nycHealthy

Dr. Diana Berger on a Healthy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is tricky when you have to watch your blood sugar. How are you supposed to eat a balanced meal when you’re surrounded by high-carb foods like potatoes, stuffing and pie?

My advice is to use the “plate method.” First, fill half your plate with fresh greens (ideally the leafy ones like kale and spinach – not Jell-O). Once your greens are in place, fill a quarter of your plate with turkey and a quarter with the starchy stuff – potatoes, stuffing, rice or bread. Have a half glass of wine if you’re drinking, and a sliver of pie for dessert. If you eat slowly and savor each bite, you’ll probably be full after one plateful.

Dr. Diana Berger on Diabetes

Over the past decade, the number of people with type 2 diabetes has more than doubled in New York City. And for every two New Yorkers diagnosed with the condition, another one has it but doesn’t yet know. Do you have diabetes? If you do, do you know what your A1C level is? How about your blood pressure? What about your cholesterol? These are numbers you can use to know how you are taking care of your diabetes. Taking your medicines daily as prescribed is important too.

There is no cure for diabetes, but New Yorkers shouldn’t be discouraged. By making changes in lifestyle, most people can prevent diabetes, or successfully control it. Exercise and a healthy diet are critical – and the exercise doesn’t always have to be strenuous. Even getting off the subway a couple of stops early can do a lot to keep you healthy.