What Are The Different Types Of Carbs
There are 3 types of carbs:
Sugars and starches raise your blood sugar, but fiber doesnt.
Day Meal Plan For Type 2 Diabetes
Check the 7-day meal plan for type 2 diabetes.
|
|
|
| 2nd Day |
|
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why Are Healthy Eating Habits Important
Whole foods including fruits, veggies, and whole grains can have benefits for your body and mind.
Ivan Gener/Stocksy
If youve ever asked someone how to be healthy, youve probably heard this advice: Eat a healthy diet. Really, though, what does that even mean? If you ask many followers of the trendy ketogenic diet, it means shunning sweet potatoes and quinoa in favor of cheese and coconut oil. For another person, it might mean avoiding sugary foods like ice cream and candy at all costs. And someone else may tell you to avoid all dairy and nix gluten.
The problem is, this back-and-forth about whats truly healthy can cause a whole lot of confusion, not to mention prompt people to try unsustainable and unnecessarily restrictive diets in the name of health. If thats you, theres no need for embarrassment: Just be relieved to learn that healthy eating is far simpler than you may think.
RELATED: A Complete Guide to MyPlate
You May Like: Diabetic Recipes For Picky Eaters
Is The Mediterranean Diet Helpful For Type 2 Diabetes
The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern that emphasizes plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, dried legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. It also limits red meat and includes small portions of fish, poultry, egg, and dairy products.
The Mediterranean diet aims to be rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. Its low in cholesterol, saturated fat, trans fats, and added sugars.
A 2014 review of research found that people with type 2 diabetes who follow the Mediterranean diet tend to have lower blood sugar levels than those who follow a conventional American diet. The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to reduced weight and decreased cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Whats more, one
Dining Out When Managing Type 2 Diabetes
It can seem tough to navigate a menu when youre eating out, but its not impossible. Enjoy your time with friends and eat delicious food with these guidelines from Palinski-Wade.
Have an appetizer before you leave. Its tempting to save up calories throughout the day to help plan for a night out, but that approach can backfire. Youll be famished by the time you get there and less likely to make a healthy choice when you order. Eat a small, healthy snack before you go, like some nuts or a low-fat plain yogurt. This can help decrease hunger and prevent overeating, she says.
Visualize your plate. Ideally, your plate should look very similar to the way it does at home with a couple of small tweaks: ½ nonstarchy vegetables , ¼ lean protein, and ¼ whole grains. You want to be careful not to eat too many carbs at one sitting, and avoid meals packed with saturated fat, says Palinski-Wade.
Sip smart. Alcohol stokes your appetite, so if you do have alcohol , do so near the end of the meal. Limit it to one glass.
Read Also: How To Beat Type 2 Diabetes Naturally
Carbs Carbs Carbswhat About Them
When it comes to managing diabetes, the carbohydrates, or carbs, you eat play an important role. They impact your blood sugar, so remember that balance is key!
There are three main types of carbohydrates in foodstarches, sugar and fiber. As youll see on the nutrition labels for the food you buy, the term total carbohydrate refers to all three of these types.
When it comes to choosing foods with carbs, the goal is to choose carbs that are nutrient-dense, which means they are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and low in added sugars, sodium and unhealthy fats.
Glycemic Index Vs Glycemic Load
For example, watermelon has a high Glycemic Index value , but a Glycemic Load of only 5 because the food has relatively little carbohydrates. You can calculate a food’s glycemic load by multiplying the per-serving carbohydrate level by the glycemic index and dividing by 100. Above 20 is high, 11 to 19 is moderate, and 10 and below is considered low.
Ultimately, when building a meal plan to better regulate your blood sugar, it is important to be mindful of all three key metrics:
- The total carbohydrates in your food
- The speed with which a food will increase your blood glucose: glycemic index
- The ultimate level to which your blood glucose could rise: glycemic load
This is just a start for your prediabetes diet. See our full list of glycemic index foods.
Don’t Miss: What’s New In Diabetes Treatment
Is There An Ideal Type 2 Diabetes Diet
Picking the right foods to eat when you have diabetes can help lower your blood sugar or keep it stable. Find out what to put on the menu when planning your diabetes diet.
Following a type 2 diabetes diet doesnt mean you have to give up all the things you love you can still enjoy a wide range of foods when managing this disease. Indeed, creating a diet for type 2 diabetes is a balancing act: It includes a variety of healthy carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . The trick is ultimately choosing foods that are naturally rich in nutrients to help keep your blood sugar level in your target range and avoid big swings that can cause type 2 diabetes symptoms notes the Mayo Clinic from the frequent urination and thirst of high blood sugar to the fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and mood changes of low blood sugar , per the American Diabetes Association .
Thinkstock
Why Should I Strive For A Healthy Lifestyle
In sum, the payoff of a healthy lifestyle is huge. Over time, when you make healthy decisions about food, you are at a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even anxiety and depression. You will have more energy, feel better, and may even be in a better mood on a daily basis, says Samantha Heller, RD, a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Health in New York City.
Again, it comes down to the length and quality of your life. In a review published in June 2017 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a healthy diet was found to decrease the risk of early death from any cause by 56 percent. Researchers defined a healthy diet as one that focuses on eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish. On the other hand, a higher intake of red or processed meats increased the risk of early death by twofold.
RELATED: 5 Tricks for Getting Enough Fruits and Veggies
You May Like: When Do You Start Taking Insulin For Diabetes
The Right Calorie Intake
How much do calories matter? For people with diabetes, the exact number of calories to consume each day is based on the amount and timing of food that assures you can youre your blood sugar levels stable and your weight within a healthy range. That number can change, depending on your age, activity level, frame size, current versus preferred weight, and other factors.
When the goal is a healthy weight and blood sugar control, a good starting point for a woman is 1,400-1,600 calories a day, with main meals containing up to 30 grams of fiber-rich carbohydrates, and snacks containing 10-20 grams of fiber-rich carbohydrates, Ms. Zanini advises. For men and more physically active women who are already at a healthy weight, you may start with a 2,000-2,200 calorie meal plan, in which you may increase proportionately your carbs.
Recent research suggests that by eating a big breakfast, and a modest lunch, so you get most of your calories in by 3 p.m., you will find it easier to lose weight and achieve better blood sugar control.
How Many Carbs Should I Eat
Theres no one size fits all answereveryone is different because everyones body is different. The amount you can eat and stay in your target blood sugar range depends on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors.
On average, people with diabetes should aim to get about half of their calories from carbs. That means if you normally eat about 1,800 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight, about 800 to 900 calories can come from carbs. At 4 calories per gram, thats 200225 carb grams a day. Try to eat about the same amount of carbs at each meal to keep your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day .
This sample menu has about 1,800 calories and 200 grams of carbs:
Breakfast
½ cup rolled oats 1 cup low-fat milk 2/3 medium banana ¼ cup chopped walnuts Total carbs: 65 grams
2 slices whole wheat bread 4 oz. low-sodium turkey meat 1 slice low-fat Swiss cheese ½ large tomato 1 TBS yellow mustard ¼ cup shredded lettuce 8 baby carrots 6 oz. plain fat-free Greek yogurt ¾ cup blueberries
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Life Insurance With Type 2 Diabetes
Planning A Diabetes Diet
A diabetic diet doesnt have to be complicated and you dont have to give up all your favorite foods. The first step to making smarter choices is to separate the myths from the facts about eating to prevent or control diabetes.
| Myths and facts about diabetes and diet |
| Myth: You must avoid sugar at all costs.
Fact: You can enjoy your favorite treats as long as you plan properly and limit hidden sugars. Dessert doesnt have to be off limits, as long as its a part of a healthy meal plan. |
| Myth: You have to cut way down on carbs.
Fact: The type of carbohydrates you eat as well as serving size is key. Focus on whole grain carbs instead of starchy carbs since theyre high in fiber and digested slowly, keeping blood sugar levels more even. |
| Myth: Youll need special diabetic meals.
Fact: The principles of healthy eating are the samewhether or not youre diabetic. Expensive diabetic foods generally offer no special benefit. |
| Myth: A high-protein diet is best.
Fact: Studies have shown that eating too much protein, especially animal protein, may actually cause insulin resistance, a key factor in diabetes. A healthy diet includes protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Our bodies need all three to function properly. The key is a balanced diet. |
As with any healthy eating program, a diabetic diet is more about your overall dietary pattern rather than obsessing over specific foods. Aim to eat more natural, unprocessed food and less packaged and convenience foods.
Why Follow A Diabetes Diet
A nutrient-poor diet is one of the most powerful contributors to diabetes risk, which can lead to comorbidities like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, and kidney disease.
Conversely, the low-fat, plant-based, whole-food diet that helps prevent diabetes , also has other benefits, like weight loss, increased energy, increased immunity, and better physical fitness.
So its a win-win.
Read Also: How Many Types Of Insulin Are There
How To Make A Good Meal Plan
As has already been said in the beginning, if you are diagnosed with 2 type diabetes, you should count carbs and stick to the plate method. These are the 2 most effective ways to control the level of blood sugar. You need to follow the guidelines of your healthcare specialist. Make a plan with all the details not to forget what foods you can consume and what foods you should avoid. You are recommended to count carbs with your dietitian not to exceed your individual norm. First, you should plan meals for a week and go shopping with a list. With time, you will get used to making plans without any problems.
Draw a plate and place all the foods you can eat not to harm your health. Its a very convenient method to memorize what foods you should consume and what serving size you shouldnt exceed.
Sample Menu for 1800 calorie healthy eating plan
|
Eat A Healthy Diet And You May Lose Weight
Being overweight or having obesity are associated with increased risk of these health conditions, per the CDC, so weight loss can be important if you have a high body mass index . Fortunately, following a high-quality diet in which you pay attention to portion sizes can also help you reach a healthy weight, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another piece of the puzzle: eating mindfully. Stop eating when youre full, and don’t eat too fast or for emotional reasons, notes Mayo.
RELATED: How to Do a Dry January Any Month of the Year
You May Like: Does Water And Baking Soda Help Diabetes
Will Supplements And Vitamins Help My Diabetes
No clear proof exists that taking dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, or spices can help manage diabetes.1 You may need supplements if you cannot get enough vitamins and minerals from foods. Talk with your health care provider before you take any dietary supplement since some can cause side effects or affect how your medicines work.2
Is Intermittent Fasting Safe For People With Diabetes
The popular diet may help people with diabetes lose weight and lower blood sugar levels, but before you try it, learn about the risks and talk to your doctor.
Fasting is hardly new. People have been fasting for religious reasons Christians, Jews, and Muslims, among others for centuries.
But fasting for weight loss is a relatively recent phenomenon, one that has become increasingly popular, in part because it seems to work, at least for some people. Intermittent fasting has also gained a lot of attention recently because celebrities have endorsed the plan, and there have been recent releases of new IF diet books.
Studies have shown that periodic sessions of IF in which a person limits their meals to a certain window of time, with a fixed period of eating little or nothing can boost weight loss, reduce waist circumference, and lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and total cholesterol, according to a review of research published in September 2021 in the journal Nutrients.
Given that weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and total cholesterol levels are all important in people with type 2 diabetes, IF is worth exploring if you have the condition. Still, there are factors to consider before giving it a try.
You May Like: Type 2 Diabetes Dry Mouth
Foods That You Should Avoid
Diabetics are known to develop premature heart disease and stroke because the blood vessels quickly become clogged with fats. Foods that you should avoid include the following:
Engage In Physical Activity
Another common sense suggestion, but one that can make a major difference! According to the American Diabetes Association , exercise is a fundamental part of diabetes treatment, and were big believers that its a fun and fulfilling part of our routine.
Not to mention the many, many, many other health benefits of exercise.
Also Check: Where Should I Inject My Insulin
Whats The Best Diet For Diabetes
Whether youre trying to prevent or control diabetes, your nutritional needs are virtually the same as everyone else, so no special foods are necessary. But you do need to pay attention to some of your food choicesmost notably the carbohydrates you eat. While following a Mediterranean or other heart-healthy diet can help with this, the most important thing you can do is to lose a little weight.
Losing just 5% to 10% of your total weight can help you lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Losing weight and eating healthier can also have a profound effect on your mood, energy, and sense of wellbeing. People with diabetes have nearly double the risk of heart disease and are at a greater risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression.
But most cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable and some can even be reversed. Even if youve already developed diabetes, its not too late to make a positive change. By eating healthier, being more physically active, and losing weight, you can reduce your symptoms. Taking steps to prevent or control diabetes doesnt mean living in deprivation it means eating a tasty, balanced diet that will also boost your energy and improve your mood. You dont have to give up sweets entirely or resign yourself to a lifetime of bland food.