How to Eat to Prevent Diabetes
By Sara Butler
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that impacts millions of Americans. What's worse is that many people may not realize they are pre-diabetic or diabetic. Also, people may not realize how the choices they make each day can lead them down the road to the development of this condition, usually with some high blood pressure or high cholesterol on top of it.
One of the easiest things you can do is to develop some eating habits that can help you to stay healthy and avoid chronic health conditions like diabetes. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Tip No. 1: Don't Skip Out on Fiber
Fiber is one of the most important things n your diet and a small thing you can include that will make a big impact on your overall health. Many people don't get enough fiber each day but working to make sure you're getting the 21 to 25 grams you should has huge rewards.
Fiber helps to slow your body's digestion to help keep your blood sugar levels in check. It also fills you up and helps you to keep feeling that way, which can help you to maintain a healthy weight. A diet with enough fiber lowers your risk of certain conditions too, such as type 2 diabetes.
Tip No. 2: Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Yes, this is advice your mother probably gave you years ago, but she was right! Americans tend not to get enough fruits and vegetables in their diets. You should be eating five to nine servings each day.
Fruits and vegetables contain crucial antioxidants and phytochemicals that can help your body process insulin more effectively. Studies have found that berries have a positive impact on insulin resistance, which is one of the main contributing factors to the development of diabetes.
Tip No. 3: Stay Away From Processed Foods
OK, so you may not be able to totally stay away from processed foods, but you should try to limit them in your diet. These foods, which include things like chips and candy, can lead to problems with your health such as diabetes.
That's because these foods have had most of their nutrition stripped away and are simply full of fat, salt, and calories that your body doesn't need -- sugar, too! Try to stick to foods that are as unprocessed as possible.
What you eat has a big impact on your health, so choose wisely!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodland Hills, Calif.