Choosing Diabetic Food
If you are a diabetic then you know how important it is to choose carefully when it comes to the food you eat. Most diabetics need to control the amount of insulin their bodies produce, because this controls the amount of glucose in the blood which in turn raises your blood glucose levels. Many foods cause your insulin levels to go up. To prevent yourself from having any health problems related to diabetes and also to ensure that you are eating the right type of food, you need to learn how to choose food carefully. It doesn’t matter if you’re on prescription medication or eating dietician-recommended food, you must make sure that you choose food that will help you lower your risk of diabetes complications.
Dietitians recommend that diabetics avoid white carbohydrates. These carbohydrates in foods such as pasta, potatoes and white bread are processed sugars which add nothing to your diet but are hard for your body to process. This means that as a diabetic you need to focus on whole grains such as brown rice instead of white rice. Whole grain foods are more nutritious and can help you maintain a healthy weight.
When choosing your food you need to pay attention to the label. Do you want to add sugar? This sugar is often added in large amounts in foods, especially in packaged foods because they are cheaper to use. This sugar can lead to many health issues and should be avoided if possible.
How many carbohydrates should you have in your day? Carbohydrates provide fuel and give you energy. As a diabetic, your choices for what and how much food you eat can affect your health, so make sure you are knowledgeable about carbohydrates and how much to eat. Again, this is especially true if you are choosing food at a restaurant where nutrition is an issue. For this reason, ask the waiter or waitress for their recommended daily serving of carbohydrates.
How much protein do you like in your food? Diabetics who have high blood sugar often have problems with protein intolerance. They may want to limit their protein intake or they may need to increase it as their condition improves. If your doctor has advised that limiting your carbohydrate intake is not an option for you, a good choice is to increase your protein consumption. Some good sources of protein are fish and meat.
It is important to remember that diabetes cannot be treated with any one food. You must have a variety of food choices and keep a balanced lifestyle. The foods above can play a part in helping you live a fulfilling and disease free life. As a diabetic, your goal is to eat well, exercise regularly, and watch your weight. If you adhere to these simple guidelines, you will greatly improve your long term success as a diabetic. With a little change in your diet and some smart choices about which food to eat, you can enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life.