A balanced diet is key to healthy living regardless of age, gender, or medical background. For those with diabetes, however, diet is especially critical to maintaining health and weight. Neglecting either can lead to complications like heart disease, cholesterol, or stress on ulcer-prone feet and ankles. At Floyd Brace, we encourage our patients with diabetes to eat healthy – but what does that mean? Below, we’ve debunked some of the myths that make diabetes-friendly diets hard to follow:
Myth: Sugar is a major no-no.
Fact: While it’s true diabetes revolves around maintaining a healthy blood-sugar level, there’s still wiggle room in your diet for a little sugar. The key, like all things, is moderation. It’s also a series of swaps and modifications. If you’re craving that pie for dessert, pass on the bread, rice, or pasta during your meal, or take smaller bites to stretch a smaller piece longer.
Myth: You can’t eat “normal” meals, they must be diabetic-specific.
Fact: A diabetic diet isn’t like a branded weight loss diet that requires food items purchased from a program. Instead, it focuses on healthy, clean eating that’s beneficial for anybody, whether or not they’re keeping tabs on their blood-sugar level. When eaten in moderation, you can still enjoy the same foods with friends and family at restaurants or around the table at home.
Myth: You can adjust your insulin to match whatever you eat.
Fact: If you’re required to take insulin injections, you’ll learn to leverage the amount you use to match the amount and type of food you eat. However, insulin can’t be a cover-all to stabilize your blood-sugar levels following a massive binge. Follow your medications as prescribed by your doctor, who’s already tailored your dosage for your body and diet specifically.
Myth: High-protein diets are best.
Fact: Quite the opposite, actually. An excess of protein (especially animal protein) can lead to insulin resistance. Your diet should include protein alongside fats and carbohydrates, striving for balance across your macronutrients. But, speaking of carbs…
Myth: Carbs should be nearly eliminated.
Fact: Carbohydrates are building blocks to a healthy diet, diabetes notwithstanding. It’s the kind of carbs you’re consuming that matters. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables carry vitamins, minerals, and fibers essential to good health, and these carbs come from natural sources that your body can break down safely. Foods high in starch require extra attention because they don’t have the same nutrients to offer and typically contain more concentrated forms of sugar. All carbs affect blood sugar levels, but it depends on the type and amount of carb consumed.
For better or worse, your diet shouldn’t stop you from living a full and satisfying life. The experts at Floyd Brace can help you. Give us a call today!
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