People with diabetes struggle with blood sugar control. Because insulin levels tend to spike and fall in a diabetic body, eating sugary foods can be a concern. Carbohydrates are converted into sugar in your body, generally healthily giving you energy. However, if you have diabetes, too many carbohydrates can mean too much sugar. Controlling the sugar you put in your body can help you control the diabetic effects in your body.
Breakfast
WebMD reports a 2006 Swedish study that found low-carbohydrate diets to be more beneficial in keeping diabetic symptoms under control, even more so than low-fat diets did. In the morning, rather than focusing on sweet treats, diabetics should choose high-protein options. Bacon, sausage and eggs can have a bad reputation for being high in fat, but for diabetics this may be less of a concern that for others. Eating lean meats and low-fat dairy options may be an ideal option for diabetic breakfasts–to control diabetes as well as weight gain.
Lunch
A “U.S. News & World Report” article published in March 2009 explained that diabetics benefit from counting the carbohydrates they eat each day. This will help you eat only the number of carbohydrates each meal that your body can handle. The article advises diabetics to choose carbohydrates full of other nutrients and keep “empty” carbohydrates to a minimum. When putting together your lunch each day, keep this in mind. If you want something sweet, choose a fruit full of vitamin C and other nutrients your body needs anyway. If you want a sandwich, choose a filling, whole grain option. Keep an eye on dressings that might be full of sugar. Make sure you count those in your total.
Snacks
A University of Michigan article has suggested that low-carb foods after exercising are the best option for diabetics–even better than no snacks at all. If you work out each day, plan a snack after that is low in sugar. Put down the granola and energy bars, and pick up some nuts or cheese instead. This will give your body the boost it needs without any unnecessary spikes.
Dinner
At the end of the day, don’t grow lax about your carbohydrate watch. Replace rice with a brown rice or quinoa. Put emphasis on the proteins and vegetables in your meal. If you have some carbohydrates left over in your count, indulge in a small treat, but don’t go overboard. After working hard all day, you won’t want to ruin it with one too many bread rolls.
