2 of 19

Write now Article Tools

The best food choices for a diabetic are those that are low in sugar and high in nutrition. However, many diabetics make a serious mistake by believing that only sweet tasting foods are bad for them. There are many foods, such as carrots, pasta, and potatoes that turn to sugar in the body. Doctors usually provide the patient with a list of these foods but some patients don't take the time to look it over.

Diabetics have much more to choose from today when it comes to foods their body's can handle. The frozen foods department in grocery stores today have a number of very healthy meals that you simply heat and serve that are high in nutrition and low in salt and sugar. Some of the most popular ones are, Healthy Choice, Weight Watchers and Select, just to name a few.

Fruits and vegetables should be an essential part of a diabetic's diet, but some fruits are extremely high in sugar such as citrus, grapes, and pears. These fruits should be eaten sparingly. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, they each carry similar nutritional value and the key to getting the proper nutritional balance is in the color.

Doctors recommend several small meals a day for the diabetic for many reasons. One is that it helps to regulate the metabolism, burning fat rather than muscle. A different color fruit/vegetable included with each of the small meals will provide you with a healthy nutritional balance. Each color represents different nutrition.

Since diabetes is associated with obesity and with obesity becoming such a problem, food manufacturers have begun catering to the needs of diabetics. The diet sections in many stores are full of healthy snacks for dieters and diabetics. There are delicious sugar-free puddings and gelatin products available as well.

But as a diabetic, focus should be on making sure you get a balance of nutrition which includes:

* Whole grains
* Vegetables
* Selected fruits
* Dairy
* Lean meats

Vegetables are an essential part of a diabetic's diet and the ones recommended most include:

* Tomatoes: High in lycopene and a cancer fighter
* Cabbage: Fat burner
* Peppers: High in potassium
* Broccoli: High in antioxidants

Cucumbers are very difficult for some to digest and are also low in nutritional value. Iceberg lettuce has very little nutrition and also doesn't digest well. Choose greener lettuce such as romaine mixed with kale.

Calcium is an important part of a healthy diet. Yogurt is high in calcium, but diabetics should be aware of the high carbohydrates in yogurt. Buy plain yogurt and add your own fruit such as berries, which are high in nutritional value and low in sugar. It's a good source of calcium without the sugar and it's delicious.

In conclusion, being a diabetic doesn't mean you have to eat foods you don't enjoy. There are several options available to you. Be creative and put together several small meals that are high in nutrition, high in taste, but low in sugar.

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Best food choices for a diabetic?
We want to hear your view. Write now!