Watch out for dishes loaded with mayonnaise, sour cream and butter. Choose veggies that are light on salad dressing, cheese or cream sauce. If you can, make your own dressing with a little olive oil and vinegar. Vegetables and grains should fill up most of your plate, but leave room for some lean meat, poultry or fish. If you're going to make a sandwich, use whole-wheat bread with mustard or salsa, rather than mayonnaise.
Summer means terrific fruits.
It's hard to beat a fresh peach, fruit salad, cantaloupe or watermelon. Fruit is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and has zero fat. Everyone, including people with diabetes, should eat three to four servings of fruit a day. Pies, cakes and cookies are high in fat and cholesterol. If you can't resist, have a small serving.