Wondering what are the worst foods for diabetes? Learn what to avoid.
If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, you know the extra care and diligence that must be shown when it comes to choosing the right foods. Over time, you may even create a worst foods for diabetes list that includes food known to severely spike blood sugar levels. The main goal for anyone living with this illness is to find foods that are liked and which help keep blood sugar levels in balance. It is also important for diabetics to steer clear of items that contain simple sugars, such as soda and candy, as these can wreak havoc on blood sugar.
While at first it may seem like a diabetic diet is extremely restricting, the reality is you do not have to give up all the foods you love. You can still enjoy an extensive array of foods, tweaking your choices to make sure healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates are well balanced. You will want to become familiar with fruits to avoid in diabetes, as too much of certain types can drastically affect blood sugar. In addition, you will want to keep a list of certain vegetables to avoid in diabetes.
Keep in mind the goal of a diabetic diet is to learn how carbohydrates and certain foods affect blood sugar. Carbohydrates are found in the diet through breads, pastas, milk, sweets, grains, and specific starchy vegetables and fruit. Why is it so important to track your carbs? Because they get broken down in the body to glucose quickly and will raise your blood sugar levels. To help you create a list of the best and worst food for diabetes, check out some of the following choices:
1. Vegetables to Avoid
Wondering what vegetables to avoid in diabetes? Considering eating only small portions of starch-heavy vegetables such as potatoes, peas and corn. On the flip side, have as much as you want of non-starch vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, carrots, leafy greens and cauliflower. In fact, many of these vegetables are loaded with nutrients, so considering filling half of your plate with items from this group. And, in cases of a strong craving for mashed potatoes or white rice, consider making mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice.
2. Fruits to Avoid
If you are curious what fruits to eat and which fruits to avoid in diabetes, consider the following. Canned fruits packed in syrup, dried fruits, and fruit juices are known for having extremely high concentrations of sugar. Fresh fruits contain fiber, which helps slow down the surge of sugar. Good options to keep in mind include berries and Granny Smith apples.
3. Grains
Grains to eat in moderation and very small amounts include pastas and white rice. You also want to keep items such as many breakfast cereals, pastries and white bread to a minimum. Last, instant oatmeal – which many people see as healthy – is a food that can cause high spikes in sugar levels. When it comes to grains you will want to include, consider wild rice, whole grain bread and cereals and quinoa.
4. Fats
Diabetics should keep a close eye on heart health and how much and which types of fats they are consuming. Stick to good fats, such as those found in avocados, almonds, and walnuts. Avoid trans fat, and food items that are heavy in butter or fried.
Now that you are familiar with some of the best and worst food for diabetes, you can create a handy list for yourself to take on shopping excursions. Keep in mind, no foods are truly one hundred percent off limits, you just want to be aware of the serving size and how often you are consuming that food. To learn more about diabetic diets and recipes, visit www.BetterHealthKare.com