When you first get diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes eating at a restaurant can be an issue. Eating at a restaurant can be done successfully if you follow a few simple rules. Here are a few simple pointers to help you keep your blood sugar under control when eating at a restaurant.

1. if you know you’re going somewhere that is not healthy for you – eat a light meal or snack at home before you go. You may have a dinner event planned or some social function, and don’t want to be rude and pass on all the good food. If you eat a light meal or snack before going out it will help you eat less of the wrong foods. Even better, you’ll save some money – because you won’t be overdoing it.

2. Another good pointer is to make sure you avoid rolls, bread, and starchy food that will spike those blood sugars later. It’s easy to work around that. For example, if there is a type of dip you like – see if you can get it without crackers or chips and instead with cut vegetables. Any restaurant can do that for you. If they are offering it in a salad, they can cut it for you to munch on. Also, avoid the potato that will probably be available.

3. It’s always a safe choice to choose a protein and a vegetable combination. This combination is always a better fit for most people with Type 2 Diabetes and very tasty too. You can have a grilled filet with steamed broccoli or a salad, the possibilities are endless. You will feel better and enjoy any evening out without having to worry about what is going in your mouth.

4. One of the easiest things to do, when you’re eating out is to avoid soda, alcoholic beverages, or caffeine. Instead choose options like a lemon or lime wedge in your water, hot or iced herbal tea, or even just bring your tea bag and ask for hot water. Most restaurants don’t mind.

5. Finally, it’s important with Type 2 Diabetes to educate your friends and family about your condition. This will help everyone feel more comfortable and avoid touchy situations. I’ve not meet too many people that wouldn’t be supportive of friends or family members with Type 2 Diabetes.

There are some good starter tips here, but it’s important for you to find a qualified professional that will give you more than the standard information that is available for people with diabetes today. You need to find a health professional with detailed training in the area of functional endocrinology or functional medicine. This type of detailed work will help you not only learn how to make the right choices at a restaurant, but also will help you get to the source of your diabetes.