This month Shannon Klingebiel answered some questions about diet and nutrition for our Food as Medicine Highlight! Shannon is Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, as well as a member of the Comfort Food Community Board of Directors.
What inspired you to specialize in nutrition and diabetes care?
My inspiration to specialize in nutrition and diabetes care stems from a deep desire to empower individuals to take control of their health through informed food choices. Witnessing the transformative power of nutrition in managing and even reversing chronic conditions like diabetes has been incredibly rewarding. I believe in a holistic approach that emphasizes whole foods and patient autonomy, allowing individuals to make sustainable changes without feeling deprived.
How can food impact overall health, especially for individuals with diabetes?
Food plays a crucial role in overall health, acting as both fuel and medicine for the body. For individuals with diabetes, the right food choices can help balance blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of complications, and improve overall well-being. Whole foods, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, can stabilize blood glucose levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and support cardiovascular health. Learning the skill of carbohydrate identification and counting can be very useful in managing both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.
What are some practical tips for meal planning and preparation that can help individuals maintain a balanced diet?
Plan Ahead: Create a weekly meal plan that includes a variety of whole foods. This helps ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and reduces the temptation to opt for less healthy options.
Balance Your Plate: Aim to fill ½ your plate with non-starchy vegetables, ¼ with lean proteins, and ¼ complex carbohydrates. Healthy plant-based fats such as olive oil should also be part of each meal.
Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially for carbohydrate-rich foods. Using smaller plates can help manage portions.
Prep in Batches: Prepare meals or meal components in batches to save time during the week. Leftovers are so helpful to reduce the meal prep day to day.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger.
How can food interact with diabetes medications, and what considerations should individuals keep in mind?
You want to work with your health care provider to eat in a way that is synergistic with your diabetes medication regimen. Because of many food/drug interactions you will want a personalized plan based on your nutrition needs and prescription. Food and medication timing, food choices, food/drug interactions all need to be addressed and personalized for you.
Are there any common misconceptions about diet and diabetes that you encounter in your practice?
Yes, several misconceptions persist:
Carbs Are the Enemy: Many people believe they need to eliminate all carbohydrates. However, the focus should be on choosing complex, fiber-rich carbohydrates while limiting overall quantity and avoiding simple processed sugars.
Diabetes-Friendly Foods: Some products marketed as "diabetes-friendly" can still be high in unhealthy ingredients. It's important to read labels and choose whole, unprocessed foods. Consider avoiding excessive artificial sweeteners.
What resources would you recommend for individuals looking to learn more about using food as medicine?
Consult with a professional to get personalized care:
Consult with a Registered Dietitian Nutrition: Find a Nutrition Expert
If you have diabetes, consider working with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Locate a CDCES - CBDCE
Apps: Apps like MyFitnessPal and Carb Manager can help track food intake and monitor blood sugar levels.
American Diabetes Association: Nutrition and Diabetes | ADA
Plate Method for eating: plan_your_plate.pdf
Explore a Mediterranean Eating Plan: Mediterranean Diet Pyramid - Wikipedia
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