Type 2 Diabetes Diet; Keeping You Healthy!
Type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when either the body ceases to make enough insulin, or the cells of the body develop a resistance to insulin. When this occurs, the sugar your body needs for energy stays in the blood instead of being used by the cells. This can cause damage to your eyes, nerves, kidneys and heart over time.
It is important to follow good eating habits to keep the effects of type 2 diabetes under control. A proper type 2 diabetes diet helps you to even out the blood sugar, and allows your body the time to process it. Please see here som tips for a balanced type 2 diabetes diet.
Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits is high on the list of dietary changes. These foods contain more nutrients, more fiber and less sugar and starches. Non-starchy vegetables, such as green beans, cucumbers and broccoli, and leafy greens like spinach or kale, are your best choice.
When eating grains always choose whole, unprocessed, grain foods over those that are highly processed. Be certain that you read the label as many products that claim to be whole-grain will contain processed grains. One benefit of whole grains is that they release their sugars slower than processed grains, this helps to even out blood sugar levels. Also, they contain more vitamins and minerals than processed grains.
Avoiding high fat and properly balancing your sugar and starch consumption against your protein consumption are key to a good diabetic diet plan. Adding fish to your weekly diet and sticking to leaner cuts of beef and pork can lead to a healthier diet. Poultry should be prepared without its skin to reduce fat. Vegetarian protein sources such as lentils and beans can also be substituted as a healthy alternative to meat.
Limit chips, cookies, cakes, and other foods and drinks with high calories. These foods can cause a sudden rise in blood glucose. This sudden rise can be problematic for the body. Choose water or other low-calorie alternatives over soft dinks which contain a high level of sugar and a low level of nutrients.
It is possible to have too much of a good thing! Your type 2 diabetes diet should include watching your portion sizes and balancing your intake. At your meals, make sure half of your plate is filled with non-starchy vegetables. The other half should be split between your protein (such as meat, fish or tofu) and whole grains, pasta, potatoes, corn or peas. This will help ensure balanced nutrition.
A diet which balances sugar and starch along with nutritious foods is the recommended diet for diabetics, and every one else. By following a type 2 diabetes diet, you can maintain a healthy life and limit the damage to your body. Making good chooses will lead to a good life.
A type 2 diabetes diet is important to follow for people who have been diagnosed with adult onset diabetes. Diabetic diet plans need to be low fat and balance sugar and starches against protein. This helps to even out blood sugar levels, and allows the body to process the sugars more efficiently. A person with type 2 diabetes should reduce their intake of high calorie drinks and snacks, as these foods contain mostly fat and sugars. Fruits and vegetables are an important part of the recommended diet for diabetics. Whole grain foods are also important, in addition to low fat protein sources.
Published May 7th, 2007
Filed in Health