Part of diabetes management is keeping your blood sugar levels in the correct range.
This article talks about the importance of food choices in diabetes management.
They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like iron and calcium.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
They are also low in carbs and high in fiber, which aids blood sugar control.
Try mixing kale into a bean and veggie-full salad or soup.
Spices
Some spices havehypoglycemiceffectsthat is, they help lower blood sugar.
Thus, adding some of these spices to foods may help control blood sugar at mealtimes.
Because they arent starchy and have lots of fiber, they wont cause a blood sugar spike.
Some examples of non-starchy veggies are onions, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, celery, and Brussels sprouts.
Low-Glycemic Fruits
Low-glycemic fruits are sweet without causing a blood sugar spike.
Mix these fruits into oatmeal for ahearty breakfastor Greek yogurt for a satisfying snack.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are low glycemic index foods.
These parts provide fiber, which helps slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream.
Some common whole-grain foods are brown rice,quinoa,amaranth, oats, and whole-grain bread.
For anything youd pair with toast, try using whole-grain bread.
Healthy Fats
Fat helps slow digestion, which delays the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood.
And because protein takes longer to break down, it helps keep you fuller longer.
Instead, focus on drinking plenty of water.
Some common legumes are lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas.
Try making a hearty lentil soup or having a chickpea hummus to dip veggies into.
Research has shown that unsaturated fatty acids may help control blood sugar through reduced insulin resistance.
Nuts high in unsaturated fats include walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, and peanuts.
Monitoring the amount of carbs and sugar in your food is integral to managing blood sugar.
Foods with a high glycemic index increase blood sugar quickly.
Glycemic load accounts for the glycemic index and the quantity of carbohydrates in a serving.
For example, while watermelon is considered a high-glycemic food, it is low on glycemic load.
Carbohydrates
There are two main categories of carbohydrates: simple carbs, and complex carbs.
Complex carbohydrates include starches and fiber-rich foods like whole-grain foods, legumes, and starchy vegetables.
Carb Counting
When it comes to carb counting, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Carb-counting tools can make this all a bit easier.
Some work similarly to a food diary, where the user inputs nutritional information from the food they eat.
Choosing low-glycemic foods, such as those with whole grains and fiber, helps keep blood sugar under control.
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