Corn Tortillas Vs Flour Tortillas For Diabetics
Corn Tortillas vs Flour Tortillas for Diabetics Corn Tortillas vs Flour Tortillas for Diabetics Theres a lot of debate about whether flour or corn tortillas are healthier. Some will say that flour are healthier if you eat wheat tortillas. Ive always found it to the be the opposite. If youre a diabetic (like me), than corn tortillas, or tortillas de maz, are the way to go. And if you have to also eat gluten-free, like I do, you can enjoy corn tortillas without worry. They dont contain any gluten and theyre much easier to digest! Overall, corn tortillas are the safer bet. Why Corn Tortillas are Better for Diabetics Flour tortillas average about 18g carbs each and only 1g of fiber. A meal of 3 tacos with four tortillas would be a staggering 54 carbs! And these are not those large, burrito-sized tortillas youre thinking of. This is for regular-sized flour tortillas that fit in the palm of your hand. Its just not worth it. Especially if youre used to eating more than one or two tacos at your meal. Corn tortillas on the other hand are only8g carbs each and have four times as much fiber (4g)! If you have three tacos at your meal, thats only 24 carbs! At that rate, you could probably have another taco or two! TIP: When eating out at a Mexican restaurant, ask for two tacos and remove that second tortilla from each taco and split the filling in half. Or you can simply ask them to bring you four tacos and not double up on the tortillas. READ NEXT Ideas for Creative Activities That Can Improve Quality of Life #CareSupport If youre like me andyou love tacos, always try to stick to corn tortillas instead of the carb-loaded flour variation. It will help you stick to your diet and you wont have to miss out on those delicious tacos ever again. Continue reading >>
Best Bread For People With Diabetes
The smell of a freshly baked bread, or the sight of bread, is enough to send your senses reeling. Though people with diabetes should eat bread in moderation, sometimes it can be easy to get carried away. After all, bread is one of the most popular foods all over the globe. Just because you have diabetes, it doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all the great bread that life has to offer. In order to be able to eat bread if you have diabetes, there are a few things that you will need to know. Sonya’s Story Sonya sat across from me. She looked defeated. She hung her head low. “I don’t know how I’ll ever give up bread,” she said. “It’s my favorite food. Now that I have Type 2 Diabetes, I know I can’t eat bread, rice, or pasta.” “You can have bread, rice, and pasta in small amounts. I can teach you which kind of breads are best for you, so that you can get some of your favorite food,” I said. “That would be great,” said Sonya. “Wow, I feel a lot better! When can I come to class and learn about this?” “You can come tomorrow,” I said. “I’ll find you some bread recipes that you can make at home with diabetes-friendly ingredients, so that the bread you do eat is healthier. It will also be lower in carbohydrates than some other breads, and the carbohydrates will be good carbohydrates.” Sonya came to class where she learnt valuable information about making diabetes-friendly breads. Now she makes them for herself, and a few other friends with diabetes that she happened to have met in her diabetes classes. Breads with high fibers Breads that are whole grain, and high in fiber, such as oats or bran, are the best type of bread for people with diabetes to eat. While you can have a serving or two of bread, you still need to stay within the Continue reading >>
The Whole Grain And Nothing But The Whole Grain (part 1)
Every day you make choices about what to eat. If you have diabetes, you’re likely thinking about how many carbs you can or should eat, and how you’ll spend those carb choices. Many of you are making a conscious effort to eat more fiber, too. And maybe some of you are even trying to fit more whole grains (whatever that means) into your eating plan. Nutrition and meal planning can be baffling enough without trying to have to decipher just what the term “whole grain” means. And it may not be quite what you think. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans urge us to “consume 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day.” Unfortunately, most of us are lucky if we eat a single ounce-equivalent, or serving, of a whole-grain food per day. So, what are whole grains, anyway? Whole grains contain three layers: bran (outer layer), endosperm (middle layer), and germ (grain core). Each layer provides us with specific nutrients and health benefits. The bran provides fiber, phytonutrients, B vitamins, and minerals. The endosperm contributes carbohydrate, protein, and B vitamins. And the germ supplies vitamin E, B vitamins, unsaturated fat, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. Refined grains (think white flour and white rice) have the bran and germ layers removed, which means that many of the nutrition and health benefits have been removed, as well. Compare these examples of whole-grain and refined-grain foods: Whole Grains Amaranth Barley Brown rice Buckwheat Bulgur Oatmeal and whole oats Popcorn Quinoa 100% whole wheat bread Wild rice Refined Grains Cornflakes Couscous Grits Pasta, enriched Pretzels White bread White rice White flour Wheat flour Multigrain bread Are most of your “grain” choices from the top column or the bottom column? And are you surprised that Continue reading >>
Sandwiches And Wraps, Great For Diabetics | Diabetes Daily Post
Sandwiches and Wraps, Great for Diabetics Sandwiches and wraps, great for diabetics. When it comes to quick and easy meals, boredom does not need to be an option! We often get stuck in our food choice rut, which might promote indulging later on in foods that dont help much with our health, weight or diabetes control. Avoid the rut and enjoy tasty, filling healthful options in a convenient and easy way with wraps or sandwiches that spice up your daily menu. Instead of limited recipes, were going to provide ideas to mix and match to your liking and you might think of more ways to add to this list: Wonderful wraps, best breads: Heres where you can fit in heart healthy whole grain and fiber sources into your day. Look for 100% whole wheat or whole grain on the label. Be careful of heavy, dense bagels if you are watching your weight or concerned about after-meal blood sugar spikes use the lighter versions. Though not 100% whole grain, some choices such as rye and sourdough breads do have a lower glycemic index and can add variety and contrast to meals. Watch out for croissants, biscuits and sweet breads- these are refined carbs and higher in fat, sodium and calories. Spread on the flavor: We used to think fat was bad but using healthful fat sources help our body absorb essential vitamins, enhance flavors of foods and actually keep us feeling full longer. Olive oil, avocado and nut butters are great examples of health healthy fats, but its still important to be watchful of portions for weight control. Nut butters are an especially good choice as they are not only excellent sources of healthful fats, but add protein and many essential nutrients, and can be a great back up plan any time of day. Choose natural style nut butters and pair up with good quality fruit spreads. Musta Continue reading >>
Diabetics & Pasta
Most individuals with diabetes are fearful of the great Italian meal simply because of pasta's infamously high carbohydrate content. Nonetheless, with proper meal planning, pasta can be safely incorporated into a diabetic diet. The key is to limit the portion size and to select pastas made from high-fiber whole grains. Diabetes and Carbohydrates Individuals living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes must monitor their carbohydrate intake in order to control their blood sugar. Excessive intake of carbohydrates can lead to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. When an individual's blood sugar runs high for an extended period of time, it can lead to other medical complications such as compromised eyesight and kidney disease. To avoid hyperglycemia and associated diseases, diabetics should moderate, but not eliminate, their intake of carbohydrate-containing foods, such as pasta. Carbohydrate Content of Pasta As a member of the grains food group, pasta contains a significant amount of starch, a complex form of carbohydrate. One diabetic serving of pasta is 1/3 cup of cooked pasta, or the equivalent of 15 grams of carbohydrate. One serving of pasta also contains fiber, another complex carbohydrate which helps to control blood sugar. Whole-wheat pasta contains the most fiber: roughly 3 to 5 grams of fiber per serving. Incorporating Pasta into a Healthy Diabetic Diet According to the American Diabetes Association, most diabetics may consume 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrate per meal. As a carbohydate-containing food, pasta is safe to consume when following a diabetic diet; however, because 1/3 cup equals 15 grams of carbohydrate, the amount of pasta in one meal should not exceed 1 cup, or 45 grams of carbohydrate. Additional sauces such as marinara and Alfredo contain minimal amounts of Continue reading >>
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 >>
What Kind Of Bread Can A Diabetic Eat
Food is made up of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and it may be the one of the simple pleasures of life. However for people with diabetes, things seem to become more complicated. What can’t you eat, what can you eat. Foods that have lots of carbs will spike your blood sugar levels. It is a must to keep your blood sugar levels under control and study foods. Carbs are found in numerous different kinds of foods, such as bread, grains, desserts. Completely quitting carbohydrates isn’t healthy, realistic or even necessary for you. The carb intake is what matter to you the most and eat the nutritional foods. A lower carbohydrate diet may help with diabetes management. If you are considering reducing the carbohydrate content of bread, this information may help. You can also consult us for individualized advice. Whole-grain breads with high-fiber ingredients, such as bran and oat, may be an ideal breakfast option for diabetics. Making your bread at home with diabetes-friendly, specific ingredients will help lower the negative impact bread has on your blood sugar levels. Most breads are made of wheat, which is mainly starch and high in carbohydrates. Some are high in sugar, overly processed, and filled with empty calories, which will be detrimental to weight loss efforts and overall health. Don’t make a decision lightly. It is vital to study the nutritional diet thoroughly when determining which breads to avoid and which to purchase. Nearly everyone has heard the advice to select whole-grain bread instead of white bread. ADA also recommends 100 percent whole-wheat bread over white bread. Improving the glycemic index of bread The Glycemic Index (GI) is actually a relative ranking of carbs in the foods according to how those foods affect blood glucose levels. A glycemic i Continue reading >>
11 "health" Foods That Are Anything But Healthy
Yes, they're lower in fat. But they're still high in calories and low in nutrients, with little fiber to fill you up. Smarter sub: Popcorn. You'll get the salt and crunch of chips plus fiber, and around 65% fewer calories per cup. Look for oil-free microwave popcorn or brands that are air-popped or popped in healthful oils such as olive or canola. Health bonus: Heart-healthy whole grains. Adults who eat popcorn take in as much as 2 times more whole grains than people who do not, according to research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Try: Good Health Half Naked Popcorn , made with olive oil; one serving (4 cups) has 120 calories, 0 g sat fat, 4 g fiber. Although these products may contain some juice, they're usually nothing more than candy infused with vitamins. They also contain high fructose corn syrup, which is linked with obesity , and heart-unhealthy partially hydrogenated oils. Smarter sub: Fresh or dried fruit. Both are packed with filling fiber, which you'll miss if you opt for gummy snacks. Health bonus: Cancer-fighting antioxidants. Real fruit is loaded with immune-boosting nutrients that fruit-flavored snacks could never mimic. A Greek study found that women who ate the most fruits and veggies were the least likely to develop any type of cancer. Try: Peeled Snacks Fruit Picks dried fruit; one serving (one bag) of Go-Mango-Man-Go has 120 calories, 0 g sat fat, 2 g fiber. Even though some spray margarines claim to be "calorie-free," labeling laws allow products with fewer than 5 calories per serving to claim to have zero calories. So, while one spritz may be inconsequential, the whole bottle could have as much as 900 calories. Smarter sub:Spray-it-yourself olive oil. In this case, a bit of real fat is more healthful and flavorfulan Continue reading >>
How To Order Fast Food When You Have Diabetes
Although anyone may develop type 2 diabetes, this kind of diabetes is often caused by poor lifestyle choices, such as being overweight and not being physically active. Controlling your diet by avoiding typical fast-food choices can play a large role in helping control your blood sugar levels — a must when managing type 2 diabetes. Taking this important step may even reduce the amount of medication you need to take each day. But there are many reasons that you might need to rely on fast-food restaurants. For instance, you may work late hours or be pressed for time, and fast food might be the most convenient, or even the only, option available to you. There's no denying that these quick-bite chains seem to be everywhere — the United States has about 7.52 fast-food restaurants per 100,000 residents, according to a study published in December 2011 in the journal Critical Public Health. If you do find yourself needing to order at the drive-thru, don't fret. The key is knowing what to order to get the nutrition you need without jeopardizing your health. Type 2 Diabetes: Better Fast-Food Choices Common sense says that fast food isn't likely to be on the preferred-foods list for people with diabetes. After all, a typical fast-food breakfast can put you at or over your daily limit for fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. But many fast-food restaurants offer smart choices that can help you get the nutrition you need with the convenience you desire. For starters, fast food doesn’t have to mean fat-laden fare. Planning ahead is key, says Jenny Dejesus, NP, CDE, a diabetes educator at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. Many fast-food chains now feature healthier choices, and these are the restaurants you want to go to. “If possible, look at the menu ahead of time Continue reading >>
Diabetes Diet - Gestational
For a balanced diet, you need to eat a variety of healthy foods. Reading food labels can help you make healthy choices when you shop. If you are a vegetarian or on a special diet, talk with your health care provider to make sure you're getting a balanced diet. In general, you should eat: Plenty of whole fruits and vegetables Moderate amounts of lean proteins and healthy fats Moderate amounts of whole grains, such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice, plus starchy vegetables, such as corn and peas Fewer foods that have a lot of sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, and pastries You should eat three small- to moderate-sized meals and one or more snacks each day. Do not skip meals and snacks. Keep the amount and types of food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) the same from day to day. This can help you keep your blood sugar stable. CARBOHYDRATES Less than half the calories you eat should come from carbohydrates. Most carbohydrates are found in starchy or sugary foods. They include bread, rice, pasta, cereal, potatoes, peas, corn, fruit, fruit juice, milk, yogurt, cookies, candy, soda, and other sweets. High-fiber, whole-grain carbohydrates are healthy choices. Vegetables are good for your health and your blood sugar. Enjoy lots of them. Carbohydrates in food are measured in grams. You can learn to count the amount of carbohydrates in the foods that you eat. GRAINS, BEANS, AND STARCHY VEGETABLES Eat 6 or more servings a day. One serving equals: 1 slice bread 1 ounce (28 grams) ready-to-eat cereal 1/2 cup (105 grams) cooked rice or pasta 1 English muffin Choose foods loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates. They include: Whole-grain breads and crackers Whole grain cereals Whole grains, such as barley or oats Beans Brown or wild rice Whole-wheat pa Continue reading >>
Can Diabetics Eat Whole Wheat Bread? August 23, 2011 Return To Blog
Diabetes is a metabolic disease, meaning there is a glitch in the way the body converts food energy into usable energy. A healthy reaction to eating carbohydrate is a rise in blood sugar (glucose) followed by insulin being released as a response. The insulin acts as a key to open up cells within the brain and organs to let glucose in to be used as an immediate source of energy. Any unused energy is then stored in the liver, muscle, and fat tissues. Someone with diabetes has a rise in blood glucose but insulin is either not released or cells are resistant to the insulin. This is why diabetics have difficulty returning their high blood sugar levels back down to normal and thus need to control how much carbohydrate (glucose source) they put into their body throughout the day. Control carbohydrates. With a little effort and control diabetes can easily be managed. Diabetics should not condemn, but rather control carbohydrates. They should focus on allowing their body only the amount of carbohydrates it can handle at one time (this can be determined by a doctor or registered dietitian). Despite being diabetic, the body still needs and uses carbohydrates as its preferred source of energy. In fact, it is the only source of fuel for the brain! So it should never be eliminated, just merely controlled so your body can handle the glucose load. Stick to an eating plan. There is no single ideal eating plan for those with diabetes; the recommended plan is specific to a person’s weight, medication, blood sugars, cholesterol, and other medical conditions or concerns. Despite the varying eating plans, all diabetics should be consistent with their eating habits. Also, they need to eat about every 4-5 hours to prevent blood sugars from getting too low. Additionally, breakfast is an impor Continue reading >>
What Kind Of Bread Is Best For Diabetics?
Diabetes and bread… So many questions come up about good ‘ol bread. And not surprisingly because it's a staple food that we've all grown up on. Toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, a side of bread for dinner, it's a pretty common practice right? But if you're diabetic, should bread get the cut? Is it okay to eat? Are there certain types of breads that are better than others? These are all great questions so let's dig in and go over this together now. If you have any questions, just leave them at the bottom of the post and we'll chat about it. JUMP TO MENU: What Kind of Bread Is Best? | Wheat & Rye Breads | Sourdough Bread | Does Cutting Bread Help? | Making Low Carb Breads At Home | Is Bread Better Than Cereal? | Low Carb Bread Options You Can Buy | Free Bread Baking Class What Kind Of Bread Is Best For A Diabetic? We've recently covered the types of flours that are best for diabetes, so before we dig in and talk about breads, let's briefly look at the flour cheat sheet. See how everything above coconut flour goes up from 30 g net carbs and above, which is really getting up there. In reality, the best breads for you to eat are ones made from flaxseed, almond, chickpea or coconut flour, which are a bit more difficult to come by. Of course, the simplest way to overcome this is to make your own. But, I understand that not everyone wants to make their own, and thankfully, there are quite a number of companies that supply great low carb bread options you can buy. Whole Wheat & Rye Bread and Diabetes It's often recommended that you eat whole grains instead of the white stuff and it's true, whole grains are a better choice because they are complex carbs, rather than simple carbs. But, when you take the whole grain and grind it into a flour, it changes the way your bo Continue reading >>
Are Tortillas A Good Option For Diabetics?
Tortillas are a staple in many Hispanic households; it’s something that we eat daily and in many different ways. We enjoy them as tacos, enchiladas, chips, corn, or flour. When you have diabetes, you have to be conscious about you eat and to make sure that your blood sugar level is kept under control. But like any other food you love, it’s important to know how to incorporate them into your diet, without going overboard. Are tortillas good for you? You know they taste good and it’s part of the Hispanic culture, so let’s explore the details. They contain essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A 12-inch tortilla can have 3.9 milligrams of iron, it also contains vitamin B-3, this is what breaks down fats, carbs, and proteins. One 6-inch corn tortilla has about 60 calories and a flour tortilla can have almost 100 calories. Both corn and flour tortillas are considered low-glycemic foods. This is what measures how rapid a carb enters your bloodstream and how high it raises your glucose levels. Join the conversation and share this story One of the drawbacks of tortillas is that they contain large amounts of salt. One 12-inch tortilla can provide 35% of the recommended maximum daily sodium intake. Especially for diabetics, it’s recommended that you choose the low-sodium tortillas whenever you can and keep count on how many you eat. Instead of having tacos, you might just want to have a burrito to keep the calorie count down. Tacos are great and everyone loves them, but someone who has diabetes should avoid high-fat toppings like sour cream and melted cheese. Try swapping healthier options like grilled chicken with non-fat Greek yogurt in your tacos and load it up with lettuce and tomato and salsa. If you have the taste for chips, then pop your t Continue reading >>
What Are The Best Breads For People With Diabetes?
Is bread an option for people with diabetes? Food may be one of life’s simple pleasures, but for people with diabetes, deciding what to eat can get complicated. Foods that contain a lot of carbohydrates can spike blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are found in many different kinds of food, including desserts, grains, and bread. Giving up carbs completely isn’t realistic, healthy, or even necessary. What matters is that you’re aware of your carb intake and make nutritious food choices. Breads can often be high in carbs. Some are overly processed, high in sugar, and filled with empty calories. Healthier options can be part of a satisfying meal plan for people with diabetes. If you’re trying to figure out which breads work best for diabetes management, this information may help. When a person has diabetes, their body doesn’t make or use enough insulin to process food efficiently. Without enough insulin, blood sugar levels can spike. People with diabetes may also have high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. This means that it’s important to keep an eye on fat and sugar intake. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections daily and follow a specific type of eating plan. This eating plan is geared towards keeping blood sugar levels low. People with type 2 diabetes often follow an eating and exercise regimen geared towards reducing blood sugar. If diet and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar, insulin injections or oral medication may be a part of a daily regimen. Creating a food plan, making smart nutritional choices, and watching carbohydrate intake is recommended for people with both types of diabetes. Creating a meal plan can help people with diabetes control blood sugar and provide satisfying nutrition. There isn’t a one-size-fits-a Continue reading >>
Tortilla Nutrition, Calories And Health Benefits
Tortillas are extremely popular in the United States and a staple food in many homes. They serve as a base for a wide variety of ingredients, including vegetables, legumes, and protein sources. Tortillas are a starch, typically made from flour or corn. Tortillas can also be made using ingredients such as rice and whole grain flour. The ingredients cannot only affect the nutrition composition, but also the texture of the product. For example, corn tortillas are much harder then flour tortillas . Historically, corn tortillas were a staple food in the New World and were used well before flour tortillas came into existence. Coincidentally,diabetes became anepidemic in a short time as flour tortillas replaced the corn tortilla as a staple food after wheat flour was introduced to the New World by Spain. Typically, corn tortillas are nutritionally superior to flour tortillas. They tend to have more fiber, less fat, and less calories then white flour tortillas. In addition to corn tortillas, you can purchase alternative, healthier types of tortillas, including whole-grain tortillas, which contain more fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein for less calories. This particular tortilla is moderate in calories and carbohydrate, about the equivalent to two slices of bread. It's a good source of protein, too, containing 4g in one wrap. But, it is sub-par in the fiber department. It's best to choose tortillas that are a good source of fiber, at least 3 g per serving. In addition, look at the ingredient list. Many flour tortillas are made with hydrogenated trans fat and saturated fats, such as vegetable shortening or lard. Alternatively, corn tortillas and whole grain tortillas contain minimal fat. Depending on the size and type of tortilla you are choosing, tortillas can be moderate i Continue reading >>
