The Best Diet For Diabetics
Wondering what is the best diet for diabetics? People with diabetes actually have to think about their diet as part of the treatment, since they need to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Although it is also important to change many other habits, diet plays a very important role in dealing with the condition and to avoid major problems. In this article you can read about which diet is best for diabetics.
Having a healthy diet means eating foods that are high in moderate portions, and sticking to a strict meal routine.
Although the diet can vary depending on weight, age and other factors, it is usually a matter of having a moderate calorie intake and at the same time getting all the nutrients that the body needs.
What should a diabetic eat and not eat? What are the best recommendations? Since this topic often has many questions, we will share some of the most important information about the best diet for diabetics in this article .
Why do diabetics have to think about diet?
People with diabetes must follow a special diet to control high blood sugar levels and other related problems.
The diet plan is based on a combination of healthy foods that affect several aspects of health.
The goal of this diet is to:
- Control high blood sugar
- Maintain a stable body weight
- Prevent heart problems
- Reduce cholesterol and triglycerides
- Maintain good kidney function
- Stimulate the nervous system
What are the benefits of this special diet for diabetics?
People who have this chronic condition must expect many consequences if they do not take the necessary precautions to deal with it. It can affect the whole body.
But if they change their diet, it can have great benefits for the quality of life. Unfortunately, the problem itself has no cure.
Some benefits may include:
- Stable blood pressure
- Prevention of vision problems
- More profits
- Physical and mental well-being
- Healthy body weight
Which foods should be included in the best diet for diabetics?
A diet for diabetics is mainly based on three foods each day, at regular times. This causes the body to make the most insulin, whether it is in a natural or artificial way.
Doctors often recommend a visit to a nutritionist, because each case may vary. But there are some basic recommendations.
Healthy carbs
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grain products
- Legumes (beans, lentils or peas)
- Light dairy products
Fiber
- Wholemeal flour or bran
- Nuts
- Vegetables or fruits
- Oats
Healthy fatty acids
- Fat fish
- Seeds and nuts
- Avocado
- Olive or rapeseed oil
Protein
- Legumes
- Egg
- Lean meat (chicken or turkey)
- Skimmed or light dairy products
- Seafood and shellfish
What kind of food should diabetics avoid?
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases that can be life-threatening.
Because of this, in addition to eating healthy foods, it is important to eliminate or reduce your intake of other harmful foods.
Saturated fat
- Red meat
- Smoked meat
- Bacon
- Fried food
- Refined vegetable oils
Trans fat
- Process food
- Pastries
- Margarine
Cholesterol
- Dairy products and animal proteins
- Egg yolks
- Fast food
- Dessert
Salt
- Refined table salt
- Canned or semi-finished food
It is recommended that you ingest less than 2.3 g of salt per day. In cases of high blood pressure, it should be less than 1.5 g every day.
Sugar
- Added sugar
- Sweets and desserts
- Pastries
- Cereals
Dietary advice for diabetics
Aside from the diet that has been recommended by a nutritionist, there are some general tips you can follow to improve your health.
- Eat little and often. It is better to eat 5-6 small meals a day than 3 large ones.
- Eat every meal at regular times.
- Take medication on a regular basis.
- Stay physically active.
- Control your carbohydrate intake.
- Cut out alcohol.
Sticking to a healthy diet can be challenging for people who have just been told they have diabetes. But it is the very best way to deal with this condition.
