What Foods Should a Diabetic Eat To Stay Healhty?

Let's take a look at some good suggestions for diabetics to follow:

• Number one guideline: Carbohydrates effect your blood sugar more than any other food, so it is very important to limit foods that have carbohydrates. A good guideline for amount of carbs to consume is to to 45-60 grams per meal. The type of carbohydrates is not as important as the total amount, although some sources are healthier for you.

• The best sources for carbohydrates are:

1. whole grains (i.e. whole wheat bread & pasta, barley, millet, brown & wild rice to name a few)
   
2. legumes (i.e. Adzuki beans, black beans, lentils , black-eyed peas, lima beans, etc.)
   
3. fruits and vegetables (deep purple, red, green, blue and other colors are particularly good choices)
   

• These foods are not only rich in fiber, but in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
  

1. oats
   
2. barley
3. apples
   
4. citrus fruits
   
5. carrots
   
6. legumes

• These foods also slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, which will help you maintain a healthy glucose level.

• Diabetics also need to watch their weight in order to keep their blood sugar low. An encouraging note is that even a weight loss of 5-10 lbs can really make a big difference.

It is also important to reduce fat, cholesterol and sodium in your diet since there is an increased risk of developing heart disease, hypertension and circulatory problems.

It is helpful and important to your overall health to know what types of foods to avoid. You can look at it as an adventure to find how many things that you like to eat from the approved choices. Good luck!