What Cereals Are Recommended For People With Diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes choose whole-grain, high-fiber and low-sugar cereals. Be careful, however, when choosing “whole-grain cereals.” Many manufacturers know that consumers are looking for whole-grain products and they may advertise products as containing whole grains when there's very little whole grain in them. If the source of whole grain is not listed as the first ingredient, then it probably contains very little. Video of the Day Choose whole-grain ingredients that appear first on the food label. Brown rice, whole oats, whole rye, whole wheat, wild rice, bulgur, triticale, millet, quinoa and sorghum are examples of types of whole grains in cereals. The first ingredient in Post Grape-Nuts cereal is whole-grain wheat flour. The first ingredient in Post Shredded Wheat cereal is whole wheat, and for the Weetabix biscuit cereal the first ingredient is whole wheat. A number of other brands such as Barbara’s, Cascadian Farms, Bob’s Red Mill, Kashi and Nature’s Path also make whole-grain cereals. Eating foods high in fiber helps to regulate your blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestive process. Fiber is found in whole grains. The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing cereals that contain 3 grams or more of fiber per serving. Post Shredded Wheat contains 6 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Post Grape-Nuts contains 7 grams of dietary fiber per serving, and Weetabix contains 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Stay away from whole-grain cereals with added sugars. Choose cereals with a very low amount of sugar -- less than 6 g, recommends the American Diabetes Association. Post Shredded Wheat contains 0 g of sugar per serving. Post Grape-Nuts contains 5 g of sugar per serving, and Weetabix conta Continue reading >>
Cold Cereals For A Diabetes-friendly Diet
Diabetics can eat all kinds of food, including many commercial cold cereals. According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, diabetics should eat cereals with 3g or more of dietary fiber and 5g or less of total sugar. When choosing a healthy breakfast cereal, limit your intake of added sugar by skipping granolas and cereals with marshmallows, “frosting,” dried fruits and chocolate flavoring. Also choose cereals that are higher in fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient to help you prevent weight gain and heart disease, for which diabetics have increased risk. Video of the Day The sugar content of some corn and rice breakfast cereals won’t derail a diabetic diet, but many of these cereals don’t supply all the fiber you need. Corn flakes and puffed rice may not contain enough of the whole grain to provide that fiber, reports the CDC. These cold cereals may contain refined grains, in which some of the plant fiber and other nutrients have been removed in processing. One corn cereal that meets the ADA criteria is General Mills Kix, with 3g of fiber and 3g of sugar per suggesting serving. Oat-based cold cereals may deliver enough fiber for a diabetic diet, but most of them have too much sugar in the form of honey or brown sugar ingredients to include frequently for breakfast. People with diabetes may instead opt for natural hot oatmeals, which have less than 1g of sugar and plenty of fiber. One cold breakfast cereal that satisfies ADA requirements is General Mills Cheerios. Like oatmeal, oat Cheerios offer 3g of fiber and only 1g of sugar in a suggested serving. Wheat cereals may be the best breakfast cereal addition to a diabetic diet. Read the nutrition facts on packages, though, because some of these cold cereals that are marketed as healthy have low sugar, b Continue reading >>
Which Cold Cereals Can Diabetics Eat
Diabetics need to pay close attention to the amount and type of carbohydrates they eat. Cold cereals are an easy and convenient breakfast option if you are on the go, but many types of cereals have a high carbohydrate content, mainly from added sugar or refined flours that can quickly elevate your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, choose cold cereals that have a lower glycemic index and keep your portions small to prevent spikes in your blood sugar levels. Muesli Muesli and granola-type breakfast cereals are very dense, and only a small portion, or between 1/4 to 1/2 cup, is necessary start your day with enough energy. Choose a muesli that is free of added sugars and check the ingredient list to ensure it is mainly made from oat flakes, nuts and dried fruits to guarantee a lower glycemic index option. Low GI foods will help you keep your blood sugar levels more stable throughout the morning, whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Do not add sugar to your muesli, and serve it with plain yogurt or milk. Large Oat Flakes You may eat oat flakes cooked as a hot cereal, but they can also be eaten raw as a cold cereal. Choose large oat flakes or steel-cut oats, which have a lower glycemic index. Add raw nuts, milk or plain yogurt and enjoy. Avoid adding extra sugar, but you can add a handful of berries for a touch of sweetness that won't lead to high blood sugar levels. Cook quinoa ahead of time, according to the package instructions, and keep it in the fridge for a quick cold breakfast cereal option. Quinoa is a healthy whole grain that contains slowly digested carbohydrates to help you keep your blood sugar levels in the healthy range. Add a bit of milk or plain yogurt, nuts and fruit as desired, but keep your serving size between 1/2 and 1 cup for moderate carb Continue reading >>
Cereal: It’s What’s For Breakfast… Or Lunch, Or Dinner
Raise your hand if you currently eat or have ever eaten cereal. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of you raised your hand. Back in 2005, Good Morning America conducted a poll and found that 60% of Americans eat breakfast, and of those 60%, about 40% eat either hot or cold cereal. I’m a big breakfast cereal eater, mostly because it’s fast and easy, but also because I like it. People eat cereal at any time of day, too — it’s not just for breakfast anymore. And if you’re a Seinfeld fan, you probably remember the episode when Jerry’s girlfriend ate cereal for all three meals. All sorts of studies have been done looking at how breakfast impacts various factors, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol, as well as alertness and productivity. And starting off the day by eating cereal is a smart way to help meet your fiber and whole-grain goals (most of us fall short on these). Did you know, too, that eating a whole-grain breakfast cereal can help reduce your risk of heart failure, and is a smart way to prevent accumulating fat around your midsection (also known as the dreaded spare tire)? Decisions, Decisions So, eating breakfast is good. Eating cereal is also good with one caveat: you need to choose a cereal that’s healthy. But how? The cereal aisle in the supermarket can be overwhelming. You know you should choose something that’s high in nutrition, but the worry is that the cereal will taste like packing peanuts. Must one sacrifice flavor for health? Choosing Wisely Here are some tips that can help: Read the Nutrition Facts label. Information on the front of the box can be misleading. For example, a cereal claiming to be “low in sugar” might not be so healthful in terms of fat, whole grains, or sodium. The label and the ingredi Continue reading >>
What To Eat With Diabetes: Best Cold Cereals
Looking for a better breakfast cereal? Try one of our 18 cereal winners or finalists that are dietitian-approved and taste-tested. We conducted blind taste panels with more than 100 people, including people with diabetes, and awarded the top-rated flakes, O's, and puffed cereals our Diabetic Living What to Eat seal of approval. Please note that product information, packaging, and availability may have changed since our story first appeared. Looking for a better breakfast cereal? Try one of our 18 cereal winners or finalists that are dietitian-approved and taste-tested. We conducted blind taste panels with more than 100 people, including people with diabetes, and awarded the top-rated flakes, O's, and puffed cereals our Diabetic Living What to Eat seal of approval. Please note that product information, packaging, and availability may have changed since our story first appeared. Looking for a better breakfast cereal? Try one of our 18 cereal winners or finalists that are dietitian-approved and taste-tested. We conducted blind taste panels with more than 100 people, including people with diabetes, and awarded the top-rated flakes, O's, and puffed cereals our Diabetic Living What to Eat seal of approval. Please note that product information, packaging, and availability may have changed since our story first appeared. Looking for a better breakfast cereal? Try one of our 18 cereal winners or finalists that are dietitian-approved and taste-tested. We conducted blind taste panels with more than 100 people, including people with diabetes, and awarded the top-rated flakes, O's, and puffed cereals our Diabetic Living What to Eat seal of approval. Please note that product information, packaging, and availability may have changed since our story first appeared. Continue reading >>
Healthy Cereal Brands For Diabetes
When you’re in a morning rush, you may not have time to eat anything but a quick bowl of cereal. But many brands of breakfast cereal are loaded with fast-digesting carbohydrates. These carbs usually rate high on the glycemic index. That means your body quickly breaks them down, which rapidly raises your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, that can be dangerous. Fortunately, not all cereals are made the same. Read on to learn about diabetes-friendly cereal options that can get you out of the door quickly, without putting you through a blood sugar rollercoaster ride. We’ve listed our recommendations from the highest rating on the glycemic index to the lowest rating. The glycemic index, or GI, measures how quickly carbohydrates raise your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it’s best to choose foods with lower GI ratings. They take longer to digest, which can help prevent spikes in your blood sugar. According to the Harvard School of Public Health: low-GI foods have a rating of 55 or less medium-GI foods have a rating of 56-69 high-GI foods have a rating of 70-100 Mixing foods can influence how they digest and adsorb into your blood, and ultimately their GI rating. For example, eating high-ranked GI cereal with Greek yogurt, nuts, or other low-ranked GI foods can slow your digestion and limit spikes in your blood sugar. Glycemic load is another measure of how food affects your blood sugar. It takes into account portion size and the digestibility of different carbohydrates. It may be a better way to identify good and bad carb choices. For example, carrots have a high GI rating but a low glycemic load. The vegetable provides a healthy choice for people with diabetes. According to the Harvard School of Public Health: a glycemic load under 10 is low a glycemi Continue reading >>
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 >>
Cereal: Making Healthy Selections
Spring has finally arrived! March happens to be National Nutrition Month®, and after a long winter, it’s always a good idea to “spring clean” your eating routine and focus on good nutrition. Speaking of nutrition, March 7 was National Cereal Day. To pay homage to cereal, this week, we’ll look at some facts (and foibles) about cereal, with tips on how to choose the healthiest cereal. Cereal history • 1863: Cereal is invented! James Caleb Jackson, a very religious vegetarian who ran a sanitarium in New York, created a breakfast cereal from graham flour. The dough was very hard and had to be soaked in milk overnight. Jackson called this cereal “granula.” Later, John Harvey Kellogg, a surgeon, made his own version and renamed it “granola.” • Early- to mid-1900s: Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Quaker Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat, Wheaties, Rice Krispies, and Chex cereals hit the scene. (Elizabeth Taylor graced the box of Chex cereal in the 1950s!) • Sugary cereals top the list. According to data from IBISWorld and IRI, top-selling cereals include Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, and Honey Bunches of Oats. • Cereal still rules. Sales of cereal have dropped over recent years, as consumers look for healthier higher-protein, higher-fiber breakfasts. But Nielsen data shows that 90% of American households nonetheless contain cereal. Ninety-four percent of millennials have cereal in their homes — for them, cereal serves as a snack, as well as breakfast. Nutrition tips for smart cereal choices Go to any supermarket and you’ll find shelves (and aisles) dedicated to cereal. How do you choose? It’s easy to spot the “kid-friendly” sugary cereals, but not so easy to find the cereals that provide decent nutrition without all the sugar and other undesirable Continue reading >>
The Five Best Cereals For Blood Sugar
Breakfast cereals are notoriously high in sugar. However, if you read the labels carefully you will be able to find several healthy cereals to jumpstart your day and still keep your diabetes under control. Oatmeal: One of the best cereal choices for people with diabetes is oatmeal. It is high in soluble fiber and naturally low in sugar. There is also research to suggest that oatmeal lowers cholesterol. If you are buying instant oatmeal, try to avoid the brands with added sugar. Barbara’s Honey Rice Puffins: Even though this cereal has the word “honey” in the name, it is actually a pretty good (and yummy) choice. This cereal is made from whole grain brown rice and is a gluten free option - if that is necessary in your diet. Rice Puffins come in at 6 grams of sugar and 1.5 grams of fat per serving. General Mills Multi Grain Cheerios: This cereal is made with five different whole grains. It has 6 grams of sugar and only 1 gram of fat. Cheerios taste great and are also gluten free. Fiber One: Coming in at 0 grams of sugar and only 2 grams of fat, this cereal is also a good choice. It is high in fiber, which can help with weight management. Fiber One has only 60 calories per serving so it can also be a good choice if you are also watching calories. Kix: Even though this sounds like one of those sugary kids’ cereal, it actually has only 3 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fat. Kix also delivers 13 grams of whole grain corn in each serving. When choosing a cereal, remember that all cereals are not created equal. You should always read the label and look for a breakfast cereal that is low in sugar and high in fiber. With all cereals, be careful of the portion size. One serving is usually equal to about 3/4 of a cup of dry cereal. See More Helpful Articles: Tracy Davenport, P Continue reading >>
Diabetic Cereal Plus Low Carb Alternatives
Here's a comment someone made on our Facebook page: What kind of cold cereal do you guys eat – checked the super market and (omg) so high in carbs and sugar and you can eat 1/4 cup of 1/2 cup (I would literally starve on this ) any suggestions ? Have you had a similar experience from looking at food labels on breakfast cereals? Or perhaps you haven't looked at the labels and not sure if cereals are okay for diabetes. Well, we've got you covered because today we're going to go over the ins and outs of breakfast cereals, share some low carb alternatives you can buy, and share a couple of recipes you can enjoy too. The Truth About Breakfast Cereals Breakfast Cereals are NOT healthy! Let's look at 2 popular breakfast cereals from the US and Australia. If you're from a different country, that's okay, most cereals are the same poor quality. General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios Noted as the US most popular cereal in 2013. In a 112 g serve we have: 440 calories 6 g fat 640 mg sodium 88 g carbs 8 g fiber 36 g sugar 44 g other carbs 8 g protein Ingredients: Whole grain oats, sugar, oat bran, modified corn starch, honey, brown sugar syrup, salt, tripotassium phosphate, canola and/or rice bran oil, natural almond flour, and then their long line of ADDED vitamins and minerals. Source Does this measure up as a healthy breakfast option? No way! Almost 1/3 sugar content and 132 g carbs, high sodium, low fiber, and low protein. In my opinion that's no way to start the day and yet it's the most popular cereal in the US. Notice on the box that the marketing claims it “Can Help Lower Cholesterol”. You will see all sorts of advertising scams occur on food packaging and you can't trust any of it. Although there is some evidence to suggest that soluble fiber (found in oats) can help lower c Continue reading >>
Breakfast Cereals | Diabetes Uk
Often hailed as the 'most important meal of the day', a decent breakfast certainly has a range of health benefits. As well as providing nutrients, if you have diabetes, a regular healthy breakfast can help to maintain control of blood sugar, can minimise unhealthy snacking later on, and fuels your body to help you function ahead of a busy day. When it comes to breakfast time, cereal remains a popular, convenient, and speedy choice. With the choice on supermarket shelves growing over the years, it can be tricky to choose the healthiest option. To make things easier, we have chosen 10 well-known cereals and looked closely at the nutritional value to see how they perform in terms of sugar, fat, and fibre. But first, let's find out a little more about what we should be on the look out for... Breakfast cereals tend to be based on grains - some are wholegrains (such as wheat, bran, oats), and others are refined grains (such as maize and rice). Many also have nuts, seeds and dried fruit added to them. Wholegrain cereals can help to manage blood glucose levels, particularly if you have type 2 diabetes, as they release glucose more slowly as they are low GI. Recent guidelines highlighted that, as a UK population, we are having too much sugar and not enough fibre. Fibre is important for gut health and some can help towards lowering cholesterol. Some cereals also contain vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins such as folic acid. Folic acid is important for healthy red blood cells and also needs to be taken as a supplement both before, and during, pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in unborn babies. Folic acid is especially important in pregnant women with diabetes as they need a higher than normal dose in order to prevent these birth defect 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 >>
Cereals And Diabetes: A Rundown Of The Healthiest And Unhealthiest Options
The variety of sugar content in cereal makes it a signficant food choice for everyone with diabetes. Cereals with the lowest sugar content are naturally much better for people with diabetes, and it can be surprising just much sugar is packed in some well-known brands. Because cereals are grains, and consequently high in carbohydrates, all cereals are likely to raise your blood glucose levels. Therefore, it’s best to limit your portion sizes to no more than the recommended size, which should be listed on each cereal box. Editor’s note: If you are following a low-carb diet, you could visit the Low Carb Program for healthier breakfast ideas. To commemorate National Cereal Day over in the US, we’ve looked at some of the most popular breakfast cereals in the UK and surveyed the carbs and sugar content per 100g. To help make this information easier to digest, we’ve grouped each cereal into the healthiest and unhealthiest options. Right, on with the list. The healthiest cereals, per 100g To discover more healthy breakfast recipes, check out 12 Deliciously Tasty Low Carb Breakfasts. You can also visit the Food, Recipes and Nutrition forum. Continue reading >>
The Best Cereals For People With Diabetes
No matter what type of diabetes you have, keeping your blood glucose levels within a healthy range is crucial. And starting the day with a healthy breakfast is one step you can take to achieve that. Breakfast should be a balanced meal with adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It should also be low in added sugar and high in fiber and nutrients. If you have diabetes, you may already be familiar with the glycemic index (GI). The GI is a way to measure how quickly foods with carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates give you the energy you need to start your day. But digesting carbohydrates too quickly can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Foods with a low GI are easier on your body than those with a high GI. They are digested more slowly and minimize spikes after meals. This is something to keep in mind when choosing breakfast cereals. It is important to know what things affect the GI. Processing, cooking methods, and the type of grain can all impact how quickly the food is digested. Cereals that are more processed tend to have a higher GI even if they have fiber added to them. Mixing foods can also affect the GI. Having protein and health fats with your cereal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar. A healthy breakfast that’s easy to prepare can be as simple as a bowl of cereal, provided you choose wisely. The grocery store cereal aisle is stacked high with cereals that satisfy your sweet tooth but sabotage your glucose levels. Many of the most popular cereals have refined grains and sugars at the top of the ingredient lists. Those cereals have few nutrients and lots of empty calories. They can also cause a spike in your blood glucose levels. That’s why it’s important to read labels carefully. Look for cereals that list a whole gra Continue reading >>
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 >>
