diabetestalk.net

Are Grits Ok For Diabetics To Eat

10 Diabetes Breakfast Mistakes To Avoid

10 Diabetes Breakfast Mistakes To Avoid

I once went to see a friend who has diabetes. Her table was laid out with a wonderful breakfast for the both of us. However, it didn’t look too much like a breakfast a diabetic should be eating. There were carbs, carbs, and more carbs. To me it was a dream, but my thought for her was, “oh geeze, her blood sugar!” It seems innocent enough that we were having; croissants, jam, fruit, and array of fresh juices. For most people, this is a very healthy start. For diabetics, it is missing one key item that will help stall the burn of all those carbs – protein!” Here you will see biggest diabetes breakfast mistakes you’re probably making and you didn’t know you were doing it. Don’t make these breakfast mistakes to keep your blood sugar stable. At the end I have also included list of some commonly asked questions about diabetes breakfast. 1. Skipping Protein When you eat carbohydrates alone, they are digested quickly causing spikes in your blood sugar levels. When paired with a protein, they bind together and take longer to digest and burn up. If you have a bowl of cereal and toast, eat an egg with it. Fruit with Yogurt. Pancakes with Sausage. In a hurry? Just add Peanut Butter to your toast! 2. Smoothies on the Run Smoothies make you feel great! No doubt a good smoothie gives you a rush to get you going, but turns out its mostly a sugar rush. Make sure to check our 8 best smoothies for people with diabetes. Add a scoop of protein powder to slow the burn. Drink a smoothie and nibble a hardboiled egg. Skip the smoothie and have a bowl of oatmeal with some bacon! 3. Not Eating Breakfast You may have been fine without breakfast before diabetes, but after you are diagnosed you may not be anymore. People who skip breakfast actually have higher blood sugars during the Continue reading >>

How To Fight Type 2 Diabetes Through Your Food Choices And Diet Plan

How To Fight Type 2 Diabetes Through Your Food Choices And Diet Plan

If you have type 2 diabetes — the most common form of diabetes — eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is critical to controlling your weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. By enriching your diet and creating a meal plan tailored to your personal preferences and lifestyle, you'll be able to enjoy the foods you love while minimizing complications and reducing further risk. Although there isn’t any research that directly supports individual dietary choices in the fight against type 2 diabetes, it doesn’t hurt to maintain a balanced diet. More often than not, the average diet is lacking in these key nutrients: calcium magnesium fiber potassium vitamins A, C, D, and E vitamin B-12 for those on metformin Adding foods rich in these nutrients is often a great first step in diabetes management. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the following are considered to be diabetes superfoods: Fat-free milk and yogurt are both a good source of vitamin D, which promotes strong bones and teeth. Whole grains containing germ and bran are often rich in magnesium, chromium, and folate. Regardless of the type, berries are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, are high in vitamin C. Not only are beans high in fiber, they’re a solid source of potassium and magnesium. Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce your risk of heart disease, so don’t shy away from salmon dishes. In addition to providing magnesium and fiber, nuts can help with hunger management. Some nuts and seeds also contain omega-3s. Tomatoes contain crucial nutrients such as vitamins C and E. Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, which are chock-full of potassium and vitamin A. Dark green leafy vegetables like collards and kale a Continue reading >>

Grits Or Cereal - Dieting And Nutrition For Diabetes - Diabetes Forums

Grits Or Cereal - Dieting And Nutrition For Diabetes - Diabetes Forums

Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please,join our community todayto contribute and support the site. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Can someone help me here. I heard that the "white corn" in grits are good for lowing the amount of sugar in the blood. I also know that "white corn" is a GRAIN so..., I thought grain so not good. I'm simply trying to get an idea of what to eat at breakfast. I'm so worried, where I'm not eating hardly anything, and I know that isn't healthy. Thank you forum for all the help you've given me. Yes it's a grain, probably not recommended. You can always try it and test afterward. I find breakfast is pretty easy. Eggs, sausage, bacon, coffee with cream, cooked flax, hemp or chia meal. With CKD you need to be careful of egg yolks. I think it's phosphorus. My brother is allowed one yolk a day. I believe egg whites are ok though. Nuts are also a problem. I'm not sure on seeds like flax though. Also need to be careful of dairy, though the higher fat options like cream and butter are not as problematic. Do you also need to be careful of sodium? I'm not sure if it's a global thing with CKD. It is with my brother, but he is struggling with retaining fluids and so is limiting his intake to a bare minimum. My brother can have 1oz of cheese a day of its a low sodium kind. You might try an egg white omelet. I would normally have it with spinach and mushrooms. Spinach might be off your list though. You should be able to do mushrooms in moderation. Cook it in a mix of olive oil and butter for the extra calories. Could also include 1 egg yolk too also add more fat and calories. Avoid the egg beaters. They appear to have added phosphorus I think it is. Best to separate your own. There are obviously more options fo Continue reading >>

Are Grits Healthy To Eat?

Are Grits Healthy To Eat?

Written by Sylvie Tremblay, MSc; Updated July 25, 2017 What Are the Benefits of Eating Corn Meal? Grits are a staple in southern cooking, and with their satisfying creamy texture and endless adaptability, it's easy to see why. And while grits don't have enough nutrients to qualify for superfood status, they do offer some nutritional value and have a place in a moderate- or high-carb diet. However, some varieties of grits do have nutritional drawbacks, and choosing unhealthy toppings can sabotage the heathfulness of your dish. Corn in a staple starch in many cultures, and corn grits have the type of nutritional profile you'd probably expect: one that's moderately high in calories and high in carbs. A cup of cooked grits has 182 calories not counting the calories of any add-ins and most of those calories come from its 38 grams of carbohydrates. Grits also have a small amount of protein, about 4 grams per serving, and just over 1 gram of fat. If you're looking to carb-load before a workout, grits are the food for you. If you're looking for a protein powerhouse? Not so much. Grits may not have the vitamin and mineral content of fruits, veggies and other superfoods, but they're not bad. Each cup of grits has about 1.5 milligrams of iron, which supplies 19 percent of the iron needs for men and 8 percent for women. That iron helps your cells produce energy, and it's also important for healthy red blood cells the ones that circulate oxygen throughout your body. Eat grits and you'll also get a handful of B vitamins, including niacin, vitamin B-6 and folate. These nutrients collectively support your metabolism. Niacin also supports your nervous system, while folate helps you produce red blood cells. While grits offer some health benefits, most varieties have one major drawback: Continue reading >>

Shrimp And Grits

Shrimp And Grits

Ingredients Directions Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired; set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine broth, milk, and grits. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes or until grits are desired consistency, stirring occasionally. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until onion is tender and lightly browned. Remove onion mixture from skillet and set aside. Add shrimp to hot skillet; cook over medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes or until shrimp are opaque, turning occasionally. Stir in onion mixture and parsley. Continue reading >>

Are Yellow Corn Grits Good For The Diabetics?

Are Yellow Corn Grits Good For The Diabetics?

Corn is a popular staple food served on the table instead of white rice for some families and for those individuals who are trying to follow a unique anti aging fat loss meal plan. It is called as maize by the Spanish. When eaten unprocessed, it actually offers surprisingly impressive amounts and variety of nutrients. This may come as a surprise, but do you know that corn has been classified as a vegetable and not as fruit? For most locals here in the Philippines, they opt for the maize or the yellow corn grits instead of the white rice, the moment they have medical health problems, such as diabetes. But, are the yellow corn grits really safe for you? Corn foods are characterized for their unique distinctive flavor that cannot be duplicated by any other cereal. In Africa and Asia, the corn is generally dry milled into grits or meals and flours to be used as the main component in food production, such as corn bread, snacks, beverages, and porridges. Corn is the cereal with the highest production for human consumption across the world, which includes the use for livestock feed, and fuel. The yellow corn grits are made by grinding the whole grain corn into a coarse powder. Actually, they are normally used for animal feed and production, but in some places, they are used as a relief food for starving people, and in some places as food for the poor people. A Grade maize is for the human consumption, while the B Grade maize is for the animal feed and manufacturing of other products. A cup of yellow corn grits contains about 182 calories and 1 gram of fat. If you are trying to lose weight, eating the yellow corn grits is a much better way to feel full without consuming excessive fat calories. The yellow maize has been found to be more nutritious and contains a higher nutrition Continue reading >>

12 Breakfast Rules For Diabetes

12 Breakfast Rules For Diabetes

First, eat it iStock/EasyBuy4u Even if your blood sugar is high in the morning, don't skip breakfast. Research shows that forgoing a morning meal increases the risk for obesity and insulin resistance. And studies confirm that breakfast eaters are better able to resist fatty and high-calorie foods later in the day. Aim to eat your breakfast at the same time every day, since keeping your blood sugar levels even throughout the day means eating consistently from day to day. Try to incorporate these healthy carbs for diabetes into your breakfast. iStock/ShotShare You can't (and shouldn't) avoid restaurants altogether, but there's one meal you should almost always eat at home: breakfast. Look at the alternatives: Diner-style breakfasts can include 1,000 calories or more with astronomical amounts of carbohydrates and fats. A healthy-sounding whole-wheat bagel with light cream cheese from a bagel shop may contain up to 67 grams of carbs, 450 calories, and 9 grams of fat. A sausage muffin may pack 29 grams of carbs, 370 calories, and 22 grams of fat. Compare those to a bowl of oatmeal (half a cup) with a half cup of fat-free milk, which contains a mere 12 grams of carbs, 195 calories, and 3 grams of fat. iStock/MarkGillow We assume you're already starting out with a cereal that contains at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. (Studies have found that people who regularly eat whole-grain cereal gain less weight than people who don't.) Make it even more diabetes-friendly by adding half a cup (one serving) of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries. Here's why fruit is healthy for diabetes (not forbidden!). Sprinkle 1 or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed on hot and cold cereal and yogurt iStock/Sasha Radosavljevic Rich in protein and fiber, these tiny seeds are a godsend to Continue reading >>

Low Carb Grits With Sawmill Gravy For Breakfast

Low Carb Grits With Sawmill Gravy For Breakfast

This dish of low carb grits and sawmill gravy will brighten up any day with just 3g net carbs and a whole lot of yum! If youre low carb breakfasts have gotten boring and you cant face another poached egg youll LOVE this easy, comforting dish! I have spent more than half my life in the south much more. One of the things that I have learned to love is grits. I like them with a puddle of golden, melted butter in the middle, pooled in syrup or with gravy. It just doesnt matter. I like em.I am not really much of a breakfast eater unless youre talking about eating breakfast out but grits well theyre grits, yall. Low-carbing isnt too bad when you are talking about lunch or dinner but most people get bogged down with breakfast. After all, most people in the United States eat things like toast, pancakes, cereal, bagels, oatmeal, and grits for breakfast. Its the meal that is most likely to be made up of a high percentage of carbs. Once we switch to a low carb diet what do we eat? Eggs in omelets, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, boiled eggs, poached eggsit doesnt take very long to get tired of that menu. I dont know about you but when things get boring I am likely to reach for something I shouldnt be eating. A low-carb breakfast tends to be boring. What if you could have low carb grits and gravy for breakfast? Would that make a difference? Well, heck yeah! It made a difference for me, anyway. Obviously these are not grits because if they were the carbs would be too high to be on this blog and I wouldnt be admitting to eating them. Here is one more time you are going to have to trust me even though you think I have lost my mind. Its a mixture of cauliflower and almonds. Put down the phone and stop looking at me like that. You arent the first person to question my sanity and you probab Continue reading >>

As A Type 2 Diabetic, Which Is Better For Me: Grits Or Oatmeal?

As A Type 2 Diabetic, Which Is Better For Me: Grits Or Oatmeal?

I have been eating grits instead of oatmeal because it stays with me longer then oatmeal. The main reason I switched from oatmeal is because it has more sugar in it then grits does. I am a type 2 diabetic and I have been trying to lower my blood sugar as best as I can. Although I have heard that oatmeal is better then grits for someone with type 2 diabetes, I am not convinced. The only way to give oatmeal any flavor without adding some sweetener to it seems to be impossible. Now I admit I do like oatmeal. I started an oatmeal for breakfast routine back sometime last year, which was ok, but it did not stay with me very long before I wanted something else in between to get me through to lunch time. I welcome suggestions if you can give me. Dr. Gourmet Says... This is a great question. We know that higher fiber foods can be beneficial in helping control blood sugar. The prototype of that is oatmeal, and if I had a nickel for every time a physician said to a diabetic, "Eat oatmeal for breakfast," I would retire today. We don't recommend grits very often and I think that's because they have been refined. Note, also, that grits are more calorie dense than oatmeal (all measures are for precooked grits or oats). 1/4 cup grits = 144 calories & 1.8 grams fiber 1/4 cup oats = 77 calories & 2.0 grams fiber So the key here is that if you like them, grits are OK, but you should be careful with the portion size. Another tip is to consider moving toward yellow grits. The less refined cornmeal will have more fiber and more nutrients. Look for coarse ground or stone ground yellow grits / cornmeal. 1/4 cup cornmeal = 110 calories & 2.2 grams fiber You'll get better "grit" flavor, fewer calories and more fiber. Thanks for writing, Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP Dr. Gourmet Continue reading >>

Type 2 Diabetes Diet Food List

Type 2 Diabetes Diet Food List

Now some of the diabetes diet information presented below may be slightly different to what you are used to seeing. That’s because there are quite a few flaws in the common diet prescription for type 2 diabetes. In our work with clients we’ve discovered that a ‘real food’ approach to eating has helped control type 2 diabetes the most. That’s because there is more to managing diabetes than just counting cabrs! So we’ve put together this type 2 diabetes diet food list that will give you a great place to start. FREE DOWNLOAD Like a Take Home Copy Of This List? Includes Snack Ideas and Food Tips! Type 2 Diabetes Diet Food List PROTEINS Every meal should contain a source of protein for energy production and to fuel the creation of new cells. Below is a list of good protein sources to choose from. Protein also helps to satisfy the appetite, keeping you fuller longer. Lean Meats Lean beef; veal, flank steak, extra lean mince, sirloin steak, chuck steak, lamb. Pork Lean cuts of pork; pork chops or loin. Poultry Chicken, turkey, duck, quail, goose. Fish Tuna, salmon, cod, trout, bass, flatfish, whitehead, mackerel, herring, eel, haddock, red snapper, trout, drum, walleye, sardines and so forth. Seafood Crab, lobster, prawns, shrimp, oysters, mussels, clams, scallops, abalone, crayfish. Game Meats Venison, wild boar, kangaroo, deer, pheasant, moose, wild turkey, alligator, emu, ostrich, elk, bison, turtle. Many people don’t eat these types of meats but you can eat them if you like them. Organ Meats Beef, pork, lamb, chicken livers. Beef, pork, lamb, chicken tongues, hearts, brains. Beef, pork, lamb, chicken marrow, kidneys. Many people don’t eat these types of meats either but you can eat them if you like them, and they are very good sources of vitamins and minera Continue reading >>

Fruits For Diabetes: All You Need To Know

Fruits For Diabetes: All You Need To Know

Eating fruit is a delicious way to satisfy hunger and meet daily nutritional needs. However, most fruits contain sugar, which raises questions about whether they are healthy for people who have diabetes. Is fruit unhealthy for people with diabetes? This article will look at what you need to know about fruit and diabetes. Contents of this article: What is fruit? Most people can probably name several fruits such as oranges and apples, but not know why they are fruits. Fruits contain seeds and come from plants or trees. People eat fruits that are stored in many ways - fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and processed. But aren't tomatoes and cucumbers also fruits because they have seeds? There are many foods that are classed as fruits that may surprise some people. Tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, peas, corn, and nuts are all fruits. It's fine to think of tomatoes and cucumbers as vegetables rather than fruits, however. What's important is how much energy (calories) and nutrients each food has. The bottom line: it's not important to know the difference between fruits and vegetables but to know that both are good for health. Does eating fruit play a role in managing diabetes? Eating enough fiber plays an important role in managing diabetes. A diet high in soluble fiber can slow the absorption of sugar and control blood sugar levels. Many fruits are high in fiber, especially if the skin or pulp is eaten. Many fruits are filling because they contain fiber and a lot of water. Diets containing enough fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of obesity, heart attack, and stroke. Obesity has been linked to type 2 diabetes. Fruits are high in fiber and nutrients, so they are a good choice in meal planning. Fruits that have been processed such as applesauce and fruit juices have had their Continue reading >>

Grits Vs. Oatmeal: What’s Better For Your Body?

Grits Vs. Oatmeal: What’s Better For Your Body?

Grits are made of hominy — small, ground chips of dried corn and considered a classic southern food. The texture resembles a loose polenta; both regular and instant-type grits are available, and common preparation includes water or milk. You can eat them plain, which is the healthiest way to consume them, but many of us add butter, salt, sugar and/or cheese to flavor our grits. Oatmeal is made from harvested oat grain. Nutritionists often praise oatmeal for being high in fiber, low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals and protein, but you can also get nutritional benefits from eating enriched grits for breakfast. Once again, eating it plain is the healthiest way, but there’s a great number of people that add milk, spices, butter and/or sugar. Here we look at 5 different areas to determine which one is better for you: Calories and Fat A cup of cooked grits contains 182 calories and 1 gram of fat, giving you 9 calories from fat. Although the same amount of cooked oatmeal has 166 calories, it contains 3 grams of fat per serving, increasing the amount of fat calories to 27. If you are trying to lose weight, eating grits is a better way to get a full feeling without consuming excessive fat calories. These figures refer to plain grits and oatmeal. Adding butter, milk, sugar or salt can increase the amount of fat and calories significantly, so keep these additives to a minimum. Sprinkling a calorie-free sugar substitute or a pinch of cinnamon onto your cereal can flavor your cereal while keeping it nutritious. TAKE A LOOK: How To Upgrade Your Oatmeal To Make Life Easier Vitamin B-6 According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, getting an ample amount of vitamin B-6 may help prevent carpal tunnel, rheumatoid arthritis or vision problems, such as macular dege Continue reading >>

Are Grits Good For You? – Dr. Jay

Are Grits Good For You? – Dr. Jay

The doctor is in and this time I’ll try to answer the eternal health conundrum: are grits really good for you? Coming from a hash-brown father and a polenta mother, grits were infrequently on our Missouri table. After moving to South Carolina, I tried my first taste of properly prepared grits at the late Anson Street Café. Those bites changed my world. The creamy, buttery warmth made me suddenly happy. There is solid medical evidence that happiness improves one’s sense of well-being and mental health. Logic follows that grits are, at least somewhat, good for you. However, the nutritional content of grits is relatively dismal. I will spare you the details of the individual packets of cheese- or butter-flavored instant grits. Don’t eat those. Ever. The word “instant” means place directly in a trash can. The two other types of grits found in grocery stores are quick grits and slow-cook grits. They are both available in canisters in the cereal aisle. Among the slow-cook grits are packages of stone-ground and heirloom varieties from purveyors such as Anson Mills and Adluh. These products have larger grit size, and for reasons I explain below, are healthier than fine grain quick or slow-cook grits. If you are familiar with the movie My Cousin Vinny, you know that, simply put, grits are corn. Corn is mostly carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are sugar. And sugar is bad, right? We are raised to believe sugar rots the teeth, causes obesity and contributes to diabetes. All true. However, carbohydrates are a ready source of energy for the brain. They can be used immediately by neurons and keep the brain mentally sharp unlike the slow release of energy that occurs while in ketosis, i.e. in a state of starvation or while on a low carbohydrate diet. What I am saying is, my patie Continue reading >>

7 Easy Breakfast Ideas For Type 2 Diabetes

7 Easy Breakfast Ideas For Type 2 Diabetes

Cooking with less fat by using nonstick pans and cooking sprays and avoiding fat- and sugar-laden coffee drinks will help ensure that you're eating a healthy breakfast. For many people, breakfast is the most neglected meal of the day. But if you have type 2 diabetes, breakfast is a must, and it can have real benefits. “The body really needs the nutrients that breakfast provides to literally ‘break the fast’ that results during sleeping hours,” says Kelly Kennedy, MS, RD, an Everyday Health dietitian. “Having a source of healthy carbohydrates along with protein and fiber is the perfect way to start the morning.” Eating foods at breakfast that have a low glycemic index may help prevent a spike in blood sugar all morning long — and even after lunch. Eating peanut butter or almond butter at breakfast, for example, will keep you feeling full, thanks to the combination of protein and fat, according to the American Diabetes Association. And a good breakfast helps kick-start your morning metabolism and keeps your energy up throughout the day. Pressed for time? You don't have to create an elaborate spread. Here are seven diabetes-friendly breakfast ideas to help you stay healthy and get on with your day. 1. Breakfast Shake For a meal in a minute, blend one cup of fat-free milk or plain nonfat yogurt with one-half cup of fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, or blueberries. Add one teaspoon of wheat germ, a teaspoon of nuts, and ice and blend for a tasty, filling, and healthy breakfast. Time saver: Measure everything out the night before. 2. Muffin Parfait Halve a whole grain or other high-fiber muffin (aim for one with 30 grams of carbohydrates and at least 3 grams of fiber), cover with berries, and top with a dollop of low- or nonfat yogurt for a fast and easy bre Continue reading >>

Diabetic Breakfast With Grits

Diabetic Breakfast With Grits

When you are cooking within the guidelines of a diabetic meal plan, it can be hard to find a way to include classic favorites. A diabetic diet needs to be well balanced with proteins, fruits and vegetables. Include whole grain, low-glycemic carbohydrates with each meal to keep your blood sugar balanced, accounting for every carbohydrate choice according to your doctor's recommendation. Grits are a Southern classic, and can be integrated into a diabetic diet in proper moderation. Video of the Day When you create a breakfast menu for a diabetes meal plan, focus on adding protein and vegetables first. Egg whites or egg substitutes, low-fat meats or other protein and non-fibrous vegetables should be the focus of your breakfast. A whole grain carbohydrate choice such as multi-grain toast can round out the plate. According to the American Diabetes Association, vegetables should comprise half of the plate, with protein and carbohydrates split evenly across the other half. This guideline helps ensure a well-balanced plate. Yellow Corn Grits Yellow corn grits provide the lowest carbohydrate impact and no fat, though they also offer the lowest nutritional benefit. A half-cup serving of yellow corn grits packs 15 g of carbohydrates with negligible dietary fiber and 2 g of protein. The standard serving size offers 4 percent of your daily requirement for iron, but does not contribute to any other nutritional requirements. Top yellow grits with a small amount of shredded, low-fat cheese for extra calcium. White corn grits have a much higher carbohydrate impact than the yellow corn variety. Along with the higher carbohydrate concentration comes an increase in added nutrients. The white corn variety contains 32 g of carbohydrates to a 1/4-cup serving. The single serving contains a 1/2 Continue reading >>

More in diabetes