November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, timed perfectly to rain on your holiday goody parade, right? Actually, the diabetic eating guidelines are one of the healthiest and easiest eating plans you can follow, even if you don’t have diabetes. All you have to do is eat small, healthy meals regularly throughout the day.

Nearly 30 million people in the U.S. are living with diabetes, some without knowing it. Complications from diabetes include long-term damage to the heart, circulatory system, and eyesight. Basic premise of the diabetic diet include:

• Limiting high sugar foods
• Eating smaller portions throughout the day
• Limiting carbohydrates
• Eating whole grains, plus fruits and vegetables
• Limiting fat
• Limiting alcohol
• Reducing salt

To create your own meal plan, check out the resources on the American Diabetes Association website.

Here are a few tips for using your home freeze dryer to make living with diabetes, or helping family members living with diabetes, stay healthy.

• Busy people skip meals, which can cause blood sugar levels to plummet. Prepare small portions of balanced snacks that you can stick in your purse, backpack, or car so you don’t have to worry about missing a meal.
• Use the cook once / eat for a week strategy to prepare balanced, healthy entrees ahead of time. Portion entrees according to the diabetic recommendations so you’re sure to not over do it.
• Freeze dry delicious healthy snacks to help avoid the temptation to hit the vending machine at work or school. Healthy snacks include a carbohydrate and a protein. Veggie chips and a handful of nuts are the perfect combination.
• Prepare a month’s worth of meals and freeze dry ahead of time to help you get the hang of your new eating plan. It’s easy to get off track if you get overwhelmed by big dietary changes, or feel like you don’t have time to make a healthy meal three times a day.
• Freeze dry low-sugar or sugar free treats for those times when you’re craving something sweet. A little pre-planned indulgence goes a long way toward staying on track.

Remember, many people who have diabetes don’t even know it. Not treating diabetes can lead to long-term complications and a decreased quality of life. Are you one of the 30 million American with diabetes?  Click here to take the diabetes risk test.