Many of us usually focus on eating in the morning and at night, but not so much in the middle of the day. If you fall into this category, it is not so good for your health, especially if you are a diabetic. Diabetics must be careful about what they eat and drink, as certain foods can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. To avoid getting into such a situation, we have compiled a list of common mistakes you should avoid making at lunch time. Check it out below and move one step closer to staying healthy.
Also read: From weight loss to diabetes control: 6 seeds for every problem
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Diabetes diet | Avoid these 5 mistakes in lunch if you have diabetes:
1. Not eating a balanced diet
While having lunch, make sure that your plate has all the essential nutrients in a balanced amount. It should have equal amounts of fibre, protein and carbohydrates. Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are beneficial, but only if you choose healthy carbohydrates. The best options for you are quinoa, brown rice and oats. When you have a balanced meal, your blood sugar levels remain under control.
2. Serving your meal with sweet chutney/papad
For many of us, chutney and papad are a must-have for lunch. However, don’t forget that both can spike your blood sugar levels. It’s okay to eat spicy chutneys, but stay away from sweet chutneys as they can worsen your condition. On the other hand, papad made of refined flour and deep-fried is an unhealthy option for lunch.
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3. No fixed time
You should also set a fixed time for lunch. We know this can be difficult given our busy schedules, but try to have it at around the same time every day. Following this practice will help your body get used to a routine and prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. So, if you have a habit of eating your lunch late, think twice next time!
4. Eating fried foods
Another thing to completely avoid during lunch is fried foods. Fried foods are cooked in large amounts of oil and usually contain high amounts of salt, which makes them quite unhealthy for diabetics. Avoid consuming foods like koftas to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Instead, make your lunch nutritious by including more fiber and high-protein foods.
Also read: Battling prediabetes? These 3 nutritionist-approved tips can help control the condition
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5. Consumption of sweet foods/drinks
Just like eating sweet chutneys during lunch is not recommended, you should also avoid other sweet foods and drinks. This includes fruits like mango and litchi, sweet pickles, sweet lassi, etc. All of these are high in sugar – something we want to avoid in a diabetic diet. This may seem like it doesn’t make much of a difference, but it actually does.
Now that you know about these things, keep them in mind the next time you eat lunch. Stay fit and healthy!
