Diet For Type 2 Diabetes: Foods To Eat And Avoid, And The Best Food Trend To Follow

If you live with type 2 diabetes, you probably know the importance of a healthy diet in managing your blood sugar. Eating a healthy diet can keep your symptoms under control and also manage your weight. Consumption of starch and sugar is often discouraged in the case of diabetes, but sometimes due to misconceptions people also avoid nutritious foods. Here we will tell you in detail what to consume and what to avoid when you have diabetes.

Foods to eat with type 2 diabetes
When you are suffering from any health problem, it becomes more important for you to eat nutritious food. Consuming healthy foods reduces the symptoms of diabetes and also helps the body perform its internal functions more efficiently. The golden rule of healthy eating when suffering from any health problem is that you shouldn’t limit yourself to eating just one food. Your plate should be filled with healthy fats and fibers. They can help keep you full longer and prevent you from snacking on unhealthy foods. Some food options that people with type 2 diabetes should have are:

Fruits – Apples, oranges, berries, melons, pears, peaches

Vegetables -Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cucumbers, bitter gourd Whole grains- Oats, brown rice, millets

Legumes – Beans and lentils

Nuts – Almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans

Seeds – chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds

Foods rich in protein – eggs, fish and poultry

Heart healthy fats – Olive oil, sesame oil

Foods to Avoid With Type 2 Diabetes

There are limited foods that people with diabetes need to restrict or eat in limited amounts. These foods have a high glycemic index and instantly increase blood sugar levels. Also, you can still get the nutrients in them from other healthier food options. Here are some foods you should avoid:

Fatty meat – Lamb, poultry skin and dark chicken meat)

Whole dairy products – whole milk, butter and cheese

Sweets – Sweets, cookies, baked goods, ice cream and desserts

Sweetened beverages – Packaged juices, sodas and energy drinks

Sweeteners – White sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup

Processed Foods – Chips, microwave popcorn, processed meat, ready meals

The best diet for diabetic patients
Of all the food trends, the Mediterranean diet is the best for people with diabetes for controlling blood sugar and managing weight. Named Best Overall Diet of 2020 for the fourth year in a row, the Mediterranean Diet replicates the dietary pattern of countries close to the Mediterranean Sea like Greece, Spain, France, Egypt and others. The eating habits of people living in this region place more emphasis on plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, dried legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Consumption of chicken, fish and meat is limited to once twice a week. Even dairy products are consumed in moderation. Studies suggest that this diet can increase longevity, help manage type 2 diabetes, and lose pounds.