How to eat well for less money with diabetes

Keen to manage your health and your diabetes? A few key habits can help.

The good news is that there’s no need to break the bank. Nor do you have to completely deprive yourself of life’s little pleasures. Eating well can be both healthy and enjoyable.

Why is meal planning so important?

Meal planning helps you maintain a balanced diet. Many experts agree that it is essential to managing diabetes.

Dr. Martin Juneau, a cardiologist at the Montreal Heart Institute, is one of them. He advises a diet with more fruit and vegetables.

“People with diabetes who eat a plant-rich diet, exercise regularly, don’t smoke and consume alcohol in moderation have a 68% lower risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease,” he says.

What’s more, meal planning allows you to optimize your budget.

How meal planning can cut costs

By planning your meals for the week, you can take advantage of discounts and manage your expenses.

Using seasonal foods can help cut costs, especially when it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables. So can avoiding take-out meals and limiting food waste. 

Also, plant-based protein foods (such as lentils and other legumes) are a very good — and often inexpensive — option.

5 tips for effective meal planning

Try these five steps:

1. Consult a registered dietician to determine your diet, meal schedule and recommended servings.
2. Plan your meals for the week.
3. Buy groceries in advance.
4. Check labels for the amount of carbohydrates per serving.
5. Use small, resealable containers so you can take food with you anywhere.

Once meal planning becomes a habit, you can easily expand your culinary repertoire.