Good Carbs for Diabetes Type 2

good carbs for diabetes 2

Readjusting your diet does not mean eliminating your favorite foods. You can still indulge by adding these good carbs for diabetes 2!

Limiting your diet can be hard, especially when you the things your limiting are your favorites. But your relationship with it does not have to change drastically just because of your diabetes. By choosing wisely and adding good carbs for diabetes 2, you can still find comforting meals that will satisfy your appetite.

Carbs can be tricky to understand, but they are mainly divided into three major groups – starches, sugars and fiber – knowing this will make it easier when you have to decide between a good or a bad carb for your new diet.

Carbohydrates for diabetics with Type 2 do not have to be crossed off of the list forever, when knowing what to choose is all it takes to be able to enjoy a hearty meal that it is also healthy and that won’t compromise your sugar levels.

Relying on a list of good carbs for diabetics is also helpful when deciding what to buy during your next supermarket trip, and what to eat on your next night out.

Starchy carbs, such as peas, corn, potatoes, lentils, rice, barley and oats can be considered good carbs for diabetes 2 patients. In fact, many of these have even a subgroup like it is the case of rice. For diabetes it is highly recommended to stick to brown or wild rice as healthier options than the super-processed white kind.

Carbs containing sugar can be considered natural, such as milk or fruit, and those what have added sugar like candies, baked goods, syrups, preserves, etc.

A good portion of healthy carbs are packed with the fiber that your body needs and it is easily found in legumes, vegetables, fruits and nuts.

Knowing where these good carbs for diabetes 2 can be found is essential when trying to develop a meal plan that will focus on your diabetes management and that will also help you maintain a healthy weight and take care of your cardiovascular system.

Carbohydrates for diabetics with type 2 should be ingested exercising portion control at all times, in order to facilitate digestion, but also to monitor how blood sugar levels are affected after these are taken.

To have an idea of where to find the perfect ingredients, you can rely on the list of good carbs for diabetics we have below and – as a rule of thumb – try to stick to those that are least processed and that contain the higher nutritional value.

The list of good carbs for diabetes 2 can include:

  • Oatmeal
  • Red Grapefruit
  • Melon
  • Cranberries
  • Blueberries
  • Asparagus
  • Avocados
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Apples
  • Fish
  • Whole Wheat Pasta
  • Bulgur
  • Brown Rice
  • Freekeh
  • Greek Yogurt
  • Sweet Potato
  • Lentils
  • Nuts
  • Flaxseed
  • Soy
  • Raspberries
  • Spinach
  • Red Peppers
  • Beans

The good thing about this list is that, many of the ingredients are great by themselves, or you can add your favorite lean protein to obtain endless combinations of delicious, hearty yet healthy meals that include good carbs to satisfy your cravings.

As another good factor to consider whenever you are preparing your meal, good carbs are great for diabetics as long as they are eaten in moderation and practicing portion control, but also by accompanying them with a lean protein.

Protein and fiber are the two factors that will prevent that those carbs you eat rise your blood sugar levels and put your health at risk.

Developing a meal plan with the guidance of your Doctor and a Diabetes Specialist is a great first step to take. In many cases, they will recommend a nutritionist that will be able to design a plan with the primary 3 meals and that snacks that your body will need to manage your diabetes, but also keep a healthy weight.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/nutritional-facts-food-labels#diet

https://www.prevention.com/food/best-carbs-diabetics

http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/

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