For diabetes patients it is really important to take a lot of care on their diabetic diet. Here many people must be thinking at the moment that what should they eat? It is a fact that living with diabetes is really a challenging task but don’t be confused because you can do it. As we have mentioned in our previous articles, a balanced diet is really important for any kind of disease that you’re facing. So diabetic patients need extra attention to their diet due to the nature of the disease. You can eat everything, but with the right knowledge and effective strategy of implementation you can maintain your healthy diet. This will not only help to control blood sugar level but also boost your overall health as well.
This comprehensive article is all about. Here we will deeply talk about a healthy diabetic diet for a better living. After reading this article you will be in a position to know complete information about diabetic diet plan and its execution. Don’t go anywhere else this article is going to be very vital for you. Let’s get started.
Understanding Diabetic Diet
It is important to understand both diabetes and diet. If you are a diabetes patient then you must understand what this disease is? For further information just try to understand what actually diabetes is? It is a chronic disease where the blood sugar level of the patient increases to a greater extent. This failure arises when your body stops producing enough insulin or cannot use insulin as required to the body. In this whole scenario diet is one of the major factors that must be managed in an efficient way. Healthy diet is really important in order to regulate blood sugar level which is the major component in case of diabetes. Healthy diet is not only helpful for maintaining a regular blood sugar level but it is also important to maintain a healthy weight as well.
The Basic of a Diabetic Diet
Do you know what the meaning of diabetic diet is in this context? It means that the diet that you consume in your daily routine must be full of those food items that help to manage blood sugar levels. Here in the following we are going to talk about some important components of food that must be included in your diet if you are a diabetes patient.
Carbohydrate Management
For diabetes patients carbohydrate management is very important because it has a lot of impact on the blood sugar level. So it becomes essential to monitor what types of carbohydrates you are consuming. Healthcare providers suggest that you must choose complex carbohydrates that have a high fiber and lower level of glycemic index. These complex carbohydrates are fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
Balanced Meal
Try to consume a balanced meal at every time. Your meal must consist of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in a balanced form. Do you know why a balanced meal is important in case of diabetes? It is because this balance supports to maintain your healthy blood sugar level and give you complete health nutrients.
Portion Control
For diabetes patients it is critical to know about the appropriate portion of the food that they have to consume. It actually helps to manage your calorie intake and healthy weight. A Professional Healthcare provider can provide you a diet plan in this context.
Regular Eating Schedule
Another important diabetic diet plan is a regular eating schedule. Try to eat on the same day and at the same time. By doing so, your blood sugar level remains in check. Make sure not to skip diet at any time or day. If you do this it results in the fluctuation of blood sugar level which is not required if you are a diabetic patient.
Creating a Healthy Diabetic Diet Plan
Here the important question at the moment is what is the healthy diabetic diet plan? The answer is really simple. It means what kind of food you include in your daily meal and what foods you will avoid. Here in the following we are going to talk about healthy diabetic diet plan tips and tricks. Let’s have a look.
Whole Foods should Be Your Priority
The first important step that you have to take for a healthy diabetic diet plan is to include whole foods in your daily meal. Whole foods are actually less processed and contain nutrients in abundance form. Some of the important whole foods that you can include in your diet plan are as follows.
Whole Grains
The top of the list in case of whole foods are whole grains like whole wheat, oats, barley, brown rice and quinoa.
Fruits and Vegetables
When you are making a comprehensive diabetic diet plan you must have to include your fruits and vegetables in your daily eating routine. In this case eat those vegetables which are non starchy, for example broccoli, leaf Greens and peppers.
Lean Proteins
Lean proteins are one of the best examples of whole foods. You can consume a variety of lean proteins like lean beef, skinless poultry, beans, legumes and fish.
Healthy Fats
Fats are very important for your body but remember only healthy fats are helpful to perform your daily routine functioning and the consumption of the body. You can get healthy fats from nuts, avocados, olive oil and seeds.
Carbohydrates Selection
If you are a diabetic patient then remember carbohydrates are one of the major factors that actually affect your blood sugar level more than any other ingredient. So it is really important to know what kinds of carbohydrates are good for your health especially in case of diabetes. Here in this part of the article we are going to talk about some of the helpful carbohydrates that are required if you are a diabetic patient. Let’s have a look.
Carbohydrate Counting
It is crucial to understand the quantity of carbohydrates required for a healthy diabetic plan. Try to examine it on a regular basis. By doing this you can help yourself in order to maintain your blood sugar level in a healthy stage.
Glycemic Index (GI)
Try to choose those foods that have a lower or medium level of glycemic index which is simply known as GI. It is important to lower your high blood sugar level. In this case Legumes, whole grains and fruits and vegetables are the best examples.
Healthy Cooking Techniques
It really matters how you cook your food because it has a higher impact on its nutritional values. Try to use those cooking techniques and methods which are considered as healthy and safe. It helps to lower unusable fats and enhance nutrients. Some of the healthy cooking techniques and methods are as follows:
Grilling, Baking and Steaming
Grilling, baking and steaming are useful cooking in the case of a healthy diabetic diet plan. Actually these methods preserve nutrients with minimum fats.
Avoid Frying
If you are fond of frying foods then stop right now especially if you are a diabetes patient. Fried food is not good for your overall health because it contains unhealthy fats and calories.
Use Herbs and Spices
Try to add natural touch in your daily meal. Avoid salt, sugar and use Herbs and spices for improving the flavor of your dishes.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is really important for your body. It not only helps to boost your immune system but also prevents fatal diseases. Most importantly it is critical to keep your blood sugar level at a normal position. Now the question is how you can be hydrated. Here are some tips for you.
Drink Plenty of Water
Healthcare providers suggest that it is important to consume at least 8 glasses of water per day on a regular basis.
Reduce Sugary Drinks
Stop or reduce sugary drinks if you are implementing on diabetic diet plan. There are a lot of sugary drinks which are not helpful for your overall health as well like juices, soda’s and sweetened teas.
Healthy Snacks
Try to eat healthy snacks instead of low quality ones. Healthy snacks help to maintain your blood sugar level at a normal and stable position when you eat them between meals. Consume snacks that are combined with fiber, protein and healthy fats. Some of the healthy and useful snacks in case of diabetic diet are as follows.
Nuts and Seeds
If you are feeling a light hunger then nuts and seeds are a good option. You can eat almonds, walnuts and Chia seeds.
Fresh Vegetable
There are a lot of vegetables that you can eat but as a healthy snack you can consume cucumber, carrot and Cherry tomatoes.
Low Fat Dairy
In case of diabetes whether it is Type 1 or 2 it is important to consume low fat dairy products such as cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.
Special Recommendation for Different Types of Diabetes
Whether you are a patient with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, the basic diabetic diet plan applies to you. But there are some factors or reasons where some changes are required for both types of diabetes. Let’s talk about type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
For those patients who are suffering from type 1 diabetes insulin therapy is critical. It becomes very important to keep a balance from insulin doses and carbohydrates intake. Some important points are as follows.
Carbohydrate Counting
In case of Type 1 Diabetes, carbohydrate counting is very important. When you count the intake of carbohydrate it helps to compare it with insulin doses.
Consistent Monitoring
Consistent monitoring of blood sugar level is so critical in order to check out insulin requirements. In this way you can adjust insulin according to the required condition.
Type 2 Diabetes
In most of the cases, type 2 diabetes needs a proper management that consists of various practices such as diet exercises and medicine if required. Some of the important considerations in this case are as follows.
Weight Management
For type 2 diabetes it is critical to maintain a healthy weight because being overweight is one of the biggest hindrances of type 2 diabetes. Healthy weight is important to improve the sensitivity level of the insulin.
Physical Activity
If you want to lower your blood sugar level then make sure to take physical activities regularly like exercises. Physical activities not only maintain your blood sugar level up to the mark but also help to reduce overweight.
Tips for Eating Outside Home
Eating outside your home is really a challenging task but with some proper planning you can deal with it to a greater extent. The only thing that you want is a healthy diet that does not affect your blood sugar level if you are suffering from diabetes. There are some important tips for you in order to decide on healthy eating. Let’s have a look.
Research Menus
It is better to check out the menus of the restaurant online and choose your best dish according to your diet plan which is diabetic diet plan.
Portion Control
In order to avoid overeating you can take your half meal at home or can share with someone who needs it.
Substitutions
You can ask for substitute dishes. For example it is better to eat vegetables instead of fried foods.
Healthy Eating
Healthy eating means not overeating. So pay attention to your hunger and keep yourself away from overeating.
The Role of Exercise
It is really important to include physical activities into your daily routine. There are some useful exercises that are really helpful to improve the sensitivity of the insulin, keeping your blood sugar level in check. Exercises which are helpful in case of diabetes are as follows.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercises or activities are walking, swimming and cycling. Medical science suggests that a person should make a habit to take aerobic exercise 150 minutes each week.
Strength Training
Strength training exercises are also helpful when you are implementing diabetic diet plan. It is because these types of physical activities give additional support in case of diabetes. Doctors suggest that it is important to perform strength training exercises like resistance bands and lifting weights. You can do this at least 2 days in a week.
Flexibility and Balance
There are some exercises that are helpful keeping you flexible and balanced. In this way you can prevent possible injuries as well.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Diet
Try to monitor your blood sugar level on a regular basis. Why is it important? It is because when you monitor your blood sugar level regularly you can adjust your diabetic diet plan according to the feedback. Here in the following there are some important tips for you in this context.
Keep a Food Journal
Keeping a food journal can be a helpful diabetic diet plan. It is important to know what you eat and how it will affect your sugar level in the blood.
Consult a Dietitian
A Professional dietitian can give you a comprehensive diet plan by keeping all the things in mind that you have kept in yourself in case of a food journal.
Dealing with Challenges
You may have to face a lot of challenges in the journey towards recovery from diabetes. But with the help of effective strategies you can pass all the hindrances and live a happy life. Some of the important tips in this case are as follows.
Stay Educated
Keep in touch with the latest innovations and research in the field of medicine especially diabetes for effective Dietary suggestions.
Seek Support
Diabetes is a complex disease that needs a long term treatment with patience. It is very important to obtain support and help from your friends and family and your beloved ones. You can join support groups related to diabetes in order to keep in touch with others and get valuable information that they have obtained during this disease.
Be Patient
It is important to understand that it takes a lot of time to get results when you change your diet plans. So patience is pretty much required in this whole scenario. Just focus on the short term achievements that you obtain during diabetes treatment.
Conclusion
There are a lot of ways and means to manage diabetes; diabetic diet plan is one of the important tools in this case. By implementing strategies and tips you can keep your blood sugar level at a normal position. A healthy diabetic diet plan is very important and you can create this plan with the help of your dietitian. Just focus on whole foods, regular physical activities and balanced meals and enjoy a diabetic plan full of all the necessary ingredients. In order to monitor your blood sugar level it is important to adjust your diet according to this feedback. By following these tips you can live a healthy life with diabetes, no issues whatsoever.