Diet for type II diabetes: the path to a healthy life
Having a healthy diet is essential for everyone, but it is particularly important for people with diabetes. A type II diabetes diet and correct eating strategy will make all the difference for a person struggling to control their blood glucose levels. But the question is what is the right diet strategy?
How much carbohydrate should you eat?
One of the main food groups are carbohydrates. They provide energy for the body in the form of glucose. Glucose is the main source of energy for all cells in our body.
Carbohydrates can be found in these daily food groups:
• Fresh fruits
• Plain yogurt and milk
• Bread, cereals, cereals, noodles
• Starchy vegetables like potatoes
The importance of carbohydrate counting
Carbohydrate counting is really a way of planning a meal that is an easy method of controlling the amount of total carbohydrates that you eat each day.
With carb counting, you can manage your carb intake based on sugar before meals, as well as adjust your insulin intake. Carbohydrate counting can be followed by anyone, not just people with diabetes. When you eat much more carbohydrates compared to your insulin supply, you can control spikes in your blood sugar. If the patient eats too little, the blood sugar level may drop too low.
Your Fiber Intake: How Much Should You Eat?
Fiber is a part of plant foods that cannot be digested. Diets high in soluble fiber are linked to much lower risks of obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
The goal for most Americans should be to eat about 25 to 35 grams of soluble fiber each day. The best method to improve fiber intake as part of the diet for type II diabetes is to have more of the following high-fiber foods:
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Cooked dried peas and beans
• Cereals, crackers and whole grain products
• Integral rice
• Bran products
Fat in a diet for type II diabetes
Here are some common recommendations for choosing and preparing low-fat meals for your type 2 diabetes diet:
• Choose lean meats like red meat, chicken, and fish. Don’t fry them, instead you can broil, bake, broil, grill, or boil them.
• Choose low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk, low-fat cheese, and products made with skim milk, such as nonfat frozen yogurt, nonfat yogurt, buttermilk, and evaporated skim milk.
• Choose vegetable oils that include monounsaturated fats that can help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol.
• Choose low-fat sauces, salad dressings and margarines, and keep in mind that carbohydrates count in both dressings and condiments.
• All fruits and vegetables are great choices for low-fat foods.