Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires careful and continuous management. It cannot be cured but only managed on an everyday basis. The pillars of diabetes management are consuming the right diet, regular exercise and daily monitoring. Therefore, your diet plays an important role in keeping your sugar levels under control.
A diabetes diet needs to be rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates. Also, you have to make sure that you do not consume high amounts of sugar or calories as it can lead to a spike in your sugar levels.
A good diet should be one that is flexible, gives you ample food choices and can be customized according to your needs. Have a look at the diabetes diet that we have curated, just for you –
An Everyday Diet Plan For Diabetics
Early Morning
You should consume a glass of water and mix fenugreek seeds in it. Fenugreek is known to be a superfood for diabetics as it can help in the regulation of your blood glucose levels.
Breakfast
For breakfast, you can consume a millet vegetable chilla/ dosa along with your favorite green chutney. Millet is a good substitute for your regular whole grain which can lead to a spike in your sugar levels.
Pre Lunch
Being a diabetic, it is crucial that you stay hydrated throughout the day. For that purpose, you can have a glass of buttermilk, infused water or herbal tea as beverages. You should avoid sugary drinks and carbonated beverages as they are harmful to people having diabetes.
Lunch
Lunch is the most hearty meal of the day. You can have two multigrain chapatis or include a cup of brown rice. Relish with a Methi Dal Subzi or Bhindi Sabzi. You should make sure that you include one cup of vegetable salad in it.
Evening Snack
Your regular evening tea should be replaced with herbal tea or lemon green tea without sugar. You can have a side of roasted chana to keep you satiated.
Dinner
For dinner, you can have a cup of mixed vegetable daliya with mint curd chutney. For a more filling dinner, you can opt for multigrain chapati with palak sabzi.
Post Dinner
If you feel hungry post-dinner, you can have a glass of milk without sugar.
Sugar Patient Diet Chart – Important Points
Having a diet that is rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates is good for both diabetic and nondiabetic people. You should make your entire family follow a healthy diet and make special consideration for people having diabetes. While deciding on a diet chart for a diabetic person, you should keep the following points in mind-
Eat On Time
It is imperative for a diabetic person to have his/her meals on time. If there are long gaps between meals, it can lead to Hypoglycemia. If the gap is short, you have a risk of experiencing high sugar levels or Hyperglycemia.
Portion Size
You can eat your favorite dishes being a diabetic but it is important that you keep the portion size in mind. Overeating can lead to a spike in your sugar levels.
Cooking Styles
It is recommended that you eat, baked, grilled or steamed food being a diabetic. Foods that are fried are high in calories and can lead to a rise in both your sugar levels and cholesterol levels.
Carry Your Snacks
If you are unsure about what snacks are going to be served at a party, it is advisable that you carry your own snacks. Carry a small portion to keep you satiated and it will also prevent you from overeating.
If you still feel unsure about what you can or cannot include in a sugar patient diet chart, you should always talk to your health coach. They will give you recommendations based on your sugar levels.
It is also important that you keep track of your sugar levels on a regular basis. It is only when you know whether your sugar level is in the high, low or controlled range, that you will be able to make the required changes to your diet or lifestyle. You should monitor your sugar levels using a compact, affordable and smartphone-enabled glucometer.
When your sugar levels are in the controlled range, you will be able to avoid diabetes-related complications and lead a healthy life.
