Diabetes and Daily Nutrition: The Basics
What is a Balanced Diet?
Today, we no longer talk about diets for diabetic individuals, but rather about balanced nutrition. This forms part of non-medication treatment for diabetes, alongside regular physical activity.
A balanced diet is:
- Health-promoting: It includes a variety of foods without any forbidden items. Emphasis is placed on fruits, vegetables, starches, and fish while limiting the intake of sugary, salty, and fatty products.
- Adequate for your needs: It provides the necessary energy for bodily functions, with portion sizes adjusted accordingly for each individual. It's important to be mindful of portion sizes, as oversized portions can lead to weight gain, as can a diet high in fats. Consistency in meal times is also crucial. Skipping meals helps prevent blood sugar fluctuations that contribute to snacking and aids in weight management.
Understanding the composition of foods is essential. Foods primarily consist of three major nutrient groups:
- . Carbohydrates (sugars and starches)
- . Lipids (fats)
- . Proteins (found notably in meat, fish, dairy products, etc.)
- Other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, are vital for meeting recommended daily intake and are provided through a varied diet.
NUTRITION AND LIPIDS, OR FATS
Lipids, also known as fats, are nutrients that provide energy to the body. They are essential for cell formation and function, as well as for the absorption of vitamins and hormone synthesis.
Not all fats have the same effects on health, which underscores the importance of making wise choices. Indeed, a diet high in fats:
. Favors weight gain
. Increases the risk of cardiovascular disease
By limiting the total amount of fat consumed in the diet and favoring "healthy fats," it is possible to prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes-related complications on a daily basis.
"Avoiding Routine"
Maintain meal enjoyment by diversifying food choices according to personal taste preferences.
Keep meals varied by drawing inspiration from different sources.