Diabetic Diet Food: Don't Confine Your Tastes
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is usually characterized by hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. The condition must be controlled, otherwise it can lead to serious complications. So what can people with diabetes eat? Which foods are safe for consumption, and which should be avoided? Is there even such a thing as diabetic diet food?
It is recommended that people with diabetes consume foods that are high in fiber, and low in saturated fat. If you are a diabetic, it's also important that you lower your carbohydrate intake.
Recently, a UK-based study found that food prepared specifically for people with diabetes isn't always the best choice. High fat content in the food, and high prices were two of the main reasons that lead to this conclusion.
Of course, no matter what diabetic-safe foods you eat, you should always take any prescribed medications, while continuing to monitor your blood sugar level. It's also important to realize that when you eat is just as important as what you eat.
If you are using insulin treatments to control your blood sugar, it is also important to know what type of insulin you are using (fast acting, medium, etc). If you test your blood before going to bed and find your levels are low, it's probably a good idea to eat a snack with complex carbohydrates (toast, fruit, scone, etc.) to prevent nighttime hypoglycemia.
Choosing a snack that contains whole grains is ideal.
As a general rule, if you are diabetic then half of your dietary intake should ideally come from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are broken down by the body into glucose, which, in turn, causes your blood sugar levels to rise. If you are looking to safely boost your carbohydrate intake, eat more starchy foods, eat a variety of fruits and drink more low-fat milk. If you need to include more sugar in your diet, then it's important that you look on the nutritional label. Here's a hint: anything ending in the letters: o-s-e (glucose, fructose, sucrose) is a sugar.
Diabetic diet food doesn't have to consist of the same boring foods, day after day. BistroMD can provide you with a diabetic-friendly meal plan that is perfect for you. jUst because you have diabetes doesn't mean you need to confine your tastes.
It is recommended that a diabetic eat at the same times of the day, everyday, to make monitoring blood sugar easy. Many doctors recommend that a person who is both overweight, and diabetic, eat a diet that consists of 1,500 calories per day. This will help the individual lose weight, as well as keep your blood sugar levels at a normal level.
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart problems. For this reason, it is a good idea to limit your fat intake to 30% of your daily consumption. Fat takes longer for your body to digest, so it doesn't create a quick rise in your blood sugar.
Diabetic diet food requires a balance between the carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats you consume. Whether you have had diabetes for some time, or have just been diagnosed with the illness, there are a few things you need to keep in mind: increase your starch intake, eat your vegetables, only eat sweets in small amounts, and don't forget about your insoluble fibers. Always consult a dietitian or your physician if you are thinking about making changes to your diet.
About BistroMD:
BistroMD™ is the nation’s leading physician-designed, chef-prepared diet meal delivery company. Founded by Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., one of several hundred medical doctors in the country board certified in the field of weight loss, Dr. Cederquist has been helping clients lose weight for over 15 years. Building upon her medical expertise and her nutritional knowledge of a balanced diet, BistroMD helps people achieve healthy weight loss through home-delivered meals that are healthy, delicious and convenient. For more information on BistroMD visit: www.BistroMD.com.
