Diabetics need to know more about myths and facts about diabetes and diet and in this manner can plan their daily meals. Taste and nutrition can be maintained if diabetes myths and facts are understood well.
Diabetic eating does not mean avoiding all sweets. Misunderstanding about diabetic food manifold. But diabetic eating can indeed permit several sweet and tasty dishes. Myths and facts about diabetes and diet need to be taken into consideration to enjoy a proper diabetic meal.
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What are diabetic food myths?
Diabetes myths and facts are manifold and need to be looked at in their proper perspective to enjoy food as a diabetic.
Carbs are bad!
This happens to be the most common myth. Carbohydrates are looked down upon and are considered bad for diabetics. While carbs do impact blood sugar levels, a diabetic need not avoid eating carbohydrates. Only the right kind of carbs have to be chosen in limited quantities.
Choose whole grains such as brown rice, wheat, and millets such as foxtail, Baja, and rage. These are rich in water-soluble vitamins, minerals, as well as fiber, and can do help regular the blood sugar levels.
1. Do not eat fruits
Just because fruits are sweet, does not mean a diabetic cannot have them every day. Fruits are a good source of antioxidant-rich vitamins, minerals, and also contain high levels of fiber. It is good to choose whole fruits over fruit juices. Also, try and avoid eating fruits right after a meal as it can spike one’s blood sugar.
Smart choices of fruits can be made.
2. People with diabetes must follow a special diabetes diet
Truth: There is no standard diabetic diet. Some people with diabetes count carbs; others do not. If a person is overweight, then the goal needs to be slim down, and there are several ways to do it.
3. “Diabetes-friendly” and “sugar-free” foods are good for you
Truth: The box of sugar-free cereal might not be any better than the regular cereal available on the shelf next to it, although the so-called diabetic version probably costs more.
Sugar-free foods often contain plenty of calories and even carbs, so it is good to check nutrition labels closely. It is better to have plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean beef, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products.
4. People with diabetes cannot eat any sweets
Truth: Yes, Desserts can be ordered. Of course, it is better to avoid ending a meal with chocolate cake or indulge in ice cream daily. But it is perfectly fine to have a small serving of sweet food in an otherwise healthy eating plan, as long a check is maintained on the calorie intake for that day.
5. People with diabetes should not eat potatoes
Truth: They may be high in carbs, but can be had by diabetics in moderation. You can also eat other carb-rich foods, such as pasta, bread, and rice; only maintain a limit in quantity.
Baked potatoes are healthy, but sweet potatoes are even better. They have nutrients such as beta-carotene, which gives them their color.
Eat the skin, which is a great source of fiber. When it comes to grains, choose whole ones such as brown rice or whole-wheat pasta. Keep a tab on quantity.
6. Alcohol is off-limits.
Truth: Moderate drinking is permitted and that would mean no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. Consulting the doctor is a good idea.
Some medications, such as insulin or those that help increase insulin levels, can make the person prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Alcohol may make it worse.
The body digests alcohol differently from sugar, and the effects are not felt immediately. A drink at night can make the blood sugar level drop the next morning.
It is better to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Conclusion
Thus diabetes myths and facts need to be understood well by diabetics so that they can plan their daily meals. They need not deny having certain foods.