Most people with diabetes are aware that diet has an impact on their disease, regardless of whether traditional doctors give much attention to this area. However, the information on what to eat or not eat can be extensive and confusing.
Below are some overall guidelines that I give clients with or without diabetes that I feel are helpful in moving towards strong health, an ideal weight and the potential reversal of many health conditions, diseases and illnesses. Although an article can and has been written on each area alone, I’ve summarized some of the most important points for each. For some it will be a review and for others, possibly an opportunity to learn something new.
Whole Foods
Foods in their natural state, unprocessed and containing no artificial or chemically altered additives, are by far the healthiest foods to eat. These include fruits, vegetable (plant and sea), nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean meats, fish and in my opinion only raw dairy products if one chooses to consume them at all. As much as possible, these foods should be organic and in-season and come from reliable trustworthy sources. Superfoods such as goji berries, raw cacao, bee pollen, maca, and spirulina are some commonly known powerful and nutrient-rich foods that can also be included in the diet for optimal health.
Greens
Consuming more rich leafy greens in your diet is one of the easiest and most important dietary changes you can make. Chlorophyll, the primary nutrient in greens, has the power to purify our blood, improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure, detoxify and prevent bacterial growth, promote healthy intestinal flora, benefit liver function, naturally deodorize the body and help fight disease by counteracting inflammatory conditions. Examples of some of the most nutritious greens include kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, cabbage, mustard greens, spinach, arugula and bok choy. Broccoli and mixed greens are also good choices. Variety and eating greens in their raw form at least some of the time are important considerations in maximizing the value that these nutrient-rich plants can provide.
Grains
Although excessive consumption of carbohydrates that have been processed and refined can be one of the leading causes of type II diabetes, low glycemic, complex, whole grains such as buckwheat, amaranth, millet, brown rice, quinoa and kamut are ideal choices for those with a stable inner physiology. Each contains many key nutritional properties that can be helpful in both the prevention and management of diabetes, overeating, low energy, poor immunity and disease.
Healthy Fats
Although diabetics are encouraged to avoid or limit fats and especially saturated fats from animal products, experts are now telling us that coconut oil is one fat that can safely help regulate blood glucose levels and protect against insulin resistance. Another great source of fat comes from raw nuts and seeds as these monounsaturated fats are said to help improve insulin sensitivity. Extra virgin olive oil, nut and seed oils (walnut, flax, hemp, almond, sunflower, sesame), coconuts and avocados are other sources of healthy fats.
