Diet is very important in many aspects, especially if we have problems with our blood glucose levels. It’s a vital part of weight control. By following a healthy and balanced diet we provide our body with the fuel necessary for an optimal function.
Following a healthy and balanced diet is a natural way to control our blood sugar levels. However, let’s face reality – there are some delicious yet not so healthy foods.
Yes, these foods might be our guilty pleasure or just foods we occasionally eat. But we must be aware of the consequences they come with. As long as we know how it impacts our blood sugar, we can decide whether we want to eat it or not.
By knowing which foods impact our blood glucose, we can decide to avoid them or at least consider the portion size.
Here’s a list of foods which impact our blood sugar. And, if we make a mistake and eat such food, we shouldn’t continue with that mood of eating, but do our best to get back on track.
10 Foods Which Impact Our Blood Sugar
1. Fried Chicken
Yes, this one might confuse some people. The white chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, but deep-fried, heavily breaded chicken comes with the unhealthy amount of sodium, fat, and carbs.
We should choose to have white chicken instead of deep-fried chicken whenever we can.
2. Pasta
Starchy foods such as pasta are foods which are high in carbs. Still, pasta isn’t the best food for our blood sugar.
The factor which contributes to this is the creamy sauce. Pasta and creamy sauce equal a meal high in calories, fat, and carbs. And that is not good for our blood sugar. Pasta lovers should know that there are better and healthier options for pasta.
3. Fish and Chips
Dried and battered fish is high in sodium, and the carbs content are actually twice the RDA. There are healthier options to the traditional and well-known fish and chips meal.
4. Store-Bought Pastries
Store-bought pastries such as donuts, cupcakes, and pies are high in everything which a person who follows a healthy and balanced diet should limit- fat, sugars and calories.
5. Cinnamon Rolls
Believe it or not, but one cinnamon roll has more carbs than a fish and chips dinner. Now that we know this, we should make sure to consume this treat in moderation.
6. Nachos
The combination of fried tortilla, beans, cheeses, and beef might have a fantastic taste, but there is a bad side to is. Yes, as a matter of fact, an average order of nachos comes with a great amount of sodium, a ton of fat and many carbs.
7. Fast Food Burgers
Although delicious, a fast-food burger comes with a lot of carbs and a lot of saturated fat which does nothing well but clogs the arteries.
8. Frozen Pizza
Yes, frozen pizzas are simple and fast to prepare. But, they are loaded with sodium. And this is not good at all. Why? Because the excess amount of sodium might double the risk of having a stroke or a heart attack for those with type 2 diabetes.
9. Balsamic Vinegar
According to celebrity nutritionist JJ Virgin, creamy dressings lead to high sugar impact. However the balsamic can have just as much.
Why is that? It is like that since a lot of balsamic vinegar made in America is actually made with cornstarch and caramel coloring which are two sugary substances. And, the base of the vinegar is the white wine vinegar.
Why? The original, authentic Italian version needs from 12 to 25 years od aging process which negates the need for thickening additives and coloring.
But people don’t want to wait or pay for those products to be imported to America.
Therefore, the next time we are at a restaurant and order a salad, we shouldn’t reach for the balsamic vinegar. Instead, we should ask for a red wine vinegar or extra-virgin olive oil.
We will still enjoy our salad, and at the same time, we will be sure that it won’t have a big impact on our blood glucose levels.
10. Deep-Fried Chinese Food
For many people, craving for orange chicken is a common thing. However, we should know that fried and breaded Chinese dishes are high in sodium and carbs. Not to mention the white rice and its carb count which usually comes with this type of food.
Conclusion
The food we eat can impact our blood sugar tremendously. When it comes to diet, the best thing to do would be to consult a dietitian or maybe a doctor about ways to eat healthier and smarter.
