When it comes to diabetes, the best treatment may very well be the foods you eat. Or don’t eat.
Diet plays a huge role in managing diabetes and maintaining blood sugar levels.
There are definitely foods that those with diabetes should avoid as much as possible. On that list are a lot of delicious options that can be hard to stay away from.
But there are a lot of health options for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes that actually taste good. Below we’ll look at the foods that are generally considered to be the best ones to eat for those with diabetes.
33 Diabetes Friendly Foods
In no particular order, they are:
- Fatty Fish (ie. salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, halibut, sardines)
- Eggs
- Avocados
- Beans
- Leafy Greens
- Garlic
- Strawberries
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Bell Peppers
- Squash
- Nuts and Seeds
- Chicken/Turkey (without the skin)
- Popcorn
- Blueberries
- Peaches
- Apples
- Lean meats
- Seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.)
- Cranberries
- Cinnamon
- Quinoa
- Sweet Potatoes
- Greek Yogurt
- Peanut Butter (natural)
- Asparagus
- Edamame
- Hummus
- Dark Chocolate (in moderation, of course!)
- Shirataki Noodles
- Chickpeas
- Wild Rice
Overview of Eating With Diabetes
Even with a lot of good options to choose from, it can be difficult to stick to diabetes friendly foods. But when you don’t, the consequences can be severe.
For those who are not able to manage their diabetes well, they can experience some serious health complications. These include heat disease, kidney disease (and kidney failure), nerve and vessel disease (which, if it gets too bad, can lead to a limb amputation) and even eye diseases including blindness.
The good news is that it’s never been easier to eat a diabetes friendly diet. There are hundreds (if not more) of recipes on the web of healthy, easy to prepare meals and snacks. You’re sure to find some delicious recipes that you’ll enjoy making and eating.
It’s also easier to find diabetes friendly foods in the supermarket as well.
More Information
The list above is not a full list. There are other diabetes friendly foods out there. We recommend doing your research and consulting with a nutrition expert and/or your doctor. With their help, you can come up with a meal plan that works for you.
