Cheese. Cheese can be high in fat and salt, so keep a check on your portion sizes. The recommended serving size is 30g/1oz – about the size of a matchbox. Cheeses such as Cheddar, Leicester, Gloucester, Lancashire, Brie, Blue cheese and Edam are all high in fat, typically containing between 20–40g fat per 100g.
Cheese. Low-fat types like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or mozzarella are high-protein choices that help keep your blood sugar in check. Enjoy a quarter-cup of cottage cheese with a half-cup of fruit, a piece of low-fat string cheese, or ricotta spread on whole-grain crackers.
People with diabetes can safely eat cheese as part of a balanced, healthful diet. As with other foods, moderation is key, and so a diet that includes too much cheese would be harmful to people with or without diabetes.
The ADA recommend that people eat less than 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per day. Eggs are high in cholesterol with a large egg containing about 200 mg of cholesterol.
However, in general, cheese on toast is likely to be safe for most diabetics to eat in moderation. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, both of which are important for maintaining good health. It is also relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a relatively diabetes-friendly food.
High in fiber and protein, beans are digested slowly in your body, making them great for managing blood glucose levels in a type 2 diabetes diet. Just ¼ cup of any type of beans will provide as much protein as 1 ounce (oz) of a meat protein equivalent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Can people with diabetes eat potatoes? According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes. The total amount of carbohydrate consumed at any given meal or snack is what is most important.
Don't fret; you can still enjoy a slice of your favorite toast in the morning. As long as you're keeping your blood sugar levels in mind, experts say there's nothing wrong with eating bread when you have diabetes.
Sugarfree biscuits are made without including any sugar. This prevents a spike in blood sugar levels. It is ok to consume sugar free biscuits if a person is diabetic.
With so few carbohydrates, a high fiber content, and healthful fat, people with diabetes can enjoy an avocado in moderation without the stress of raising their blood sugar levels. Pairing an avocado with other foods may help reduce blood sugar spikes too.
A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes can still have sweets, chocolate, or other sugary foods as long they are eaten as part of a healthful meal plan or combined with exercise.
Tomatoes are not high in sugar, and neither are carrots. Tomatoes, similar to carrots, are considered a non-starchy vegetable in meal planning for diabetes. This means that the amount of naturally occurring sugar is minimal in a serving.
Some studies suggest that drinking coffee — whether caffeinated and decaffeinated — may actually reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes, however, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with higher or lower blood sugar levels.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommend yogurt as part of a healthful diet for people with diabetes. There are many different types of yogurt available. The examples below are also available with added probiotics: Greek yogurt contains double the protein of conventional yogurt.
Tomatoes and Blood Sugar—What the Science Says
As a result, eating a tomato—in your salad, for instance—shouldn't lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. A recent meta-analysis of research on tomatoes, found that there was no significant effect of tomato consumption on fasting blood glucose levels.
Contrary to common belief, you can enjoy chips as a snack, even if you have diabetes. While you'll still need to keep an eye on sodium and be carb-conscious, you don't have to ban the foods you love from your diet.
If you have type 2 diabetes breakfast cereals made with wholegrains can help to manage blood glucose levels, they release glucose more slowly as they are low GI. Weetabix, Oatibix and Shredded Wheat can make for good choices.