Dietitian clears up misconceptions about how to manage a diabetes diet

November is Diabetes Awareness month, and while the condition is well-known, misconceptions about how to manage a diet still persist.

Nicole Ebratt is a retail dietitian at the ShopRite on Bruckner Boulevard. While working with clients, she's found many people living with diabetes believe they have to give up all of their favorite meals to keep their blood sugar in check.

"Yes you can eat carbs ... however they have to be in adequate portions, and just being mindful and reading labels," says Ebratt.

While carb guidelines vary from person to person, many of Ebratt's clients come in believing they have to give up fruit because of its sugar content. She says it's about choosing the right type of fruit -- for instance, a cup of strawberries has 12 grams of carbs, which is about the same as half of a banana.

"Berries are your best friend ... you can have a higher portion size and it's full of vitamin C," says Ebratt.

When shopping for bread, rice and pasta, Ebratt says look for whole grains instead of white flour. She also recommends swapping half of your bowl of traditional pasta for a half-portion of zucchini noodles.

And with the holidays coming, she says to swap out baking oils for ingredients like apple sauce and pumpkin puree.