. Balancing carbohydrates with proteins, healthy fats, and fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Question: Can I lose weight by completely cutting out carbohydrates from my diet?
1. Answer: While reducing overall carbohydrate intake can lead to initial weight loss, completely eliminating carbohydrates is not sustainable or recommended for long-term weight management. The key to healthy weight loss is creating a calorie deficit through a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with regular physical activity.
Question: What should my weight be?
1. Answer: The weight that you feel comfortable and happy with. It isn’t my job to tell you what your weight should be. My job is to help you get to your reasonable weight goal and building habits along the way to keep it off.
Question: What is the best type of exercise?
1. Answer: The type of exercise you can enjoy. Why? Engaging in types of exercise that we truly enjoy is the key to creating sustainable fitness habits that last a lifetime. It’s not about forcing ourselves into a grueling routine but rather discovering activities that bring us happiness and fulfillment.

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