Planning ahead is essential for maintaining a healthy diet to control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. With the right plan, you will be able to enjoy a variety of foods while avoiding hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). While each person's diet may differ somewhat, there are some basic principles that are pretty universal.
Here are 3 basic rules to help you on the right path to managing your diet if you have type 2 diabetes:
Rule 1. Control your carbohydrates. Pay attention to the amount of carbohydrate you consume at each meal and snack. If you are on insulin, you will have to maintain the right ratio of insulin to carbohydrate. Choose mostly vegetables, whole grains, dried beans and peas and other high-fiber foods. About 40 to 60 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates. Avoid added sugars.
Rule 2. Choose the right fats. The types of fat you consume can make a big difference in your health. For example, unsaturated fats, the types found in fish, nuts, seeds and avocado, help to prevent cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, trans fats and saturated fats can cause your arteries to become stiff and lead to cardiovascular disease. Between 15 and 35 percent of your calories should come from fat.
Rule 3. Pay attention to protein. You do not need to eat a whole lot of protein, but you should try to have some with every meal and snack. This will help to keep sugar from flooding your bloodstream. Protein will also keep you from getting hungry too quickly and keep you from overeating. Good sources of protein include low-fat milk, yogurt, fish, meat, chicken, and dried beans and peas. About 10 to 20 percent of your calories should come from protein.
Please note that the information on this blog is for information and education only and is not intended as a substitute for personal medical attention. Always consult with your doctor about your personal medical concerns. And for nutritional guidance, consult a registered dietitian.
Read more: Meal Planning and What to Eat With Diabetes
Here are 3 basic rules to help you on the right path to managing your diet if you have type 2 diabetes:
Rule 1. Control your carbohydrates. Pay attention to the amount of carbohydrate you consume at each meal and snack. If you are on insulin, you will have to maintain the right ratio of insulin to carbohydrate. Choose mostly vegetables, whole grains, dried beans and peas and other high-fiber foods. About 40 to 60 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates. Avoid added sugars.
Rule 2. Choose the right fats. The types of fat you consume can make a big difference in your health. For example, unsaturated fats, the types found in fish, nuts, seeds and avocado, help to prevent cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, trans fats and saturated fats can cause your arteries to become stiff and lead to cardiovascular disease. Between 15 and 35 percent of your calories should come from fat.
Rule 3. Pay attention to protein. You do not need to eat a whole lot of protein, but you should try to have some with every meal and snack. This will help to keep sugar from flooding your bloodstream. Protein will also keep you from getting hungry too quickly and keep you from overeating. Good sources of protein include low-fat milk, yogurt, fish, meat, chicken, and dried beans and peas. About 10 to 20 percent of your calories should come from protein.
Please note that the information on this blog is for information and education only and is not intended as a substitute for personal medical attention. Always consult with your doctor about your personal medical concerns. And for nutritional guidance, consult a registered dietitian.
Read more: Meal Planning and What to Eat With Diabetes
