Diet for Diabetic Patient
Diet for diabetic patient is usually rich in nutrition and does not contain much fat, sugar or salt. Diabetic Food Chart is a very handy tool that can help diabetics to eat the right food to avoid diabetic complications. A diabetic’s body cannot absorb the sugar that their food brings in. When a diabetic eats foods high in sugar, blood sugar levels rise. So, it is important that a diabetic diet chart lists foods that are low in sugar.
For every diabetic whether type 1 or type 2, blood sugar levels are crucial. It is absolutely essential that a diabetic manages his condition well and keeps blood sugar levels in control. Diabetes if poorly managed increases the risk of organ failure, hypertension and other heart diseases.
A well prepared diabetic food chart can be very helpful in preparing diabetic diet plans correctly. Correct diabetic diet plan leads to proper diabetic meals, which in turn help control blood sugar levels.
Is balanced meal good diet for diabetic patient?
\In other words, diet for diabetic patient is nothing but a very balanced diet. Diabetic patients must eat small meals that are low in sugar, salt, fat and calories.
Such meals do not cause much harm to the diabetic patient. If a diabetic person eats food that contains lot of sugar or carbs or starches, the blood sugar levels might spike.
On the other hand if a diabetic eats food that is not rich in essential nutrients, the person may get unwell sooner than a non-diabetic person. Hence diabetic patients must keep a tab on what they eat. Diabetics must eat more whole food and natural food. Processed food is not good for diabetics and cannot be on recommended diet for diabetic patient.
What does a diabetic food chart contain?
A good diabetic food chart must contain foods that are low in sugar, fat and salt. At the same time, diabetic food chart must also show foods that are high in fibre, protein and vitamins. Such a diabetic food chart helps diabetics eat a balanced diet, keep blood sugar levels good and maintain a healthy life style.
Fresh fruit and fresh vegetables are very rich in minerals. Your body absorbs these foods easily. Hence they are good for body metabolism and overall good health. Hence a good diabetic diet chart recommends plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Certain vegetables like pumpkin can help regulate blood sugar levels. Similarly, fenugreek is great for diabetics. If you soak fenugreek seeds in water over night and drink fenugreek water, you can regulate blood sugar levels. Similarly using fenugreek leaves in your diet helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Examples of great diet for diabetic patient
Whole Nuts
Whole nuts are a very good diet for diabetic patients as they contain very good nutrients and low sugar. The fibre and minerals in nuts help improve the health and immunity of a diabetic patient. A diabetic can eat nuts in moderate portions daily for great health benefits.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is another natural food great for diabetics. Diabetic fruit diet must be a combination of different types of fruits. A smart way is to pick fruits of different colours and eat. It is also wise to spread the fruit consumption across the day instead of eating all in one go. Many Fresh fruits contain lots of nutrients and are generally high in vitamin C. The fresh fruit diet keeps the diabetics active and lively. However, Diabetics should not eat huge amounts of fresh fruit of a single variety. They must only eat moderate amounts of a variety of fruits with different colours. But, certain tropical fruits such as mango etc. have too much sugar so diabetics can only eat a limited amount of such fruits. This approach provides a good combination of nutrients.
A good diabetic diet chart recommends fruits in moderate quantities only. There are certain high sugar fruits that diabetics should be careful about eating. For example, mangoes are very high in sugar. So diabetics must not eat too much mango fruit or drink mango based juices. Fruits like papaya, guava and pear are very good for diabetics. Overall diabetics must eat a variety of fresh fruits.
Fresh vegetables
Fresh vegetables are great food for diabetics. Hence, Diabetics can eat Fresh vegetables as part of salads etc. Truly, They keep the person hydrated and fresh. The anti-oxidants in some vegetables also help to de-stress and detoxify the body. In general, great vegetables for diabetics include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and tomato etc. Diabetics can eat all fruits and vegetables in general.
Salads
Can a diabetic eat salads? Yes, Fresh salads are the best diet for diabetics. Cucumber helps in weight loss and regulates blood sugar levels. Similarly celery and lettuce are great for diabetics to keep blood sugar levels low. Diabetics must eat fresh salad made from different coloured vegetables before eating any cooked food. This helps in good digestion and also weight control. When you eat fresh salad before eating cooked food, you end up eating less. As you feel full with fresh salad, you would eat less cooked food and thus consume fewer calories.
