What’s best to eat when you have diabetes?

by nutrigirl | Nov 14, 2022 | Sound Off!

November is National Diabetes Month. I had the chance to discuss diabetes prevention today on channel 9 (WCPO) news. I feel like I bring a lot of pantry and fridge samples to segments but want to give people an idea of what to eat!

Diabetes runs in my family and I myself, have pre-diabetes. My diet is not perfect, but I do try to do the right thing like walking most days of the week and limiting sweets. I try not to eat after dinner and play pickleball for stress relief!

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may hear conflicting information on what to eat, especially after your diagnosis. All too often, people with diabetes think they need to avoid carbohydrates and other favorite foods in their diet. In reality, when you have diabetes, you should be able to eat anything you’d like, but in smaller amounts.

The quantity and frequency of your foods, even healthy foods, matters. This review aims to give you specific, realistic tips on what foods to include when you have diabetes to help you create an eating plan that’s right for you.

Can I eat breads or cereals when I have diabetes?

You can still manage your blood sugar effectively if you’re eating bread, toast, a bun, or a wrap. There are several varieties of nutritious bread for individuals with diabetes. Go for those labeled 100% whole grain (or whole wheat), sprouted grain, high in fiber, or sourdough. If bread is labeled “multi-grain,” read the ingredients for whole grains used and check the fiber content (look for a few grams of fiber per slice.)

Several bread brands are available on the market that are lower in calories and carbs. Some varieties like cloud bread or cauliflower-based bread are examples. In addition, you can find “thin” or “skinny” bagels, bread, or sandwich thins, which also tend to have fewer calories and carbs. Look for whole-grain bread, wraps, and buns that contain at least two grams of fiber or more per serving. The amount of fiber is listed in the “Nutrition Facts” section of the food label.

Cereals such as rolled oats, shredded wheat, bran flakes and other high-fiber, low-sugar cereals are encouraged, in moderate amounts. Add ground flaxseed, chia seeds, chopped nuts or even protein powder. This helps manage blood sugar and appetite. You can add a few raisins or dried cranberries but keep the serving small as dried fruit is higher in sugar than fresh. A teaspoon will do it.

Am I supposed to avoid fruit when I have diabetes?

No! One other myth that individuals with diabetes may hear is that fruit is off-limits and bad for your blood sugar. Not true! Fruit provides vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients beneficial for blood sugar management and overall health. Fruit juice, fruit cocktail, and canned or frozen fruit packed in syrup or sugar may raise blood sugar.

Choose whole fruit in place of juice for more fiber and phytochemicals (plant chemicals that aid in disease prevention). Choose fresh or frozen fruit packed without added sugar. Include lots of colorful vegetables when possible. These are low in calories and carbohydrates but a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fresh or frozen are welcome!

Of all the fruits, berries, including blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, have the lowest sugar content. Kiwi, citrus fruit, melon, apples, bananas, pears, peaches, plums, grapes, and nectarines can also be included in your diet, though serving sizes may vary depending on the type of fruit consumed. Dried fruit such as apricots, dates, mangoes, raisins, or prunes have more concentrated sugar, so serving sizes are smaller. Think of these like candy instead of fruit.

What kind of snacks can I eat when I have diabetes?

When deciding what kinds of snacks to eat when you have diabetes, consider your food preferences and what you enjoy eating. Eating foods that contain fiber and protein may help keep blood sugar levels in check. For example, pair an apple with string cheese or whole-grain crackers with peanut butter or a hard-boiled egg.

Including snacks that are lower in carbs between meals is best to help prevent elevated blood sugar levels before meals. Items such as veggies with hummus or yogurt-based dip, low-fat string cheese, nuts or seeds, or turkey jerky are lower in carbs to help manage blood sugar spikes.

Other snacks could include sugar snap peas or pepper strips with avocado or yogurt dip, grape tomatoes, light cheese chunks, or almonds with a high fiber, low sugar cold cereal (such as shredded wheat or bran Chex). Edamame (green soybeans), nuts, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds are other tasty snacks for individuals with diabetes that have fewer carbs, fat, and sodium than chips.

What are some healthy meal choices for diabetes?

When it comes to managing your blood sugar, health is in your hands! Making meals at home allows you to take control of the ingredients to manage your blood sugar better. Unwanted ingredients such as added sugar, salt, or excess fat can be limited when creating meals at home. Eating at home helps with portion control and food costs, too.

Be sure to include fresh foods in their whole form to obtain adequate fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in your diet that are necessary for the best health. Use whole-grain bread and other grains, including brown rice, whole grain pasta, quinoa, farro, and other high fiber grains. Make homemade chicken nuggets instead of processed ones to limit the fat and sodium in your meals. Have baked or mashed potatoes in place of French fries.

Limit red meat and especially processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, sausage, etc.). Both have been linked with higher rates of diabetes. Protein sources such as fish, poultry, eggs, tofu, plain yogurt, and low-fat cheese are welcome. Baking, broiling, or grilling are healthier cooking methods than deep frying. Keep in mind that breading will add unnecessary carbohydrates to your meals! Beans, peas, and lentils provide protein, carbs, and fiber in your diet. Because they’re a carbohydrate source, treat them as a “grain” in your diet when meal planning. Typically, a half cup of cooked beans or lentils is a serving.

What types of fat should I eat?

There’s nothing wrong with fat. It’s tasty and helps you feel satisfied! However, large portions can make managing blood sugars and weight challenging. Try smaller amounts when eating or cooking with fats (one tablespoon is a service).

In general, choosing plant-based liquid fats like natural peanut butter, nuts, seeds, olive, canola, and avocado oil is beneficial for cholesterol management over animal fats like lard and butter. Choose mustard, hummus, or guacamole for condiments and vinegar-based dressings for salads to help keep your fat portions and calories in check.

The Plate method is a simple, effective way to plan meals. Make half of your plate vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or leafy greens, one quarter of it a starchy food like potatoes, rice, pasta, and one quarter of it lean protein like chicken, fish or lean pork, or beef. The Plate Method ensures a balance of nutrients in your diet to help manage blood sugar.

To wrap it up:

• Eat foods you enjoy in moderation.
• Choose whole-grain bread, cereals, and other grains when possible.
• Include lots of vegetables and lower-sugar fruit in your diet.
• Snack on foods low in calories and carbohydrates but provide fiber and protein.
• Make meals at home to control ingredients and portion sizes.
• Pick lean, plant-based proteins when possible.
• Choose low-fat cooking methods when preparing meals.
• Use the plate method to plan balanced meals.

For more information on diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of diabetes, go to the American Diabetes Association website: American Diabetes Association | Research, Education, Advocacy