Type 2 Diabetes - Should You Be Using The Mediterranean Diet to Help Lower Your Blood Sugar?
One diet very popular right now among health enthusiasts that does catch the eye of many Type 2 diabetics who are aiming to manage their blood sugar levels, is the Mediterranean diet.
Is this diet an eating plan you should consider? Let's review the basics so you can see for yourself whether it's one you would enjoy and see the results you are looking for...
lower blood sugar levels and weight loss.
Remember when choosing a nutrition plan, you need to consider not only the overall nutritional value of it, but how well you feel you would be able to stick to it.
Here's what to know...
1.
The Premise.
The idea behind this diet is the food guide pyramid switched around so...
2.
Recommended Adjustments.
There are a few things to discuss about this diet though.
First, it is a very high carb approach overall.
Because of the fact grains make up the bottom of the pyramid, this is something the diabetic should consider adjusting.
You don't want to be taking in quite so many carbs, so moving these to the very top of the pyramid would be a wise move.
From there you can then focus primarily on vegetables, beans, legumes, and fruits as your main carbohydrate source.
The fact olive oil is given a large category on its own means you will take in a high dose of healthy fat on this plan...
as olive oil has been known to boost heart health.
This will also help to keep energy and blood sugar levels stable, especially when combined with the plan to move grains from the bottom level.
Another change you may wish to make is to focus on fish and poultry ahead of cheese and yogurt.
While there's nothing inherently wrong with cheese and yogurt...
yogurt especially will contain more dairy sugar (lactose), so having this on occasion would be a wiser more.
Instead, focus on lean proteins in combination with your olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with beans and legumes.
All in all, with these few adjustments, you should have no issue controlling your blood sugar level, boosting heart health, managing your body weight, and keeping yourself feeling energized and looking great.
Is this diet an eating plan you should consider? Let's review the basics so you can see for yourself whether it's one you would enjoy and see the results you are looking for...
lower blood sugar levels and weight loss.
Remember when choosing a nutrition plan, you need to consider not only the overall nutritional value of it, but how well you feel you would be able to stick to it.
Here's what to know...
1.
The Premise.
The idea behind this diet is the food guide pyramid switched around so...
- whole grains, pasta, rice, bulgar, and potatoes are at the very bottom,
- fresh fruits and vegetables along with beans, legumes, and nuts are above that,
- olive oil ranks in third spot,
- cheese and yogurt come in above that, and then you finish off with
- fish, poultry, and eggs.
2.
Recommended Adjustments.
There are a few things to discuss about this diet though.
First, it is a very high carb approach overall.
Because of the fact grains make up the bottom of the pyramid, this is something the diabetic should consider adjusting.
You don't want to be taking in quite so many carbs, so moving these to the very top of the pyramid would be a wise move.
From there you can then focus primarily on vegetables, beans, legumes, and fruits as your main carbohydrate source.
The fact olive oil is given a large category on its own means you will take in a high dose of healthy fat on this plan...
as olive oil has been known to boost heart health.
This will also help to keep energy and blood sugar levels stable, especially when combined with the plan to move grains from the bottom level.
Another change you may wish to make is to focus on fish and poultry ahead of cheese and yogurt.
While there's nothing inherently wrong with cheese and yogurt...
yogurt especially will contain more dairy sugar (lactose), so having this on occasion would be a wiser more.
Instead, focus on lean proteins in combination with your olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with beans and legumes.
All in all, with these few adjustments, you should have no issue controlling your blood sugar level, boosting heart health, managing your body weight, and keeping yourself feeling energized and looking great.