Diabetes and food dislikes

Diabetes and food dislikes: As a diabetic, it is not so much a matter of which foods we like and which foods we dislike. It is more a matter of which foods are good for us and which foods are bad. Sure you may feel that banning your favorite foods from your diet is like torture inflicted by your diabetes medical team, but think again. Having diabetes means that you have to say a big “no” to your previous favorite foods and a definite “yes” to others that you might have previously neglected (yes perhaps even hated), but remember that it is all in the name of your health.

If we think that the food pyramid is something found in Egypt, then we are long overdue for a consultation with our doctor. Management of our dietary intake can spell the difference in prolonging our life or shortening it.

Foods that scream NO:

Sugar and sweets. These obviously bag the top spot in your not-to-eat list. Even artificial sweeteners, chocolates which a lot of people have a craving for, and honey are included, even if they claim to be sugar-free. Since sugars are addictive, you can either gradually cut down the dosage or immediately stop taking it. Just like smoking or other things that have addictive contents, you might be subjected to withdrawal symptoms but resist the urge and it will be gone after a couple of weeks.

Since patients of diabetes do not produce enough insulin, which is responsible for controlling sugar level and absorption in the cells, blood sugar is not regulated and reaches a dangerously high level. So aside from medication, avoiding sugar and foods rich in sugar will help in minimizing the gravity of the disease.

Milk and cottage cheese in large quantities should also be avoided as well as low-fat yoghurts that contain added sugar.

Fruit juices, especially those ready made ones in cartons and foils, these contain a huge amount of sugar and can play havoc with your glucose levels. Opt for fresh fruits instead since they contain lower carbohydrates or add 2 to four parts of water in your fruit juice.

Beware of commercially packaged foods, even those that claim to be healthy, diet and light.

Diabetes can expose a person to a higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease, and eye and kidney complications so cutting down the amount of saturated fat in your meals can help regulate your cholesterol level. Also avoid eating fried foods.

Aside from the other obvious diseases associated with a big intake of alcohol, caffeine and smoking, most people disregard their implications but diabetes patients need to be extra vigilant in avoiding them since they can aggravate their condition.

Diabetes and food dislikes are not the only things that matter in a patient’s daily nourishment. There are also those that you can continue to eat and even get reacquainted with to help you in you control your condition.

Foods that are a definite YES:

Balanced intake of organ meats such as heart, kidneys, liver since they are good sources of obtaining multiple vitamins and minerals per serving, as well as poultry should be followed.

Instead of the low-fat yoghurts with added sugars, choose instead natural, plain full-fat yoghurts in your diet.

Vegetables and fruits are a yes, but since carbohydrate content has to be measured, it is best to seek advice from a qualified dietician. Since they are one of the highest sources of blood sugar, only 40 to 60 per cent in the daily caloric intake is recommended.

Whole grains, such as brown rice and bread with multiple grains, contain healthy fibers in a large amount should be taken since they aid in assisting the intestine in passing water and waste for cleansing

Fluids, but not artificially made ones, are required in large intakes. Water is best.

Proper diet planning for a diabetic patient is a must and should be taken seriously. You should seek professional advice regarding the best ways to get the nutrients your body requires. Having diabetes and food dislikes does not mean you cannot find healthy nourishing food that you can enjoy. You just need to be selective and choose your food wisely.

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