Diet and Healthy Eating Tips for Diabetics.
Diabetes is a very serious illness. It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that you have been diagnosed with a chronic, life-long incurable disease. The good news, however, is that being diagnosed with diabetes does mean that your life is over. By taking care of your health, and eating healthy in particular, it is possible to live a long, fulfilling life with diabetes. Remember, as a diabetic you are responsible for the state of your health. You can talk to doctors and nutritionists and get great diet advice, but only you control the foods that you put in your mouth. Everyone on the planet should eat healthy, but as a diabetic, you simply must eat a good diet if you want to avoid diabetes complications. This article contains a number of healthy eating tips to help you control your diabetes.
Diabetes affects blood sugar levels. So, as a diabetic, one of the most important diet tips to follow is to monitor the sugar that you eat. Having diabetes means that your diet cannot included large amounts of cakes, pastries, cookies or sweets. Avoiding high sugar foods will help your health a great deal.
As a diabetic, it is important that you educate yourself on the different types of carbohydrates, and the affects they have on your body. Slow digesting carbs, found in oatmeal and whole grains, are great to eat. Fast digesting carbs, found in white breads, spike insulin levels and are very unhealthy. Stick to eating natural whole grains and avoid refined carbohydrates.
Track the amount of fat you are eating on a daily basis. Unsaturated fats, found in nuts and extra virgin olive oil, are actually good for you and should be consumed in adequate amounts. Saturated fats, however, cause many health problems if they are eaten in large amounts. Trans fats, are completely unhealthy, and should be totally avoided. Eat a low fat diet to improve your health.
Eat plenty of green vegetables. Fresh green veggies offer a number of health benefits,they are filled with vitamins and minerals, are low in calories and do not negatively impact blood sugar levels. Eat a salad every day, just remember to use a low calorie dressing.
Oatmeal is another great food for diabetics. It is a slow digesting carbohydrate that does not negatively impact blood sugar levels, is great for your heart and is filled with plenty of protein. A healthy bowl of oatmeal eaten in the morning will fill up your stomach and prevent you from being tempted to overeat on junk food later in the day.
In addition to eating healthy whole foods, remember to pay attention to the liquids that you drink. Soda is filled with sugar and must be avoided at all costs. Also, remember to stay away from fruit juices, although they may seem healthy, they are usually loaded with simple sugars that will spike your insulin levels. Drink plenty of water to keep your body fit, healthy and properly hydrated.
As a diabetic, you must eat a healthy diet, your life literally depends on it. By eating healthy and nutritious foods, you can avoid diabetes complications and live a great life.