Choosing and Eating the Right Diet for Diabetics

by Barb Hicks - Clivir Team

The diabetic diet is so healthy that anyone can and should partake of its goodness. Not only does the diabetic diet help to control glucose levels, it aids in weight loss as well. Obesity is one of the risk factors for diabetes, in addition to a sedentary lifestyle. Following a healthy diabetic diet can decrease your risks for developing the disease.

How we eat is one of the major reasons that diabetes and heart disease are so prevalent in the US. So, it makes sense that if we all ate healthier foods and increased our physical activity, the prevalence of diabetes could decrease.

What is a diabetic diet?

The diabetic diet is one that is rich in fresh fruits, green and colorful vegetables, whole grain breads cereals and pasta, and lean meats such as fish and poultry. Most all foods consist of carbohydrates which is the main source of energy for the body. Carbohydrates also raise glucose levels, and those with diabetes must take care in the amounts of carbohydrates they eat and when. Meals should be eaten at the same time of day, in conjunction with coordinating insulin injections.

Fresh Fruits: All fruits are free of cholesterol. They are low in fat and sodium, and calories and provide fiber, vitamins and nutrients, as well as cancer fighting antioxidants.

Fresh Or Raw Green Vegetables: Vegetables contain fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Fiber content is high and added with other foods that are high in fiber helps to ward off or prevent chronic and other serious illnesses.

Whole Grains: Are excellent sources of fiber and other natural nutrients that help keep the digestive system functioning regularly.

Dairy Products: Drinking 2-3 servings per day of low fat or skim milk lowers fat intake and provides calcium, potassium, and vitamins.

Lean Meats: Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, and fish. Some diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, suggest limiting your intake of red meats to once per month. Red meat is harder to digest and remains in the digestive system for far too long.

To get healthy and remain that way starts with a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber. Seafood is great, but are known to be high in cholesterol, such as lobster and shrimp. Liver is also has a high cholesterol content and should not be eaten by those who have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

You can lower your risks for diabetes by eating a healthy diet, controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels, monitoring your blood pressure, and daily checks on your blood glucose levels. Keeping all levels in balance prevents major complications such as heart disease, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and heart failure.

About the Author
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to write and share. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Diabetes Cure and Diabetes Warning Signs.