What foods are good for people with diabetes?
First of all, you should be aware that you will have to make some changes in your life. The sooner you begin with changes, the better. We are going to start by focusing on a healthy diet…
Depending on whether you were diagnosed with diabetes type I or type II, you might have to take insulin (which may not be mandatory if you were diagnosed with type II). Also, you will have to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
What exactly do you mean with healthier lifestyle?
First of all, you will have to change your eating habits, and you will have to stop being a couch potato. Regular exercising is the preferred course of action. Start slowly; take walks every day, at least for 30 to 60 minutes. If you are able to, travel to work with a bike – not only is this good for your health, it’s also good for your wallet, as you won’t have to pay for gas or parking. The next equally important factor is your diet and what specific foods you eat.
How about eating habits? What has to go?
Any kind of junk food is a no-no. This may in fact be what triggered your diabetes in the first place. Even though there’s a hereditary component to both types (mostly for type I thought), poor diet choices, no exercising and excessive weight are the most common reason for diabetes type II. You should switch junk food for actual, cooked and healthy food – you can find most of the stuff you will need in your nearby grocery store.
So what kind of food diabetics be looking for?
Bananas are great for you – they will provide enough energy and they will help you lose any excess pounds. Even the American Medical Association confirmed that they are a simple, but effective method of reducing weight in diabetic patients. Almonds are also a great choice, as they provide mono-unsaturated fats and magnesium. If you’re at risk of diabetes, you should eat them as well, as a Harvard University study has shown that they reduce the risk of diabetes by 33%. Same goes for pumpkin seeds, Swiss chard and spinach.
Can diabetics drink milk?
Of course, but you should switch to skimmed milk. Also, make sure to include buttermilk into your diet, as the lactic acid from buttermilk helps in regulating the blood sugar levels. Any type of sugary drinks or sodas is out of question – it may seem hard at first, but you actually get used to it rather quickly. Don’t forget to drink tea as well; parsley tea and walnut leaf tea have proven quite efficient in reducing blood sugar levels as well.
Can diabetics have sweets?
This is probably the hardest change for a person diagnosed with diabetes – no sweets. There are diabetic friendly sweets out there, but if you eat too many, they won’t do any good. It’s better to switch to natural sweets – fruits. Apples and citrus fruits have proven to be a good stimulus for the pancreas.
White flour is out of the question, but what’s the alternative?
It’s true that white flour is the most preferred choice everywhere, but if you are a diabetic, it won’t do you much good. Switch to whole wheat flour – you can even mix your own sort. Try finding soyabean flour, or Bengal gram, jowar, bajra, wheat bran or barley flour. You can mix all of them together and use them to make chapattis. If you still don’t know what that is, you’re really missing out on a great treat.
What other foods that a diabetic should include in their diet?
Why yes, of course there are many other foods: legumes are one of them; lentils, for instance, or other legumes are quite valuable as they release their energy slowly, meaning that your blood sugar levels will remain intact longer. Tomatoes are also great, as they are low on carbs and quite efficient in controlling the sugar levels in the urine. Of course, there’s much more you can include into your diet as well – finding a nutritionist to help you set up your meals would be a good course of action.
Try These:
- Apples
- Avocado
- Bananas (community addition)
- Barley
- Beans
- Beef
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Chicken or turkey
- Eggs
- Fish
- Flaxseed
- Milk and yogurt
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Oatmeal
- Olive oil
- Peanut butter
- Sweet potatoes
- Water (community addition)
- Whole-grain bread
Can you think of any other foods? If so, please sare them with us and leave a comment below to add to this list
Can you reverse diabetes by diet alone?
Of course not. But a healthy lifestyle including exercise, education and a healthy diet can go a long way and even reverse the effects of diabetes. If you are a type II diabetic, your Health Care Provider may even take you completely off medicine if you are able to manage your lifestyle effectively.
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Great Article!
I have been a Diabetic for over 20 years and I eat a banana a day without raising my sugar levels too much. Just 1 suggestion for your list.
BTW I joined your community and want to say thanks for the gifts!
Susan
Welcome to our family, Susan!
You are the first person to leave a comment. For that reason, I have a another special gift for you. Please look in your email.
Thank you for the suggestion. I will add it to our list.
To your continued health,
Heather
Very helpful and info thanks
Excellent article.
One miracle food that I do not see on your list is “Water”.
J.W.
So True, I’ll add it to the list!
Anyone else?
Heather
I read your food list and recommendations and liked them very much and found them to be helpful. I am desperate for some help and am looking for a group to discuss daily things. My doctor told me today that I am heading for a coma my sugar is so “out of control” . HELP
Are your levels too high, too low, or both?