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Eating Away From Home

Eating Away From Home
Canadian Diabetes Association

By: Canadian Diabetes Association

Proud member of the Live Right Now Advisory Board.

For many people, eating foods prepared away from home is a way of life. Whether at restaurants, take-out counters, vending machines or corner stores, making healthy choices is possible and important. Balancing healthy food with regular physical activity can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes or its complications.

When planning a meal or snack, make healthy choices based on Canada's Food Guide.  

Here are some tips to help you enjoy healthy foods and meals wherever you are.

Choose foods that provide:

Fibre
  • Slows the rise in blood glucose, helps improve cholesterol levels and helps you feel full.
  • Choose vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils and whole grains.

Vitamins & minerals
  • Help keep the body healthy and fight infection.
  • Choose brightly-coloured vegetables over french fries, milk over pop, whole grain over white bread.

Choose foods lower in:

Fat
  • Provides extra calories; saturated and trans fats increase your risk of heart disease.
  • Limit fast food, baked goods, fatty meats and cream.

Sodium (salt)
  • Can lead to high blood pressure.
  • Limit fast food, canned/dried soups, salty snacks and prepared frozen dinners.

Sugar
  • Provides extra calories; may make control of blood glucose and blood fats difficult.
  • Limit regular pop, fruit drinks, candies and desserts.

Visit diabetes.ca for more helpful tips on eating away from home.
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