People with diabetes know the importance of watching their diet all too well since it is the primary contributor to elevated blood sugar levels. Every little bit counts when it comes to managing your blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, there are some foods to avoid in diabetes.
Certain foods spike blood sugar, give cravings, and generally make life more difficult. This blog post will explore seven of the worst offenders regarding diabetes. From sugary drinks to processed foods, these are the products you should avoid at all costs if you want to stay healthy and manage diabetes.
Foods To Avoid During Diabetes
Refined Carbs
Refined carbs include any food made with white flour, including bread, crackers, pasta, cookies, and pastries. The reason they are widely panned for those who have diabetes is that these foods have been stripped of their natural nutrients, leaving them high in calories and low in nutrition. So if you are wondering what foods to avoid with diabetes, refined carbs should be on top of your list.
These carbs can cause massive spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for those with diabetes. Moreover, eating too many refined carbs can also lead to weight gain, which can further increase the risk of diabetes complications. Therefore, if you have diabetes, you must limit the intake of refined carbs to help keep blood sugar levels under control.
Honey And Maple Syrup
There are a few things that honey and maple syrup have in common. They’re both delicious, but also high in sugar. Honey and maple syrup are both high in fructose, which can raise blood sugar levels far more than glucose, making them foods to avoid in diabetes. And while honey contains some vitamins and minerals, it doesn’t have the same nutritional benefits as other sweeteners like molasses or agave nectar.
So if you have diabetes, you are better off avoiding honey and maple syrup. Alternatively, you can opt for a sugar-free sweetener or one with a lower glycemic index.
Breakfast Cereals
Breakfast cereals also make the list of what foods to avoid with diabetes. Although they are marketed as a healthy meal option, most cereals contain high amounts of processed sugar and limited nutrients. So they can very easily trigger blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes. While they are fine for occasional consumption for most people, those with diabetes should avoid them or consume them in very little quantities.
Fruit Juices
Most fruit juices are high in sugar and can cause blood sugar to spike. Stick to low-sugar options like unsweetened cranberry juice or make one at home with fresh fruits and vegetables. However, to be on the safe side, it is best to avoid them altogether.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are one of the worst offenders and feature high up on the list of foods to avoid in diabetes. They’re loaded with unhealthy fats and calories and can be hard to resist. For those who have diabetes, the body has difficulty processing glucose or blood sugar. Fried foods can cause blood sugar to easily spike, and over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
So what should you do if you crave fried foods? Consume them in moderation. Try to limit to small portions, and pair them with healthier choices like grilled or roasted chicken or fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, or whole grain sides.
Sugary Caffeinated Drinks
It is common knowledge that all know that sugary drinks are bad for health, but when it comes to diabetes, they can be particularly dangerous. Not only do they contain a lot of sugar, but they also tend to be high in caffeine. This combination can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash and can make you feel tired and irritable. So for those trying to control their diabetes, it’s best to avoid sugary caffeinated drinks altogether.
To Sum It Up
It’s important to know what foods to avoid with diabetes. Some foods can raise blood sugar levels and make it harder to control diabetes. Hopefully, this list of seven foods to avoid has helped you make better choices to manage your diabetes. However, it is important to remember that every person is different, therefore it’s best to customize according to your taste and health.
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