Tackling diabetes at the Super Bowl party

Parties can present a challenge for those with diabetes, so it's important to have a game plan before tackling the Super Bowl spread, a U.S. expert says. "Managing diabetes is really about making healthy food choices and controlling portions," Dr. Deborah Clegg, a diabetes nutritional specialist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said in a statement. If hosting a party, include healthy options and for those trying to control diabetes bring some food yourself or coordinate with other family and friends with diabetes to ensure the table includes healthier options, Clegg said. Clegg suggests zero "penalties" for eating these foods: -- Salad options, including sugar-free and low-calorie dressings. -- Unlimited beverages such as water, unsweetened tea, coffee and calorie-free diet sodas. -- Grilled fish, skinless chicken or turkey, and/or soy-based "veggie" burgers. -- Low or non-fat cheeses, yogurt and skim milk. Five-yard penalties -- go sparingly and watch portion sizes of these foods: -- Other vegetables in more limited amounts such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, artichokes, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant and okra. -- Fruit such as apples, peaches and most berries. -- Whole grain options for rice, pasta and breads in small portions. -- Beans/legumes such as kidney, pinto or black beans, chick peas and lentils. 15-yard penalty for consumption of these items: -- Cookies, pies, desserts. -- Potato chips, high-fat dips and high-fat crackers. -- Regular sodas, alcohol and sweetened beverages.