Foods to Avoid When You Are Diabetic or Insulin Resistant

If you have any type of problems with your body regulating insulin (blood sugar), maintaining a healthy diet is your best weapon against health complications. You are probably well aware that you should avoid refined sugar and anything containing simple sugars like cakes, cookies, and other desserts, but there are many other foods that you should avoid. Here are just a few.

Trans Fats

Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have had hydrogen added to them to extend shelf life. Trans fats are found most often in frozen dinners, margarines, and peanut butters, but they can also be present in some muffins and breads to extend shelf life. While trans fats will not raise your blood sugar, they can be problematic for diabetics and insulin resistant patients. These patients are more prone to heart disease.

White Foods

White bread, white pasta, and white rice are some of the worst things you can eat as a diabetic. These simple carbohydrates will raise your blood sugar just the same as if you were to eat a cookie or a piece of cake. Substitute whole wheat bread, whole wheat or veggie pasta, and brown rice. Yet even with these substitutions, moderation is key.

Natural Sweeteners

Many diabetics and insulin resistant patients try to cut white sugar out of their diet completely, which is a wise decision, but sometimes it can be tempting to replace white sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or agave. While both of these are natural sugars that are unrefined, they can still spike your blood sugar. A small drizzle of honey into your cup of hot tea once a day won’t hurt you, but it is easy to overdo it.

If you are diabetic or insulin resistant, it is important that you manage your disease to the best of your ability. In that endeavor we can help. Contact us today for more information.