If you have diabetes, your personal health is a delicate thing to maintain. Your dietary choices may seem restricted, but there are diets to help you lose weight and keep you safe at the same time. The best diabetes-friendly diets to help you lose weight while keeping your blood sugar low consist of simple foods you can find in any grocery store.
The Basics
Beginning with just a few of the foundational foods you can incorporate into your diet, base your diet around fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. These healthy fats can include avocados, olive oil, cheese, and whole eggs. The foods you’ll want to avoid from now on include foods with added sweeteners; full-fat dairy; processed grains such as white rice; fried foods; and anything with trans fats and saturated fats.
The Mediterranean Diet
The first of the diabetes-friendly diets is the Mediterranean, inspired by Italian and Greek dishes. The foods incorporated into this diet include proteins consisting of poultry, salmon, and eggs. Next are some healthy fats, such as olive oil and almonds. And finally, plant-based foods—including fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, artichokes, and beans—are crucial. Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of metabolic disorder and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
Cutting all kinds of meat out of your diet and instead opting for fresh produce can be beneficial in a few ways. The first way is that plant-based foods contain lots of fiber, and studies show you gain more fiber from these plant-based foods than from meat. Along with more fiber, a vegetarian diet also cuts down on your calorie and fat intake. However, vegetarian and vegan diets can also lack some important nutrients , so you may need to consult with an endocrinologist to find healthy supplements. Dr. Philip Rabito, MD, is among the best endocrinologists in NYC , specializing in dietary and hormonal issues in patients for over 20 years.
Try out the diets we’ve suggested, or make meals of your own to create your own diet. Just be sure to meet with your doctor to know you’re following the best diabetes-friendly diets to help you lose weight as well as to keep you safe and healthy.
