List Of Foods For Diabetics To Eat
July 13, 2009 by Moses Wright
Filed under Diabetes
A list of foods for diabetics to eat is not a universal standard. Diabetic patients may be on different diabetic diets like one that is designed by their dietician or nutritionist or a program that requires the diabetic patient to count carbohydrates consumed each day. No matter what diet the diabetic follows, the diabetic patient should have a well-balanced diet.
Some food choices can be detrimental to the stability of the diabetic patients blood glucose levels. Simple sugars and refined starches can cause sudden, drastic spikes in blood glucose levels. Therefore, these foods should be used cautiously.
Lean protein foods, like lean meat and beans, are the best choices for diabetic patients. This is especially important for diabetic patients who need to lose weight for better management of blood glucose levels.
White bread and white pasta are refined starches that can be problematic for blood glucose level stability. Whole grains are healthier choices for foods in the bread and cereal food group. Eating protein with a refined starch can lower the risk of blood sugar spikes triggered by refined starches.
Some people have concerns about the fat content in dairy products. Often, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese are choices indicated in a list of foods for diabetics to eat. For diabetic patients who are lactose intolerant, soy milk products and some yogurt and some cheese can often still be a part of their diet.
Some diabetic patients may avoid eating fruit out of fear of the natural sugars in fruit. Fruit can cause blood sugar levels to rise. But if eaten in proper portion sizes, fruit is an essential component of diabetic diets.
Vegetables offer a wide variety of choices for diabetic patients. For diabetic patients who feel that their diabetic diet has become bland or routine and boring, trying different vegetables can help improve the sense of variety and freedom.
Fats should be used sparingly in all diets, not just those for diabetics. There are healthier choices when it comes to fats. Olive oil and low-fat salad dressing are often considered to be some of the best choices for foods from the fats food group.
