To bring down blood glucose levels, diabetic patients are advised to consume foods that contain very low sugar or are devoid of sugar. Some healthy ideas of meals for diabetic patients are elaborated in this article. Read on…
At the outset, I must tell you that meals for diabetes patients are either devoid of sugar, or contain a minimal amount of sugar. People suffering from type 1 diabetes are incapable of producing insulin, while in type 2 diabetes, the body develops insulin resistance. Thus, in both cases, the hormone insulin fails to regulate glucose metabolism, as a result of which blood glucose level increases and symptoms of polyuria become more evident. Under such circumstances, restrictions are imposed on the diet of diabetics where consumption of glucose in any form is strictly not allowed. Diabetic meal ideas are associated with forming a meal plan that would essentially be low in sugar and rich in proteins, fibers, vitamins and minerals.
Meal Ideas for Diabetic Patients
With the consumption of the right variety of foods, your blood glucose level can be brought down after a certain period of time. The meal ideas are chalked out in such a way that you do not suffer from hypoglycemia in the long run. Consuming carbohydrates in the complex form is allowed if your blood glucose level is not too high above normal. However, sugar is to be completely eliminated from the diet of individuals with very high blood glucose, and when they are dependent on insulin shots. Doctors recommend intake of vegetables and fruits in raw form, while sugar replacement agents like Splenda is more often used for preparing sweet dishes.
Breakfast – Rich in Fatty Acids and Proteins
Consumption of fatty acids in unsaturated form is considered healthy for diabetics. The protein content of foods should be high and you can eat a heavy breakfast. White flour, white bread, refined sugar, and white rice are some products that should be eliminated completely. A few good menu items to be included in the breakfast for diabetics are:
- Scrambled eggs
- Baked olives
- Skimmed milk
- Whole wheat bread toast
- Oatmeal
- Fruits plate (banana, apple, cantaloupe, melon)
- Bacon, 2 slices
White having cereals, you can sprinkle Splenda or use honey, only if it is permitted by your doctor. Spread margarine and low fat butter or cheese over bread toasts to give yourself a tasty treat. Baked olives are extremely healthy and you can combine this with a plate of assorted fruits. Thus, you can see that breakfast is not only low in calories, but also devoid of sugar.
Lunch – Containing Fibers, Vitamins and Minerals
When you are limiting consumption of carbohydrates, then the nutrient demand of your body should be met by vitamins and minerals. Fibers play an important role in lowering the blood glucose level. Thus, the best diet for diabetics comprises fibers derived from vegetables and fruits. You can prepare the following dishes at home.
- Cabbage soup
- Baked carrot
- Green pea salad
- Stuffed capsicum
- Cauliflower sautéed
- Boiled spinach
- Roasted zucchini
- Salad plate (onion, tomato, cucumber, radish)
- Grilled fish
- Baked chicken
- Chicken broth
- Baked ham
With so many options available, you can easily plan healthy menus for lunch. The foods listed above are rich in fibers, minerals and vitamins. Moreover, fish and chicken are excellent sources of omega-3-fatty acids and proteins. Thus, intake of carbohydrates is automatically reduced. Eat vegetables as much as possible in the raw form to derive maximum amount of fibers from them.
Dinner – Proteins and Fibers
Increase intake of proteins for dinner with the inclusion of lentils, legumes, and pulses in your diet. Eat a light dinner, rich in proteins and fibers. Avoid carbohydrates and fats as much as possible before bedtime. Cook your foods in flax seed and olive oil whenever needed. This is recommended because people tend to put on weight when their blood glucose level is high. Here are some meal ideas for dinner.
- Lentil soup
- Whole wheat tortilla
- Egg poach (white portion)
- Tofu salad
- Boiled soy bean
- Baked tuna
- Mackerel soup
- Grilled shrimp
- Chicken stew
- Baked turkey
Drink a cup of warm skimmed milk before going to bed. Prepare the dishes with low amounts of oil and butter to control gain in weight. Lentils and pulses are rich in protein and are extremely healthy for diabetes patients. You can eat the same vegetable dishes that you prepared during lunch for your dinner. Apart from this, eat plenty of citrus fruits like oranges, lime, berries, grapes, etc., during the late afternoon hours.
People, despite controlling their glucose intake, find it difficult to completely get rid of sugar cravings. You can purchase sugar free candies, cookies, and cakes, meant exclusively for diabetics, from health and wellness stores. Check the ingredients before purchasing and consume them only after taking permission from your doctor.
Popcorn, nuts, fresh fruit juices and wheat crackers serve as wonderful mid meal snacks. I hope the aforementioned diet plan has proven useful to you for deciding menus that are healthy for diabetes.
