Healthy Eating Guidelines For Diabetics

A diabetic’s life can be tough on his diet. If a person has diabetes - it’s important that he or she is aware of the connection between carbohydrate consumption and diabetes management. Once carbohydrates are synthesized by the digestive system - they become sugars - and have a direct effect on blood glucose levels. A diabetic’s diet must maintain a delicate balance of essential nutrients and minerals. It's important for diabetics to know what foods to eat - and which ones to avoid. 

Choose High-Fiber Vegetables

Eating fiber-rich vegetables is good for diabetics - since fiber does not raise or affect blood sugar levels. The vegetables should be minimally processed - and ideally should be eaten raw. Among the fiber-rich veggies that are great for diabetics include cauliflower - celery - cucumber - Brussels sprouts - broccoli - artichokes - cabbage - eggplant - peppers - greens and spinach. 

Suggested Fruit Variants For Diabetics

Fruits that have high fiber and fructose content are good for diabetics - since these do not affect blood sugar levels. Raw fruits are best for diabetics - since most dried and canned fruits contain high sugar levels. The suggested fruits include apricots - apples - blueberries - grape fruit - guava - Kiwi fruit - mango - pears and pomegranates.

Meat And Protein Substitutes

Getting adequate amounts of protein should be part of any diet - especially for diabetics. Protein helps regulate blood sugar levels and provides energy. While meat products are generally the best sources of protein - diabetics must limit their meat consumption - and instead consume more legumes and fish - which provide essential fatty acids and protein. The best meat substitutes for diabetics include veal - lamb - chicken or turkey - oily fish like mackerel and salmon - seafood - eggs - beans - lentils - soybeans - and moderate amounts of milk and dairy products. 

Limit Consumption of Unhealthy Fats

Diabetics must also limit their consumption of unhealthy fats like trans fat and saturated fat - as well as reduce their intake of margarine - butter and shortening. Diabetics should instead go for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - which are found in canola -  olive oil and nuts.

Whole Grains

Whole grains also serve as a tasty way for adding good carbohydrates to your diet. Choose whole-grain cereals and breads - bran - barley - buckwheat - millet and steel-cut oatmeal.

Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean that you can’t have your fill of healthy and delicious food anymore. A healthy eating plan for diabetics should translate into consuming a wide array of foods - in moderate amounts. Diabetics also need to stick to regular meal times - and get a diet which emphasizes on vegetables - fruits - whole grains and other healthy meat substitutes. A diabetes diet should not be restrictive - but instead must offer you foods that are rich in nutrients - and low in fat and calories.