FOOD SELECTIONS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES

 Food Selections for Type 2 Dibetes

beabetesen someone is told they have type 2 diabetes is, “What should I (or a loved one) eat now?

MAY 9,2024
BY NR.BALOCH



DIABETES 


Making Food Decisions When Living with Type 2 Diabetes

One of the first questions that come up when someone is told they have type 2 diabetes is, “What should I (or a loved one) eat now?” This doesn’t have to be a hard question to answer. Here’s a helpful, condensed guide.

1. Adhere to the “ideal plate” concept. Try to divide your dinner plate in half for non-starchy veggies and quarters for each of protein and carbohydrates.

2. Special meals are not required. People who have type 2 diabetes are not required to buy certain foods or have meals apart from their family. There are lots of tasty and nutritious meals that the whole family will love.

3. Effortlessly encourage better choices. Decide as a family not to keep unhealthy food on hand at home. Although this initially appears difficult, it ultimately benefits


Rules Regarding Pantry Items


Throw away

Foods heavy in calories and low in nutrients, like ice cream, high-fat cereals with little fiber, cakes, biscuits, chocolates, sweets, thick sauces, cheeses, white bread, croissants, brioche, and white rice (basmati may be an exception), should be thrown out of your cupboard.

Keep in mind that foods high in fiber (those that don’t need to be toasted and have more than 7g of fiber per 100g, such as bran-based cereals, rolled oats, or untoasted muesli) are good for your health. Other possibilities include heart-healthy oils like olive or sunflower oil, nuts, and seeds; dried legumes; brown or basmati rice; high-fiber breads and crackers; canned veggies (such sweet corn, tomato, and beetroot); and canned legumes (like chickpeas, lentils, and chili beans). Keep fish, poultry, lean meat, and frozen veggies in your freezer. Use smaller amounts of different Asian sauces (such as mirin, oyster sauce, sweet chilli sauce, low-soy sauce, and fish sauce) to give your food some flavor.

Guidelines for Purchasing

The Top 10 Items Every Pantry Needs

1. Legumes in cans, such as lentils, cannellini beans, and chickpeas

These low-cost, satisfying legumes are high in fiber. Pureed chickpeas or cannellini beans, garlic, and lemon juice combine to make a simple hummus. To add more texture and protein to soups or curries, you may also add drained chickpeas.

2. Fish in cans, such as sardines, salmon, and tuna

These fish, which are high in protein and omega-3 fats, go well in a lunchbox with salad and bread. Choose the ones that are canned in spring water or eat the ones that have been drained of oil.

3. Tomato cans




 

You may utilize these lycopene-rich tomatoes in a variety of recipes. The flavored ones make great marinades for meats or beans.

4. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds

These crispy, salty dry-fried seeds add a delightful touch to a variety of recipes.

5. Balsamic


6. Nut butter and nuts

They enhance your food with taste, crunch, and a creamy texture while providing heart-healthy fats.

7. Fish sauce

This enhances the flavor of Asian salads and stir-fry sauces well. But because it contains a lot of sodium, dilute it with water or use less than the recipe calls for.

8. Mustard seeds

This is excellent as a side dish with practically any cuisine, as a rub for lean meat, as a spread on toast, and in salad dressings.

9. Chilled red pepper flakes

Your casseroles, sauces, and soups will taste better with these heat-packed flakes.

10. Soy sauce with less sodium

This sauce does a good job of flavoring without adding extra calories. 


Top 10 New Essentials

The most important ingredients in a nutritious pantry are fresh fruits and vegetables. Non-starchy ones are a terrific way to give your meals more flavor and volume. They are also brimming with nutrients to maintain your health. On the other hand, keep in mind that starchy veggies like potatoes, kumara, yams, and taro should only make up 25% of a well-balanced dish.

1. Green salad

Take mesclun salad mix or baby spinach, for example. These nutrient-dense greens are perfect to complement your meals. Make it a daily ritual to eat at least one handful of greens!


2.NEWLY HARVESTED HERBS

They work wonders for boosting flavor without increasing calorie intake. For instance, coriander tastes well with practically any Asian food, while fresh basil pairs wonderfully with tomatoes.

3. Cucumber on Telegraph

It is a great choice for adding to salads, sandwiches, or platters because it is low in calories. Grate some cucumber and add a little salt and garlic to thick, low-fat plain yogurt to make a simple, low-calorie dip.

4. Tomatillos

In terms of flavor and nutrition, tomatoes are an invaluable ingredient. They work well in a variety of recipes and make an outstanding

5. Fruits

Add some banana slices to your cereal in the morning to make it even more sweet. They make a convenient snack to have on hand at your desk or in your car for those moments when hunger strikes. Think of them as one of nature’s best quick meals!

6. Kiwi

After supper, a kiwi, which is high in fibre and vitamin C, might be a delightful sweet break. For a tasty nightcap, try slicing up a kiwi and topping it with some yogurt and cereal.

7. Berries of blueberries

Antioxidants are abundant in blueberries, surpassing those found in almost all vegetables and fruits. The deep blue color of the berries is caused by antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been shown to support brain function.


8. Breasts of chicken

Skinless, lean chicken breasts are one of the lower-fat meat options. Although they are expensive, a small amount goes a long way—especially in a filling stir-fry.

9. Tofu

Even though tofu doesn’t have a very strong flavor, it melds well with the flavors of the other ingredients it cooks with to produce a delicious dish. Tofu is a soy product high in protein that works well as a protein replacement in stir-fry dishes.

10. The Falafel

Here’s your fix for fast food, health enthusiasts! Made from ground legumes like fava beans or chickpeas, falafels are a convenient and healthful option found in most supermarket deli areas.


Favorites from the Fridge and Freezer: 1. Frozen Baby Beans

When fresh vegetables become scarce, they make an excellent substitute. Add a handful to stir-fries, casseroles, or curries as a last-minute, enlivening touch.

2. Milk, Trim or Calci-Trim

Choosing trim or Calci-Trim milk, which has a green or yellow top instead of full-cream milk’s dark blue top, encourages a lower consumption of calories and saturated fat.

3. Greek Yogurt with Less Fat

Have a cup of this yogurt when you’re craving smoothness but still want to keep your calorie intake in check.


4. Paste Made with Tomatoes

Tomato paste tubes, which have a brief shelf life, are great as a low-calorie pizza sauce or as an addition to tomato-based dishes.

5. Cheddar Cheese

It requires concentrated energy, yet all you need is a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Use it to boost the flavor of low-fat cheese or sprinkle it gently over Italian recipes.

6. Jars with curry paste

Stir a tablespoon or two of curry paste into cooked fish or poultry for a flavorful explosion that offers little in the way of calories. Simply stir in a small amount of low-fat coconut milk, but take note of the sodium level.


7. Jars with Minced Garlic and Ginger

When time is of the essence, these jars offer convenience even if fresh ingredients are best. They provide flavor to your food while providing very few kilojoules.

8. Bread Made Whole Grain

Put a loaf of bread high in fiber in the freezer. By removing only the necessary number of slices, you may effortlessly regulate serving sizes in this manner.

9. Jar of Caper

Rich in taste and low in calories, capers are a delicious garnish for salads, pizzas, and pasta sauces.




Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *