Senior diabetics must keep a close eye on their food to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Though most diabetic seniors are aware of the meals they buy and consume, there are hidden risks in several items that they may not be aware of.
The team at The Park Oak Grove, a leading provider of senior living, has put together a list of foods to avoid for diabetes prevention.
Frozen Juices in Bottles, Cans, or Concentrates
Unless otherwise stated on the label, most processed juices include some kind of added sugar. Squeezing their juice from fresh fruit is significantly safer for diabetics. Smoothies from fast food restaurants have a similar problem. When smoothies are made at home, they have more control over the components.
Specific Fruits
Fruits, whether fresh or frozen, are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Bananas, melons, and pitted fruits, on the other hand, contain more fructose than other fruits. Senior diabetics should only eat a little amount of these delicacies if at all. Apples, grapes, and strawberries are all better selections.
Coffee Mixtures
Coffee boosts cognitive performance and includes antioxidants that fight free radicals, which cause cell aging and death. Bottled coffees and blended beverages provided in many coffeehouses, on the other hand, frequently include high amounts of sugar, which might elevate blood glucose levels. Your loved ones with diabetes might explore brewing their own coffee at home, using non-fat creamers and sugar replacements as needed.
Sauces Made with Cream
Creamed sauces are high in calories and carbs and are frequently used as a topping for pasta or combined with vegetables. Butter or margarine, as well as cream and cheese, are typically used in these sauces. This combination quickly elevates blood sugar levels and may lead to weight gain.
Desserts
Pastries and ice cream have a lot of fat and sugar in them. The American Diabetes Association recommends consuming these snacks in moderation. Another alternative is to prepare sweets at home using diabetic-friendly recipes.
Foods that are High in Fat
Diabetics should avoid fried and stir-fried foods. During the preparation of fried items, a significant amount of frying oil is absorbed. In an oiled skillet or wok, stir-fried meals can also be prepared. Your loved ones who prefer Asian cuisine should be cautious as well. Sugar is commonly included in sweet and sour meals, and several dough-based delicacies, even when steamed, are heavy in calories and carbs.
Refined Cereals
Boxed and bagged cereals can contain excessive levels of sugar, despite being fortified with vitamins and minerals. Homemade oatmeal, egg whites, and turkey bacon are all good breakfast alternatives that are high in protein.
White Rice
According to Harvard University experts, a diet that contains white rice regularly is not a good option for diabetics. This variety of rice has a high glycemic index, which means it contains a lot of carbs. White rice is quickly broken down and turned into sugar in the body. As a recommendation, one might select brown rice or other grains with a lower glycemic index as a substitute instead.
