Impaired glucose tolerance: Be sweet to yourself

Use these easy nutrition tips to maintain healthy blood sugar levels; remember, if you are eating a healthy diet, an occasional splurge won't hurt!

Keep blood sugar levels in check!

You can help manage your condition with these nutrition tips.

• Breakfast is an important meal of the day — don't skip it! Eat on a regular basis instead of just one big meal.

• Whole grains and fibre-rich foods (including breads, pasta, potatoes, rice and cereals) can help control your blood glucose levels.

• Choose "low-sugar" and "sugar-free" foods, as snacks and beverages with high sugar content can cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly.

• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. It's easier than you think to eat five to ten servings! Enjoy fruit for snacks, and add vegetables to make your favourite meals even tastier.

• Limit fried and fatty foods. Choose low-fat dairy products, lean meats and poultry; grill, barbeque or oven-bake your meat instead of frying; and cook with moderate amounts of unsaturated oils such as olive, sunflower or corn oil.

• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. This means no more than one or two drinks per day, with a weekly maximum of 9 drinks for women and 14 drinks for men.

• If you're eating a healthy, balanced diet, then the occasional high-sugar treat won't hurt. Try to enjoy your sweet snack after a high-fibre meal.

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