Many among us usually pay attention to what we eat in the morning and at night, but not so much during the middle of the day. If you fall into this category, it is not so good for your health, especially if you're a diabetic. Diabetics need to be cautious of what they eat or drink, as certain foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. To avoid being in such a situation, we have collated a list of common mistakes that you should avoid at lunchtime. Check it out below and take a step closer towards a healthier you.
Also Read: From Weight Loss To Diabetes Control: 6 Seeds For Each Issue
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Diabetes Diet | Here Are 5 Lunch Mistakes To Avoid If You Have Diabetes:
1. Not Having A Balanced Meal
While having lunch, ensure that your plate is well-balanced with all the essential nutrients. It should contain an equal amount of fibre, protein, and carbohydrates. Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are beneficial, but only when you choose the healthier ones. The best choices for you are quinoa, brown rice, and oats. When you have a balanced meal, your blood sugar levels will stay in control.
2. Pairing Your Meal With Sweet Chutneys/Papad
For many of us, chutney and papad are must-haves at lunch. However, let's not forget that both can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. It's alright to have spicy chutneys, but steer clear of sweet chutneys as they can worsen your condition. On the other hand, papad that is made from refined flour and is deep-fried, is an unhealthy choice for lunch.
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3. Not Having A Set Time
You should also have a set time for lunch. We know this can be difficult given our busy schedules, but try to have it around the same time each day. Following this practice will help your body become accustomed to a routine and prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. So, if you have a habit of delaying your lunch, think twice the next time!
4. Having Fried Foods
Another thing to completely avoid during lunchtime is fried foods. Fried foods are cooked in large amounts of oil and are usually high in salt, making them quite unhealthy for diabetics. Avoid consuming foods like kofte to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Instead, make your lunch nutritious by including more high-fibre and high-protein foods.
Also Read: Struggling With Prediabetes? These 3 Nutritionist-Approved Tips May Help Manage The Condition
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5. Having Sugary Foods/Drinks
Just as it's not recommended to have sweet chutneys during lunch, you should also avoid other sugary foods and drinks. This includes fruits like mangoes and litchis, sweet pickles, sweet lassi, among others. All of these are high in sugar - something we want to avoid on a diabetes diet. It might seem like it makes little difference, but it really does.
Now that you know about these points, keep them in mind the next time you have your lunch. Stay fit and healthy!