Having type 2 diabetes can mean you can control your blood sugar with what you eat. Staving off hunger and feeling full longer are some of the most effective ways of reducing blood sugar levels naturally.
Dr. Maggie Powers, Ph. D. President-elect of Health Care & Education at the American Diabetes Association said that diabetes results when your blood sugar or glucose levels are higher than normal. The common causes of diabetes are carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, sugars, cereals, rice, pasta, fruits, milk, and desserts.
When you set an eating plan or diet, it should be focused on lessening the amount and type of carbs you take on your plate daily to help reduce blood sugar levels.
You can still have foods you enjoy, but mind the carbs and sugar you take in your body. Eat enough, so you feel full and refrain from overeating and making poor food choices. Avoid sugary drinks and junk food. They offer little to zero nutrients to the body and too much unnecessary calories. As per Dr. Powers, here are the seven foods that can help you control your blood sugar and make you happy and healthy.
Raw, Cooked, or Roasted Vegetables
Not only do they add extra flavor, color, and texture to the meal, but they also add vitamins and minerals to your meal. Choose a tasty low-carb veggie such as mushrooms, onions, eggplant, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, squashes, and zucchini.
You can also use dips such as low-fat dressings, hummus, guacamole, and salsa, or roasted with different seasonings such as rosemary, cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, or garlic.
Greens
Try salads that has kale, spinach, and chard. They are healthy, delicious, and low-carb.
You can roast the kale leaves in the oven with olive oil for quick, crunchy chips. Add a mix of greens with roasted veggies to add a different flavor and texture. You can also serve with a little protein like salmon or cooked chicken breast.
Low-Calorie Drinks
Plain water is always alright, but infusing your water with fruits and vegetables is much more interesting, don’t you think? You can cut a slice of lemon or cucumber, add it into your water, or make ice cubes with some flavors.
If you are not a hot tea drinker, you can try cold tea with lemon or a cinnamon stick. These beverages can help fill your stomach up so you don’t crave for sweet and fatty foods, plus these are low-carb drinks.
Melon and Berries
Are you aware that a cup of either of the two only has an approximate of 15 grams of carbs? They can be a little more expensive, but it’s a healthy treat that is packed with nutrients and fiber, plus it is sweet.
Whole Grains
Wholegrains and fiber-rich foods help keep you from overeating and choosing the wrong foods. Legumes like dried beans, peas, and lentils are good, and you should try them. You can enjoy the black bean and corn salsa with raw vegetables.
Although these foods still contain carbs, they are low, and it has interesting flavors to keep your stomach filled and you satisfied.
A Little Fat in Your Diet
No, not all fat, but the good fat found in olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish like salmon.
Protein-rich Foods
Protein is important in the diet. If you plan to stay in an active lifestyle, try adding more protein foods in your diet. You can get proteins in eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and lean meats.
Overall, try to set up an eating plan that is not boring and should include the foods you love, but a good balance of carbohydrates.
