Industry news: Juicy Lucy launches diabetic menu

It was therefore natural to extend the healthy eating mantra that has already put Juicy Lucy on the map to include those with specific dietary needs with the introduction of a diabetic friendly menu at every Juicy Lucy outlet.

An unhealthy lifestyle and poor eating habits are major contributors to Type 2 Diabetes. Healthy eating plays a major role in managing this condition (as well as Type 1 Diabetes). However, this could impact on how people socialise and enjoy themselves – after all, eating out is about having fun.

Now with a diabetic-friendly menu on hand (with options that appeal to all) as well as meals more suited to friends without dietary restrictions, there is something for everyone and no need for those trying to deal with diabetes to feel unduly stressed or left out. There is also no excuse for good food to be boring.

Juicy Lucy's diabetic-friendly menu has been compiled with the help of an expert dietician. These fresh and delicious options are lower in saturated fat, higher in dietary fibre and have a lower glycaemic index (GI). They are filling, nutritious treats and contain less mayo, cheddar cheese and rich sauces with all the wholesome goodness that Juicy Lucy is famous for. They are also suitable for anyone who is after a lower fat, higher GI alternative.

According to dieticians, two crucial issues played a role when compiling the menu. The first was monitoring the inclusion of refined carbohydrates that can be found in many desserts. Diabetics should consume about 55 percent of their daily energy intake from complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals and the glucose that is found in fruit and low fat dairy products.

However, even these good options could have drawbacks. The speed at which glucose enters the bloodstream depends on how the food is prepared aspects such as its fibre content. Juicy Lucy's open sandwiches, sub rolls, salads and well-known Spuddy Buddy's represent healthy preparation coupled with good nutrition.

Cracking down on fats is also crucial. This means cutting down on total fat intake and distinguishing between unhealthy saturated fats (found in red meat and dairy products) and healthier polyunsaturated or monosaturated fats (found in olive, peanut and canola oil).

“The best way to achieve these goals is to limit your red meat consumption and give preference to fish and chicken. Choose low fat dairy products such as low fat yoghurt and cottage cheese and avoid butter, hard margarine and fatty baked goods,” said one dietician.

For your nearest Juicy Lucy outlet, log onto www.juicylucy.co.za

For more information on diabetes, contact Diabetes SA's National Office on 011 792-9888/7.

Juicy Lucy – Always Fresh.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Diabetes is a growing health problem in South Africa. Type I Diabetes (where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to metabolise glucose) begins in childhood and is strongly linked to genetics, but Type II Diabetes is more often than not the result of unhealthy living and obesity.

According to a startling report just released by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, an estimated 1,5 million South Africans have diabetes. The latest statistics show that diabetes rates vary among South African population groups - the highest rate (amongst people over 30) was in the Indian population where 18 percent of men and 16 percent of women had diabetes. The coloured and white groups were the same with five percent of men and 7 percent of women having diabetes. Black people living in rural areas averaged three percent while those living in the cities averaged six percent.

Unfortunately, many people with diabetes are undiagnosed or treated inadequately and consequently have many complications. Early diagnosis and good diabetes care can prevent many of these severe complications.

According to the report, because of the increase in risk factors associated with a Westernized lifestyle, diabetes rates in developing countries like South Africa are increasing and are expected to continue climbing. As a result, a diabetes strategy for Africa was launched recently, calling on governments, NGO's and industry to reduce the burden of diabetes in Africa and to encourage patients to follow healthy lifestyles that include physical activity, a healthy diet and not smoking. Juicy Lucy is doing its bit.