Patient was instructed the importance of following a low-sodium, high-potassium diet. Encourage to eat bananas, citrus, fruits.
Instructed patient use sugar in moderation. Consider lower sugar options if available, fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grain foods are good sources of fiber, drink plenty of water, use less salt.
Instructed patient/caregiver on no-added-salt or salt-controlled diet can help control high blood pressure. Even if you are taking medication, it's important to follow a salt-controlled diet to help the medication work more effectively. Use a limited amount of salt in cooking. Don't add salt to your food at the table, either at home or when dining out. Most restaurants add salt when preparing food. Use fresh or dried herbs, spices, and lemon juice to season foods. Avoid ham, bacon, salt pork, and cheese, because these are made with salt. Patient/caregiver verbalized understanding.
Avoiding foods that are rich in fat/cholesterol. Choose only lean meat and avoid the fat. Eat more fish and poultry. Have baked/broiled red meats, fish or poultry instead of fried. Use low-fat or fat-free milk. Try fat-free or low fat cottage cheese or yogurt in place of cream and sour cream. Have steamed vegetables. Dress salads with lemon juice, fat free mayonnaise or fat free dressing.
Instructed patient that when eating out, he/she should order only the foods that are needed, and choose salads with reduced calories dressings, diet drinks and sugar substitutes, etc.
Instructed in limit to three eggs per week.
Instructed patient that he/she may not have to give up eating a slice of cake, but will have to eat a little less bread or potato at the next meal.
Instructed patient to discuss the use of vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements with a doctor since they may interact with diabetic medication.
Instructed patient about the importance of preventing dehydration when sick. This could be avoided drinking non-calorie liquids such as water and diet soft drinks in addition to the normal diet. Eat foods with high amounts of water like fruits and vegetables. Avoid drinks with alcohol. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient to eat foods which are easy to digest such as crackers, soups, gelatin and apple sauce.
