Are Diet Shakes the Only Way to Lose Weight?

If you are living with type 2 diabetes, you may have been told that weight loss can help you obtain a healthier status. If weight loss is a goal for you, it can be hard to find the best way to go about it. Weight loss ads are aplenty; on social media, TV, and even in magazines. Even though people swear by their own results from products such as diet shakes, how do you know which is the right choice for you? Let’s explore some alternatives.

Losing weight with type 2 diabetes

Weight loss is all about creating a calorie deficit. This means you have fewer calories going in, and more going out. There are many ways besides diet shakes to lose weight, and there is no one-size-fits-all diet plan. If you are looking to slim down, the first step is to talk to your physician. He or she can tell you if it is safe for you to move forward and may even help you come up with a plan. Asking to meet with a Registered Dietitian for guidance is also a great idea!

Diet changes

To help obtain a calorie deficit, it is important to not only eat less but also still find a way to maintain fullness and satiety. If you are hungry on your diet, you are not as likely to stick with it. Here are some tips when trying to make healthy eating changes to obtain weight loss.

Using diet shakes

If you choose diet shakes, make sure they are being used as a meal replacement. Shakes meant for weight loss contain calories, vitamins, and minerals that should meet a meal requirement. That means that eating more on top of it will only aid in weight gain. Try using it to replace one meal, such as breakfast, if you want to use them at all. You don’t have to! Make sure to find a diabetes-friendly option such as Glucerna to avoid extra sugars.

Up your fiber intake

Eat more fiber. Fiber is one of the best ways to maintain fullness and satiety after a meal. So what kinds of foods provide a lot of fiber? You guessed it! Fruits and vegetables are a great sources of fiber. There are also many low-calorie vegetables, making it easy to eat a large volume without consuming too many calories. Vegetables such as spinach, celery, and cucumbers are great options to try when making a diet change.

Increase your protein

Pump up the protein. Protein is another great way to help you stay full. Because it takes longer for the body to break down than carbohydrates, it can help you be satisfied for more time. Some great lean protein options are: eggs, grilled chicken, and tuna fish.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water. If you are going to increase your fiber intake, adding more water will also help with weight loss. Besides optimizing hydration, water can help to fill you up and keep you happy until your next meal!

Move more

Another great way to obtain a calories deficit is to move your body more. Any form of exercise, including walking, can be a great way to help your body drop excess weight. Again, checking with your physician regarding a safe exercise plan is step one. Start small. Anything more than you do now is a change for the better!

Points to remember about weight loss

• Diet shakes are not the only way to lose weight.
• Try eating more fiber, protein and drinking more water to help maintain satiety when trying to lose weight.
• Move your body more.
• Speak with your physician before making a major change in your diet or exercise plan.