Proteins

As a diabetic teen, you may think your only concern should be on sugar consumption. However, the intake of saturated fats should be thoughtfully considered as well. Going for that expensive steak or making fried chicken the main course for lunch may satisfy you at the time, but there are many other options that can satisfy your immediate cravings and your long-term heart health.

Proteins are an important part of everyone's diet, as they aid in enzyme production and support your body's acid-base balance (pH). They are responsible for building and replacing tissues in your body, like muscle tissue. In fact, they are mostly what make up your immune system, which means that to stay healthy, you must have some source of protein. Amino acids are the building-blocks of protein, and your body can produce 13 of the 22 that we need. Animal protein, like chicken, beef, and pork, can provide all of the other 9 amino acids that we can't produce ourselves, but this kind of protein also can be high in saturated fats. As a diabetic teen, you can find alternatives to getting the most protein, while getting the least fat, without sacrificing meat out of your diet completely.

By limiting your intake of red meat, you allow other foods that provide protein as well as other vital nutrients into your diet. Low-fat milk and fish are two excellent sources of protein that are lower in saturated fats. You can also stretch the amount of meat you eat in a meal by adding small servings and spreading them out to make it seem like you are eating more. Small changes in your diet can support your diabetic health and help you feel more like a normal teen.