If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then you know that you must now live a little bit differently than you did before the diabetes. Along with checking your blood sugar regularly, a healthy diet is vital to managing your diabetes. This article will give you some tips for eating a healthy diabetic friendly diet.
The number one thing to keep in mind when you’re diagnosed with Type II Diabetes is that it’s not the end of the world! You will be able to live a long, healthy life with this condition as long as you take the steps necessary to keep it under control.
Vinegar helps to keep blood sugar spikes at bay for diabetics who eat it during a meal. Some people actually recommend drinking it straight before you eat! I like to sprinkle it on a salad, or douse my vegetables in it. It’s also great for marinating meats! It’s extremely versatile.
There are many high protein alternatives to meat, such as eggs, tofu, beans and other dairy products. Don’t let it get boring! Mix up the routine and keep your mouth at attention the entire time.
Thintini buns are available at many grocery stores nation-wide and are a tasty alternative to carbohydrate-heavy normal hamburger buns. These thinner breads are easier to eat as they’re smaller than their traditional counterparts and they will provide far less carbohydrates to a diabetic.
Be careful with the medicines you choose when you have a cold, many are laden with sugar which can affect your blood sugar levels. Make sure you take this into account if you’re keeping track of what you eat to maintain even blood sugar levels, or if your blood sugar mysteriously spikes.
It is important for diabetics to learn to eat a healthy diet and control portion sizes. Eating excessively large portions is a sure way to gain weight. Eating too much, even of foods that are good for you, will result in weight gain and blood sugar problems. Use smaller plates, put your utensils down between bites and eat slower.
Increasing your intake of magnesium is not only good for your heart, it can help your diabetes too! You can find lots of magnesium in fish, leafy greens, and nuts, so include those items in your diet as often as possible. Almonds are an excellent choice to grab as a snack any time.
An easy way to reduce your risk of contracting diabetes is to get up and get active. People who take an hour long brisk walk daily will reduce their risk of contracting diabetes by over 35%. Even when you cannot walk for an hour a day, do what you can to get moving like take the stairs instead of the elevator, park at the furthest parking spot at the grocery store, or take two or three trips in carrying in the groceries.
DefeatDiabetes.org helps people who are struggling financially to receive supplies which will help them keep their diabetes under control. You can get as much as 35% cash back on purchases through their store, and they have additional programs to give you even deeper discounts if you ask for help through their website.
It is important that you know how to use your insulin pump. Many people do not get the proper amount of insulin because they are not using their pump correctly. If you do not know what you are doing, do not feel ashamed to ask your doctor or another health professional, for help.
Be sure to call and schedule a doctor’s appointment if you are having issues with your eyesight. There are many eye-related conditions associated with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. These problems need to be given care because if they worsen, they can turn to blindness.
If you find that your A1C levels are disproportionately higher than your typical blood glucose levels, the problem may be that you are measuring your pre-meal levels, which does not give you an accurate reading. Your average levels may not accurately reflect readings that are taken before, during, and after eating your meals.
When you are experiencing diabetes, it’s a good idea to consume several small meals, as opposed to having three bigger meals. When you eat often during the day, you will be able to better control your blood sugar. If you eat more often, you won’t get as hungry between meals — and you won’t eat as much.
A great before bed snack for a Diabetic is a glass of skim milk with two tablespoons of Whey protein added. This gives you something to keep your blood sugar levels stable over night, while the protein will help the milk digest and keep it from spiking your blood sugar too high while you sleep.
Look online to find common replacements for cooking ingredients which aren’t good for a Diabetic. For example, fruit can be used in place of sugar, as in a sugar free banana bread or muffins. You can also use whole grain flours instead of bleached, or buckwheat instead of rice in a dish.
Learning to eat right is an important factor in controlling diabetes. The key steps to developing an approriate diet is cutting back on refined carbohydrates, keeping portions sizes under control, establishing and maintaining a regular meal schedule, and consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Simply speaking, a diabetes-friendly diet is low in fats, high in nutrients, and contains a moderate number of calories.
When it comes to dealing with food and managing your diabetes, it may be wise to consult with a dietitian for tips on how to best prepare meals. Not only will they be able to let you know what foods to avoid, but they will give preparation tips to ensure that you are doing all you can to keep blood sugar in check.
As stated at the beginning of this article, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes then you are having to live a little bit differently than you did before the diagnosis. Eating healthy is an important part in keeping your diabetes under control. Apply the tips from this article and you will be on your way to eating a diabetes friendly diet in no time.