Control your diabetes just by making the right choice when it comes to food. People that have diabetes know that avoiding food high in sugar is a general rule. Bear in mind that there are foods that are high in sugar that people may not know about.
Some foods appear to be healthy but actually, contain sugar and fats that you might not know about.
Not only sugar but you also need to watch out for fats and carbs, because fats and carbs contribute to high levels of blood sugar.
20 Foods You Must Avoid
1. Hamburger
American food is at the top of this list. The hamburger contains saturated fat that increases your cholesterol. But before you decide to quit your favorite food, know that you can still eat it just bear in mind to check the nutritional information.
According to the American Heart Association, you should limit saturated fat to 7 percent of the total calories on a daily basis.
2. Nachos
People with diabetes for sure should avoid this Mexican food. It doesn’t matter if you order nachos as a meal or as an appetizer, remember that nachos have a lot of calories. Just to make things clear, as an example if you order Chili’s Classic Nachos bear in mind that it has 830 calories, 39 grams of carbs, and 59 grams of fat. So yes, no more nachos!
3. Pizza
Pizza is the favorite food of almost anyone. It is delicious, fast, and easy to get. However, whether frozen or commercially made pizzas they are high in calories. You can still eat your favorite food, just if you start choosing better toppings.
Or you can always have a homemade pizza and be sure what you put on. We recommend you make one with veggies and fresh herbs.
4. Dried Fruit
Do you have Type 2 diabetes? Then make sure to avoid dried fruit. Due to nutrients and its content of high-fiber, a lot of people consider dried fruit as a healthy option. However, you should know that there is a concentration of natural sugar because the fruit undergoes dehydration.
Yes, it is better to eat dried fruit instead of cookies but it will still increase your blood sugar. If you want something sweet and healthy at the same time, do not choose dried fruit instead have grapefruit or strawberries.
5. Flour, Bread, and White Rice
People with diabetes always take care of the amount of sugar they consume on a daily basis, whoever they should also take into account when it comes to carbs.
Foods made with white flour such as pasta and bread and rice also are the same as sugar for the digestive system and as soon as the digestive process begins.
The carbs interfere with the glucose levels in your body. In fact, if you are a carbs lover, there is no need to worry. You can always start to consume whole grains like barley and oatmeal. And you can always use brown rice instead of white.
6. Full-Fat Dairy
Full-fat dairy products can increase the risk of heart disease and can also increase bad cholesterol (LDL) because these products contain saturated fat. If you have diabetes, make sure to avoid products like cream cheese, ice cream, cream, full-fat yogurt.
It is proven that saturated fat increases the resistance to insulin. You can always use fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
7. Flavored Water
Yes, it has become a trend to drink flavored water instead of soda. In fact, flavored water has no carbs or hidden sugar. The sugar content in flavored water is lower than the content in soda, but if you drink the whole bottle it shall have the same effect.
8. Chinese Food
Chinese Food does not make the cut for people with diabetes. Believe it or not, Chinese food is actually high in carbs, high in fat high in sodium, and has a lot of calories. It shall keep your blood sugar high. Avoid fried entrees like dishes that have sugary sauce, orange chicken, and sweet and sour dishes.
9. Fatty Cuts Of Meat
Fatty meats can increase the risk of heart disease, can cause inflammation, and increase cholesterol. Bear in mind that they are high in saturated fats. You can consume proteins, make a healthy choice. Such as fish, pork tenderloin, skinless turkey, and chicken and lean beef.
10. Breakfast Pastries
Cinnamon rolls, muffins, pastries, and doughnuts are high in fat, carbs, and sugar. All these pastries are made from white flour. They contain trans fats and are high in sodium. However, if you are a pastry lover, make sure to choose the better option.
In this case, that is sugar-free and fat-free. Or you can even make them at home and use healthy ingredients.
11. Fried Foods
In general fried foods are not good for you. Avoid deep-fried foods, potato chips, fried chicken, and French fries. Sometimes the food is prepared with bread, and they always use a lot of oil which adds to consuming more calories.
On the other hand, restaurants use hydrogenated oils with high trans fats. As a diabetic always take care of the consumption of trans fats.
12. Melons and Bananas
Consume fruits on a daily basis because they have carbs, vitamins, and fiber. However, you need to be careful because some may increase the level of your blood sugar. The ones that have high sugar content and may affect your level of blood sugar are stone fruits, bananas, and melons.
13. Blended Coffees
Blended coffees taste rich due to the toppings( fat and sugar), sugar, syrup, whipped cream, etc. If you have an urge for caffeine, try to stick to coffee that is sugar-free and use low-fat milk.
14. Processed Meat
Processed meat is full of sodium. That might increase the risk of stroke or heart attack if you have type 2 diabetes. Consume meats that a low in sodium. Avoid toppings, or use the ones that don’t have a lot of fats and carbs. Instead use mustard, spinach, and cucumbers for your sandwiches.
15. Purchased Smoothies
Smoothies have become a trend. It is perceived as healthy, but bear in mind that contains added sugar. And smoothies are served in extra-large portions. Make your own homemade smoothie and start to use your blender. Stay in trend and stay healthy!
16. Alcohol
Everyone that has diabetes has to consult a doctor about the amount of alcohol they are allowed to consume. Alcohol actually interferes with your blood sugar. Drink in moderation, at social events, have one to two drinks.
Per one serving: 1 ½ ounce of liquor, 5 ounces of wine, and 12 ounces of beer.
17. Fruit Juice
Fruits have healthy carbs and fiber. That makes fruit great for diabetics, but that is not the case for fruit juices. Yes, it is more nutritious than sugary drinks and soda but has concentrated sugar. Instead of fruit juice, we recommend that you consume seltzer with natural flavor.
18. Sugary Foods
What are actually sugary foods? When we say sugary foods, we mean desserts, soda, and candy. All foods mentioned above have a high amount of sugar. The sugary foods are low-quality carbohydrates and have low nutritional value.
Then can cause a sudden jump when it comes to your blood sugar. So next time you reach for the cookies or soda, just have fresh fruit instead.
19. Cereal
The most known breakfast in the world. But is it healthy? Most cereals are coated with sugar to obtain that sweeter taste. Some cereals, on the other hand, contain added sugar. Always read the label. And avoid the ones with dried fruit, because that is not healthy either.
20. Energy Bars
The energy or sports bars are not bad, but people with diabetes should be cautious. Sports bars have a large amount of sugar and carbs. Sugar and carbs are the main sources when it comes to energy for your body, but you may consume too much with the sports bars.
Choose bars that have minimum sugar and fats and that have a balance of carbs and protein.
You can live a normal life even if you have diabetes. Just learn what is good and what is bad. Eat right and healthy, and that is a way to manage your blood sugar.
Source: Cure Joy | Diabetic Living Online; Image Source Eat This not That