Sunday, December 26, 2010

Diabetes-Friendly Diet

Diabetes control and prevention relies on maintaining a healthy diet that does not require completely eliminating favorite foods. The key is to form healthy eating habits while satisfying your nutritional needs. Fortunately, this does not require going on a complicated diet. Rather, if you eat certain foods in moderation, be consistent with regular mealtimes and have a colorful diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you can look forward to every meal knowing your health is not at risk.
Essentially, eating the right foods when you have diabetes requires three actions: what you choose to eat; when you eat daily; and, the portion size of what you eat. What is considered a diabetes diet is a healthy eating plan for anyone. High levels of nutrients, low numbers of fat intake and moderate calorie levels will ensure that your blood glucose remains at a healthy level.
What About A Sweet Tooth?
A common myth about a diabetes diet is: no sugar allowed. This is only true if you overindulge in eating too many sweets. Enjoying a small serving of your favorite dessert is not harmful when they are reserved for special occasions.
Additional carbohydrates are added when you eat sweets with a meal. Simply cut back on other foods that contain carbohydrates in the same meal. You can also make healthy substitutions in order to cut down on the amount of sugar in your diet. Drink sparkling water instead of soda. Replace ice cream with a bowl of naturally sweetened fruit. Reduce the amount of temptation by clearing your kitchen of a lot of sweets. If sugar is required in certain recipes, reduce the amount or eliminate it all together.
Balancing Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates impact your blood glucose levels, but this does not mean you have to eliminate them from your diet. Make smart choices about the types of carbs that you eat and balance them with your diet.
Eat brown rice, sweet potatoes, and whole grain bread and make vegetables the larger part of your meal. A good balance from all of the food groups will enable you to have the right amount of nutrients. When you do eat carbs, include protein or a small amount of fat. This will reduce the impact the carbohydrates may have on your blood glucose level.
Speaking of Fats
You can reduce the amount of unhealthy fats while adding healthy fats to your diet. Eat nuts or seeds instead of snacking on chips, crackers or cheese. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and pecans are all flavorful snacks.
Trim the visible fat from meat before cooking. Substitute grilling, broiling or baking for frying poultry and fish. Olive oil is better than using butter or vegetable oils. Instead of adding a slice of cheese to your sandwich, add avocado slices.
Eat Regular Meals
By maintaining a regular eating schedule, your body is equipped to regulate blood glucose levels and your weight. Remember to always eat the most important meal of the day - breakfast. A daily breakfast provides steady glucose levels and lots of energy.

No comments:

Post a Comment