The life of a diabetic can be difficult on their diet. If a person has diabetes, it is important that they know the connection between carbohydrate consumption and diabetes control. Once carbohydrates are synthesized by the digestive system, they are converted to sugars and have a direct effect on blood glucose levels. The diet of a diabetic must maintain a delicate balance of essential nutrients and minerals. It is important for diabetics to know which foods to eat and which to avoid.

Choose high-fiber vegetables

Eating high-fiber vegetables is good for diabetics, as fiber does not increase or affect blood sugar levels. Vegetables should be minimally processed and ideally should be eaten raw. Fiber-rich vegetables that are great for diabetics include cauliflower, celery, cucumber, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, artichokes, cabbage, eggplant, bell peppers, greens, and spinach.

Suggested Fruit Variants for Diabetics

Fruits that are high in fiber and fructose are good for diabetics as they do not affect blood sugar levels. Raw fruits are best for diabetics, as most dried and canned fruits contain high levels of sugar. Suggested fruits include apricots, apples, blueberries, grapes, guavas, kiwis, mangoes, pears, and pomegranates.

Meat and protein substitutes

Getting adequate amounts of protein should be part of any diet, especially for diabetics. Protein helps regulate blood sugar levels and provides energy. While meat products are generally the best sources of protein, diabetics should limit their meat intake and instead consume more vegetables and fish, which provide essential fatty acids and protein. The best meat substitutes for diabetics include beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey, fatty fish like mackerel and salmon, shellfish, eggs, beans, lentils, soy, and moderate amounts of milk and dairy products.

Limit consumption of unhealthy fats

Diabetics should also limit their consumption of unhealthy fats such as saturated fats, as well as reduce their intake of margarine, butter, and shortening. Diabetics should opt for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are found in canola, olive oil, and walnuts.

Whole grains

Whole grains also serve as a tasty way to add good carbohydrates to your diet. Choose whole grains and breads, bran, barley, buckwheat, millet, and steel cut oats.

Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t have enough healthy and delicious food anymore. A healthy diabetic eating plan should translate into consuming a wide variety of foods, in moderate amounts. Diabetics should also stick to regular meal times and eat a diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other healthy substitutes for meat. A diabetes diet should not be restrictive, but should offer you foods rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories.