If you have diabetes, it is important to be mindful of the foods you eat. Try to limit carbohydrates with added sugar or those that contain refined grains, such as white bread and white rice. Instead, opt for carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and skim or low-fat milk. You have lots of options when it comes to protein sources, such as beef, chicken, fish, pork, turkey, seafood, beans, cheese, eggs, nuts, and tofu.
People with diabetes should also be careful when consuming dried fruits and pre-made juices or fruit salads as they often contain added sugar.Eating unhealthy foods can have several negative effects on the body such as weight gain and high blood sugar levels. Fortunately, there are healthy options to replace unhealthy foods. Here are 10 foods to avoid if you have diabetes along with some healthier replacement options.
Processed meats
, such as bacon, ham, salami or jerky contain many harmful chemicals that aren't found in fresh meat. They have also been linked to diseases such as cancer and heart disease in numerous studies.Replace processed meats with leaner, more natural protein options such as chicken, turkey, tuna or hard-boiled eggs. Packaged snacks and processed baked goods should be replaced with hummus and vegetables, a handful of almonds or apple slices topped with nut butter.
White carbs
should be replaced with whole carbs such as brown rice, quinoa and whole-grain pasta and breads.Nuts are a delicious way to satisfy your appetite and sweet tooth and generally contain a good amount of fiber. However, it is important to note that some nuts are high in calories so it is best to consume them in moderation.Dried fruits such as raisins and dates should also be consumed in moderation as they contain a high amount of sugar. A small box of raisins (43 grams) contains 25 grams of sugar; a 50-gram serving of dates also contains 25 grams of sugar.In addition to avoiding certain foods if you have diabetes it is important to include certain superfoods in your diet that can help you control blood glucose levels, lose weight or maintain a healthy weight and prevent heart disease. A diabetic diet is a healthy eating plan that is naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. The key elements are fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
In fact, a diabetic diet is the best eating plan for most people. It's also a good idea to avoid foods with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils as well as foods with liquid oils. A food choice has about the same amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and calories and the same effect on blood glucose as a serving of any other food in that same category.