Eating right is the first and foremost way for seniors diagnosed with diabetes to live longer and healthier lives. In this informative article, learn our tips for the most important foods and tips for shopping to manage diabetes.
Patients with diabetes and their caregivers alike can find it challenging to make the right healthy food choices, but it’s critical that diabetes is managed properly in order to avoid the complications that can accompany the disease. Keeping blood sugars in healthy ranges is easier than you think. It can be quite attainable by controlling portion sizes, meal times and healthy choices.
When you think of the right diet for seniors with diabetes, you should strive for foods that are nutrient-dense such as raw fruits and veggies, as well as whole grains. The diabetic diet should be high in nutrition and low in calories and fat. So, how do you create your shopping list? Keep reading!
Foods Seniors with Diabetes Should Avoid
Contrary to popular belief, there are foods that absolutely should be avoided for diabetics. Don’t use medications as an excuse to eat the wrong foods. This doesn’t mean you can never have a single bit of sugar again, but it does mean that should know how much is enough and consume it very sparingly and wisely. Sugar isn’t good for any of us, but it’s especially toxic for diabetics. Here are a few other food tips:
- Keep fat to a minimum. Keep an eye on the labels and steer clear of trans-fats and saturated fats.
- Limit salt. 2000 mg of sodium per day is plenty. Remember that packaged or processed foods are notorious for hiding copious amounts of salt!
- Eat less sugar. Be sure to be aware of drink mixes, sodas, flavored coffee creamers and many snack items. They are often loaded with sugar and even labels that say “natural” fruit juice or “no sugar added” are often misleading.
- Watch your cholesterol. Many studies show that we should be consuming no more than 200 mg a day.
- Limit alcohol. Many alcoholic beverages are high in both calories and sugar.
Diabetic’s Shopping List Must-Haves
Here are the foods that seniors with diabetes should have on their shopping list:
- Healthy Carbs. These include whole grains, legumes such as peas and beans, lentils, fruits and veggies and dairy products that are low in fat.
- High Fiber Foods. These include slow-cooked oats (not instant), whole wheat, beans, and quinoa. Fruits such as prunes and apples are also high in fiber.
- Fresh fruits and Vegetables. Think color! Eat the rainbow when it comes to produce. The darker the color, the more nutritious it is.
- Lean Protein. Choose meats and poultry that are skinless and lean, and make sure dairy is low-fat or non-fat.
- Eat the Right Fats. Feel free to indulge in healthy fats such as avocados, olives, and nuts.
For more information on how to help seniors with diabetes maintain a healthy diet, please call us today!