Table of Contents
Reducing sugar and simple carbs is a good approach to lose weight quickly for most people. However, it can be a life or death situation for diabetics. As a result, it’s critical to understand the greatest diabetic foods (and which foods diabetics should be mindful of).
According to the American Heart Association, diabetics are two to four times as likely as non-diabetics to die of heart disease or have a life-threatening stroke. And for individuals who don’t keep their condition under control, the chances of developing health problems—ranging from heart disease to nerve damage to renal disease—increase dramatically.
These superfoods will help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level without sacrificing flavour. Bonus: Most of these foods are also strong in critical vitamins and antioxidants, which can help you combat inflammation and maintain a high level of energy.
Quinoa
This nutty, fashionable whole grain is high in fibre and protein, making it an excellent choice for diabetics. “You’ll feel fuller and have better blood sugar management because to the fibre and protein combination found in quinoa. Protein also aids in the absorption of carbs, allowing the body to absorb them more efficiently. Quinoa is delicious in salads or casseroles.”
Whole Wheat Bread Sandwich
If you have diabetes, you can still eat carbs. “The problem [with consuming carbs as a diabetic] is in eating more carbohydrates than we need,” she explains, “since the body will opt to store any additional energy as fat.” Rather than completely eliminating carbs, Snyder suggests substituting complex carbs, such as 100 per cent whole wheat bread, which are higher in vitamins, minerals, and blood sugar-regulating fibre than their simple, refined equivalents.
Lentils
Lentils are high in resistant starch, a type of carb that has no effect on blood sugar levels since it goes through the body undigested, feeding the good bacteria at the bottom of your intestine. So, not only will lentils help you maintain a more balanced blood sugar level, but they’ll also assist you to enhance your intestinal health.
Greek yogurt
Looking for a protein-rich way to start your day? The solution is Greek yoghurt. “It naturally contains both carbohydrates and protein, which is a great mix for controlling appetite and blood sugar levels. “Furthermore, Greek yoghurt contains more protein and less carbohydrates than ordinary yoghurt, which can aid in blood sugar control. Yoghurt is delicious as a smoothie or as a snack when coupled with berries and chia seeds.”
Spinach
“Leafy greens, such as spinach, are excellent non-starchy vegetable choices because they include lutein, an essential component for eye health. This nutrient is critical for diabetics because they have a higher risk of blindness than individuals who do not have diabetes. That isn’t the only thing spinach has going for it. Adults who drank 4,069 milligrammes of potassium per day had a 37 per cent lower risk of heart disease than those who consumed only 1,793 milligrammes, according to a study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine. One cup of boiled spinach has 839 milligrammes of potassium, or 20% of the daily recommended amount.
Broccoli
Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage.” “The molecule helps minimise oxidative stress and vascular issues connected with diabetes, such as heart disease and neuropathy, which is a word for a nerve problem.”
Garlic
Despite popular belief, omitting sugar or salt does not have to imply dull, cardboard-like food. “When we start cutting out sugar, we typically think about what we won’t be able to eat. Rather, concentrate on ways to enhance the flavour of the things you’re eating. “There are so many delicious ways to add flavour without using sugar or salt,” says the author. Sauté broccoli in a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, chopped garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes, or add a couple of crushed garlic cloves to your marinara sauce.
Cinnamon
Adding a heaping teaspoon of cinnamon to a starchy breakfast like overnight oats will help stabilise blood sugar, prevent insulin surges, and lower fasting blood sugar levels. Experts believe the spice’s potent antioxidants, known as polyphenols, are to blame; these active chemicals have been shown to boost insulin sensitivity and, as a result, your body’s capacity to retain fat and control hunger cues.
Tomato
Instead of choosing starchy vegetables that might spike blood sugar, Anziani prefers tomatoes in salads or as a snack for a tasty, low-calorie option. They’re also high in lycopene, an antioxidant that might help prevent inflammation.
Dark Chocolate
You don’t have to give up dessert totally if you’re watching your blood sugar. Dark chocolate with a cacao content of 70% or higher can provide health advantages without raising blood sugar levels; just read the ingredients and nutrition label carefully. “An ounce or square of milk chocolate can be ingested once or twice a day to strategically minimise the stress hormone cortisol and keep milk chocolate cravings at bay,” also contains antioxidants, which can aid in the reduction of inflammation.
Celery
Celery is an alkaline food that makes for a quick snack; Anziani appreciates how low in calories celery is. Cut some celery into thin slices to dip in hummus or stuff with almond or peanut butter.
Bitter melons
Bitter melons aren’t as common as you might think; after all, as the name implies, they’re extremely bitter. She does note, though, that it has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels. In persons with type 2 diabetes, 2,000 milligrammes of bitter melon per day decreases blood glucose levels
Walnut
Nuts are low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and high in fibre, making them one of the greatest foods for diabetes. Because of their high omega-3 content, walnuts are one of the best nuts available. One serving (about 14 cup) contains almost 3 grammes of omega-3s. Just remember to limit yourself to one serving size to avoid consuming too many calories.
Bell Peppers
Red, green, orange, and yellow bell peppers aren’t only eye-catching accents to salads; they may also be a healthy snack on their own. They have a sweeter flavour than most fruits since they are sugar-free (about 3 grammes of sugar per medium bell pepper). They’re also high in vitamin C and have a pleasing crunch. Slice them up and serve with hummus or guacamole as a snack.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to find out how to eat to feel your best while keeping your blood sugar under control if you have diabetes. You can, however, eat a variety of diabetic-friendly meals. It’s also refreshing to focus on the things you can and should eat more of rather than the items you should avoid if you have diabetes. These diabetic-friendly meals are nutrient-dense powerhouses that can help you manage your blood sugar levels and stay healthy. Food next door shared their suggestion above.
