Diabetes is one of the top health issues among women today, but luckily there are some tasty, healthy foods that fight diabetes you can eat to eliminate your risks or treat your current diabetic conditions more effectively. Diet and exercise are the two most important lifestyle issues to remember when it comes to fighting the war against diabetes, whether you have Type 1 (hereditary), or Type 2 (lifestyle-influenced). You'll want to start by avoiding sugary, processed, and fast food choices and instead opt for foods that fight diabetes like these below, which are filled with fiber, protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Then don't hesitate - just dig right in!
1 Leafy Greens
Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, leafy greens such as spinach, collards, kale, Swiss chard and turnip greens are some of the best foods to fight diabetes. They fill you up fast, cure sugar cravings, and lower your blood sugar.
Frequently asked questions
2 Wild Salmon
Wild salmon is the king when it comes to omega 3s, protein, and brain-boosting nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium. Eat it grilled, baked, steamed, or flaked into a soup at least 3 times a week for the most benefits.
3 Broccoli
Broccoli is a unique veggie because it has high levels of fiber, vitamin B6 and chromium, all which tell your body it is full and doesn't need sugary, fatty foods. Vitamin B6 also increases your energy and reduces stress in the body.
4 Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is a gluten-free, grain-free flour you can use whether you have diabetes or not. It makes a terrific thickener in oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, or baked goods. It's also high in fiber, protein, and low in carbohydrates.
5 Romaine Lettuce
Making a salad? Skip the iceberg and choose romaine. It’s full of omega 3s and fiber that trick your brain into thinking you’re fuller than you are, plus it's rich in chlorophyll, which is essential to healthy blood sugar levels.
6 Cinnamon
Cinnamon is extremely high in chromium, a mineral that reduces your blood sugar and your sugar cravings. Adding more of this yummy spice to your food is one of the best ways to get the benefits, so sprinkle it on anything you can!
7 Oatmeal
Old-fashioned and steel-cut oats lower your insulin, cholesterol, and contain B vitamins, iron, and magnesium to help you be more active. Just avoid instant oats since they are digested more quickly and are not so insulin-friendly.
8 Plain Greek Yogurt
Most yogurts are full of sugar, no matter how healthy they seem, but one exception is plain nonfat Greek yogurt. It digests more slowly since it's high in protein and only has 4 grams of carbohydrates per 6 ounce serving.
9 Hemp Protein
Pure, raw hemp protein is plant-based, low in carbohydrates and rich in easy-to-digest protein. It's also packed with fiber to lower your blood sugar. Use it in smoothies, oatmeal, or mix it with yogurt for a filling snack.
10 Cacao
In comparison to processed chocolate, raw cacao or even plain cocoa is bursting with chromium, B vitamins, iron, zinc, fiber, protein, and healthy fats that lower insulin in the body to ward off sugar cravings.
11 Celery
Celery is full of fiber and water, and it conquers sugar cravings quickly. It also reduces your appetite and keeps you hydrated. Dip it into hummus, eat it raw, toss it in an omelet, or use it in a green smoothie or salads.
12 Cucumber
Cucumbers have a high water content and they lower your blood sugar, while also satisfying your sweet tooth. Cucumbers are also high in the mineral silica that keeps your hair and skin pretty as a nice little beauty bonus!
13 Almonds
Almonds are little bits of heaven if you have a sweet tooth. With just a hint of natural sweetness they are low in carbs and contain protein, B vitamins, magnesium, chromium, and potassium that help lower your blood sugar quickly.
If you have diabetes, this is by no means replacement for your doctor’s orders but it’s still a great idea to eat more foods that fight diabetes such as these above. Quitting sugar and junk foods isn’t easy, but it’s the number one best thing you can do to fight the war against diabetes, along with moving your body each day. If you have diabetes, what’s your favorite healthy food?
