Wednesday, 21st of December 2011 at 01:13:40 PM
For those with diabetes, following a low-carb diet is an important part of blood sugar level management.
Choosing the right diet is difficult for anyone, but when you have a medical condition that limits your food choices, dieting can seem impossible. For those with diabetes, avoiding carbohydrates and sugars is a part of their blood sugar level management. While avoiding these foods entirely may not be realistic, choosing a more protein based diet is often recommended by doctors and weight loss specialists. Not only are patients able to create stable blood sugar level with a low carb diet, but they can also create a slimmer body.
Why Carbohydrates Aren’t All Bad
The human body actually needs carbohydrates and sugars in order to have energy and to feel good. However, when someone has diabetes, they are unable to break down the sugars quickly (or at all), which can lead to very high blood sugar levels. When this happens, the body can begin to shut down. Some carbohydrates are worse for raising blood sugar levels – i.e. processed sugars and simple carbohydrates. Whole grains, on the other hand, take a longer time to break down, allowing the body the chance to use the sugars without having troubles keeping up. Each diabetic is different though, so some may not be able to eat a lot of carbohydrates as a rule when they are trying to manage their blood sugar levels.
The Problem with Low Fat Foods
Low fat foods have been touted as being helpful in the fight against fat. Though they do help by having fewer calories from fat, often, manufacturers replace the fat with sugar to give the food more flavor. This may mean that while the food might be lower in fat, it may also be higher in sugar. And this is problematic for those with diabetes. Eating low fat foods which are not processed will help to avoid this problem entirely, though some natural foods also contain high levels of natural sugar which can impact the blood sugar levels.
A Healthy Low Carbohydrate Life
Choosing a low carbohydrate diet might be the perfect fit for a diabetic. By reducing the amount of sugar taken in, the diabetic will be able to create a steady blood sugar and also lose weight. It will be helpful to choose lean cuts of meat as well as to choose low fat dairy products as well to ensure the dieter isn’t ingesting a lot of unnecessary fat and cholesterol. Adding plenty of vegetables is also important in order to keep the diet healthy and nutrient rich. Talking with your doctor can help you to create a plan which works for your taste buds and blood sugar as well as for your waistline.
A diabetic who loses 10% of their body weight will often have an easier time controlling their blood sugar levels, according to some research studies. By taking the time to investigate a low-carb diet, you might be able to keep your body healthy while also looking good in the process.
Other Related Posts and Articles you May Find Interesting: “Foods that Stabilize Blood Sugar”, “Weight Loss Benefits of Protein”, “Diabetes and Diet” and “Diabetic Foods”.
Yes you should count carbs if you have diabetes, but rather then being too restrictive about your diet, it’s best if you start a more lifestyle diet. Your eating plan should just include a lot of healthy foods that are naturally rich in nutrients, foods that are low in fat and low in calories. Focus on foods like fruits and veggies and whole grains. Honestly, a diabetes diet is the best way to eat for most everyone, not just those with diabetes.
If you are diabetic you should be avoiding these foods:
Trans fats. These types of fats are found in processed snacks, baked goods, shortening and stick margarines and should be avoided completely.
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.
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 200 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol a day.
Sodium. Aim for less than 2,000 mg of sodium a day.
Actually you should be aiming for high fat, low carb, moderate protein. This will help most with regulating your blood glucose levels.