When it comes to diabetes, there is nothing particular that you can eat and can not eat. But the meals you eat given to you by your Diabetologist, not only make a difference in the management of diabetes but also in how well you feel and how much enthusiasm you have.
Eating from the main food groups
How much you require to eat and drink depends on your age, gender, how productive you are and the goals you’re intending for. But no single food includes all the vital nutrients your body needs.
That’s why a healthy diet for diabetes is all about choosing and including various foods from all of the main food groups every day. And when we say balanced, we imply eating more of some foods and less of others.
What are the main food groups?
- Fruits and veggies
- Starchy meals, like bread, pasta and rice
- Protein foods, like beans, pulses, nuts, eggs, meat and fish
- Dairy and alternatives
- Oils and spreads
Fruit and vegetables
Being diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t eat fruits. Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories and jammed full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also enhance the flavour and variety of every meal.
Bonuses
- Help to keep your digestive system operating well
- Help preserve the body from heart disease, stroke, and some cancer
Starchy foods
Starchy foods are items like potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, chapattis, naan. They all hold carbohydrate, which is broken down into glucose and utilized by our cells as fuel.
Bonuses
- The fiber assists to keep your digestive system strong
- Some affect your blood sugarlevels more leisurely
- Wholegrains help shield your heart
Protein foods like beans, nuts, pulses, eggs, meat and fish
Meat and fish are important in protein intake, they keep your muscles healthy. But a healthy diet implies less red and processed meat – they’ve been connected to cancer and heart disease.
Bonuses
- Helps in keeping your muscles healthy
- Oily fish protects your heart
Dairy foods and alternatives
Milk, cheese, and yogurt have loads of calcium and protein – excellent for your bones, teeth, and muscles. But some dairy foods are high in fat, particularly saturated fat, so choose lower-fat options.
Bonuses
- Great for bones and teeth
- Keeps your muscles healthy
Oils and spreads
We require some fat in our diet but we need less saturated ones. This is because some saturated fats can raise the cholesterol level in the blood, increasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
Bonuses
- Unsaturated fats assist shield your heart.
People with diabetes with the help of their diabetologists can devise a personal nutrition plan. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet including the foods listed above can help people with diabetes manage their condition and prevent further complications.