People with type 2 diabetes can keep their condition under control through their diet. Choosing the right foods to eat can help to regulate your blood sugar, keep you fuller for longer, and keep you from getting hungry whilst controlling your weight.
Type 2 diabetes is when the levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood are higher than normal. The condition tends to be brought on by eating too many carbohydrate-rich foods, for example bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and cereals. What you put on your plate could be the difference between life and death when you have diabetes. And, by eating well, you can even help to reduce your condition or reverse it altogether. So, which are the best foods to choose to help you control diabetes? Let’s find out.
#1. Vegetables
Low-carb veggies such as onions, mushrooms, Brussel sprouts, tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini will add color, flavor and texture to your meal. These vegetables are all very versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes or even blended to create tasty sauces or soups. You can eat vegetables raw, roasted, or boiled – it’s completely up to you. Raw vegetables with low-fat dressings or dips such as hummus make for a tasty, healthy snack.
#2. Berries
Although fruit is quite high in natural sugars, berries are lower in carbohydrates. A great choice of snack or desert, berries can be eaten on their own, with low-fat yoghurt, or blended into a nutritious smoothie. Another good choice of fruit to add to your deserts is melon, which is also low in carbs. As the weather gets warmer, you could even make them into ice cubes or freeze them into ice lollies.
#3. Legumes and Beans
Foods such as peas, lentils and dried beans still have some carbohydrate content, but since these whole grains are rich in fiber, they will keep you fuller for longer, leading to you eating less overall. Filling up on these foods for your main meals will keep your appetite satisfied throughout the day. As a result, you’ll snack less and your blood sugars will go down. Some health providers do sell diabetic test strips online, which will help you test your blood frequently.
#4. Healthy Fats
If you’ve decided to eat a healthier diet to get your diabetes under control, you’re probably trying to avoid eating foods that are high in fat. However, some fat in your diet is good for you. Healthy fat choices include olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish such as salmon, which is also high in omega-3. Filling up on healthy fats when you eat your meals will help to suppress your appetite.
#5. Lean Meat
Eating a diet that is rich in protein is important for controlling type 2 diabetes. Lean meats are a good choice as they can be added to almost every meal. Additionally, foods such as eggs, cottage cheese, and natural Greek yoghurt are very protein-rich and can be eaten as part of your main meal or as a snack.
A healthy, low-sugar diet is vital for keeping type 2 diabetes under control.
