Diet for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is managed with diet, exercise, and medication. You may be able to control your Type 2 Diabetes with just diet and exercise. The most effective diet for managing your Type 2 Diabetes is based on high fiber and low fat.

High Protein

For many years it was believed that a high protein diet would control blood sugar and promote weight loss. High protein diets will work in the short term for weight loss. Any weight loss will assist you in managing your Type 2 diabetes. The down side of high protein diets is they tend to increase amount of fat in the diet. For example, in an effort to increase the amount of protein in the diet, many dieters rely on too many cheese or high fat foods. Today the medical community understands more about diet and diabetes. A diet based on high fiber and low fat will immediately begin to lower you blood sugar. Case in point: ½ cup serving of cauliflower has 14 calories, ½ cup diced cheddar cheese has 266 calories.

What to eat

On a high fiber, low fat plan you will not need to count calories, you will count servings instead. A standard serving of almost every food is ½ cup. Have 5 to 8 servings of non starch vegetables, 2 to 3 servings of fruit, 3 to 4 servings of whole wheat breads or cereal, and 3 to 4 servings of fish, chicken, turkey, or lean meat for protein each day. Consider alternative forms of protein such as legumes instead of animal protein. This is not a vegan diet. Animal protein is simply used in reduced amounts.

What to avoid and why

It is important to know what foods to avoid. Begin this program by eliminating anything white from your diet such as processed sugar, flour, white rice, potatoes, and anything made from these things. White foods spike your blood sugar and should be avoided. Stop drinking soda, even diet soda (because it is full of unhealthy chemicals), coffee, or caffeinated tea. Ease yourself off caffeine slowly to avoid intense side effects. Caffeine is known to stimulate your appetite.

Tip

There is no cure for diabetes. Fortunately, diabetes can be managed with diet, medication, and exercise. To successfully manage diabetes your daily routine must include exercise. Even taking a 30 minute walk each day will clear you liver of unused glucose. Walking is ideal because you can do it alone, anywhere, and no equipment is required. Find an exercise you enjoy so you will be more likely to do it daily. Weight training, resistance training, and yoga are very effective for lowering blood sugar. The point is to get you body moving for at least 30 continuous each day.