What are Healthy Food Choices for People with Diabetes?

W

hen someone is diagnosed with diabetes, they may worry about everything they put into their mouths. Is what they are eating healthy? Should they eat more of one thing? Less of another? Planning meals and snacks for someone with diabetes can be a daunting task if you aren’t sure what constitutes a healthy diet for a diabetic patient. Knowing which foods are best for diabetics and which should be avoided can help make your job as a family caregiver and the job of your parent’s home health care provider much easier.

Foods to Include

Your parent’s doctor will probably recommend that they see a dietitian to create a personalized meal plan to manage their diabetes. The following foods are suggestions for foods that you and your parent’s home health care provider can work into the meal plan so that you can create healthy, balanced meals and snacks.

• Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens, etc.) are low in carbs and calories, so your parent can eat more of them.
• Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic impact than white potatoes and contain vitamin A and fiber.
• Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, are a good choice. However, avoid fish that is breaded or fried.
• Nuts can help manage hunger and contain magnesium and fiber. Some also contain omega-3s.
• Berries are a good option when your parent is craving something sweet. They are full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Beans are filled with fiber, protein, magnesium, and potassium.
• Citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, lemons, etc.) contain vitamin C and fiber.
• Tomatoes, whether cooked or raw, are a great source of iron and vitamins E and C.
• Fat-free dairy products are a source of calcium and vitamin D.
• Whole grains contain important nutrients like magnesium, folate, and chromium.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods may seem like healthy choices, but aren’t. Sometimes they are bad choices because of the way they are processed so that they contain extra sugars, fats, or sodium. Some foods to avoid including in your parent’s diet are:

• Processed grain products, like breads made with white flour and white rice.
• High-sodium canned vegetables.
• Vegetables with added butter or creamy sauces.
• Fruit canned in heavy syrup.
• Jams and jellies, except in very small portions.
• Fatty cuts of meat.
• Deep-fried foods.
• Bean products that contain lard.
• Whole milk.
• Sugary soda.
• Sweetened tea.
• Flavored coffees.

Living with diabetes doesn’t have to mean feeling deprived. There are lots of food options available. In fact, cooking for your parent with diabetes may cause you to try new foods, which can make meal preparation more creative and exciting. Your parent may enjoy helping you or their home health care provider to cook a new recipe or tasting something they’ve never tried before.