Helpful Hints for the Diabetic Diet
Having diabetes requires a diet of controlled carbohydrate intake. Nobody likes to diet, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. The number one factor in getting control of your diabetes is having the proper diet, and knowing what you should and should not eat.
Dieting is not always about cutting calories. If you’re over-weight, then cutting calories is important. If you’re not over-weight, then cutting calories is not priority, but eating the right kinds and the right amount of carbohydrates is important. Here are some hints that can help you maintain a proper diet and take control of your diabetes.
* Fructose should be avoided because it’s converted into glucose very quickly. This will raise your blood sugar level. The less natural insulin your body makes, or in other words, the more diabetic you are, the faster this fructose will turn into glucose.
* Most types of cheese contain less than five carbs per serving, so you won’t necessarily have to worry about them too much when you’re trying to maintain a certain amount of carbohydrates per day. Although, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are more calorie dense and should be eaten sparingly.
* Bananas come in different shapes and colors, but they all contain basically the same amount of carbohydrates, so don’t worry about it if it’s called a plantain.
* Grape, apple, pineapple, and prune juices should be avoided. Even if they’re not sweetened, the natural sugars in the juices absorb into your blood stream too quickly.
* Fresh, soft bread, stale bread, and even toast all have equal carbohydrates. The only thing that changes is the moisture content within.
* Whole apples will often affect your glucose negatively and should be avoided by most diabetics. A good sized apple may have 30 grams or more of fast metabolizing sugar. Applesauce should be avoided for the same reason, as it also has a lot of natural sugar.
* Fruits that are dehydrated, like prunes and raisins contain extremely high amounts of concentrated sugars and should be avoided.
* Take it easy on nuts. A small handful may be alright, but too many can skyrocket your blood sugar levels.
* Read the labels on condiments before using them. Common brands of ketchup are upwards of 29 percent sugar, and should not be consumed.
These are just a few helpful hints with dieting properly if you have diabetes. For a more precise diet on how you personally should diet, always consult your physician.