Rather than a restrictive diet, a diabetes diet or MNT>medical nutrition therapy is a healthy-eating plan thats naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In fact, a diabetes diet is the best eating plan for most everyone. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, MNT that can help you control your blood sugar (glucose) level and manage your weight. When you eat excess calories and fat, your body responds by creating an undesirable rise in blood glucose. If blood glucose isnt kept in check, it can lead to serious problems, such as a dangerously high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) and chronic complications, such as nerve, kidney and heart damage. Making healthy food choices and tracking your eating habits can help you manage your blood glucose level and keep it within a safe range. For most people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss also can make it easier to control blood glucose and offers a host of other health benefits. If you need to lose weight, MNT provides a well-organized, nutritious way to reach your goal safely. Healthy carbohydrates. During digestion, sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates) break down into blood glucose. Focus on the healthiest carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, peas and lentils) and low-fat dairy products. Fiber-rich foods. Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body cant digest or absorb. Fiber can decrease the risk of heart disease and help control blood sugar levels. Foods high in fiber include vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes (beans, peas and lentils), whole-wheat flour and wheat bran. Foods to avoid Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke by accelerating the development of clogged and hardened arteries. Foods containing the following can work against your goal of a heart-healthy diet. Saturated fats. >>High-fat dairy products and animal proteins such as beef, hot dogs, sausage and bacon contain saturated fats. Get no more than 7 percent of your daily calories from saturated fat. Trans fats. >>These types of fats are found in processed snacks, baked goods, shortening and stick margarines and should be avoided completely. Cholesterol. >>Sources of cholesterol include high-fat dairy products and high-fat animal proteins, egg yolks, shellfish, liver, and other organ meats. Aim for no more than 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol a day. Sodium. >>Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium a day.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 22:49:30 +0000
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