We’ve all heard that “you are what you eat”, and that eating properly is vital if we want to stay healthy; but this is even more true if you’re a diabetic. One should take note of the various categories that fall under the umbrella term “diabetic foods to avoid”.
What classifies particular food or drinks as “diabetic foods to avoid”, is their capacity to result in the diabetic’s sugar levels transcending what is accepted as normal (i.e. between 75 and 150). To monitor a diabetic’s sugar levels, is what monitoring and controlling their condition is all about; and the diabetic would do well to accommodate a range of changes to his or her diet as necessary. There are foods that should be cut down on as well as foods that should be consumed on a regular basis.
It would wrong to claim that there is any kind of food that diabetics should never eat at all (indeed, eliminating all sugar from one’s diet is rather inadvisable). But diabetics should stay clear of regularly consuming foods that are high in sugar or fat. If you’re a diabetic, only eat cakes and biscuits and such, occasionally.
Wise diabetics replace white sugar with palm sugar, dates or honey. Unpolished rice and sprouted grain should be consumed in moderation. And go for low-fat dairy options, such as skimmed milk, non-fat yoghurt and cheese and plain yoghurt. (Especially avoid khoya, kheer and cottage cheese – these are high in carbohydrates!) Processed foods, white flour and junk food (such as confectionery / sweets, cakes, ice-cream, chocolates, cream, soft drinks and fried foods) must be virtually fully renounced – even the sugar-free versions of sweets can be a bad idea. Finally, avoid things containing harmful preservatives or excessive salt, watch that alcohol and don’t smoke!