One of the best ways to manage diabetes is to control what you eat. While earlier diabetic diet plans were based on portion control, measuring the amount that is eaten as well as eliminating carbs from the menu, new evidence suggests that plant-based diets are better for controlling diabetes and even certain forms of cancer. The cornerstone of plant-based diabetic diets is avoiding animal products, which are usually low in complex carbs and fiber. Let’s take a look at what a vegan diet is.
The Vegan diet plan
A vegan diet is one of the most effective diabetic diets that has proved successful in the management of insulin imbalance. The vegan diet plan mainly includes plant-based foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, grains, and cereals. Several pieces of evidence show the advantages of this diet over an omnivorous diet. This is primarily because a vegan diet includes food that contains monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. These are considered to be healthy fats that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Here is a vegan diet plan that is considered to be among the effective diabetic diets.
- Breakfast: For breakfast, the vegan diabetic diet recommends a glass of soy milk along with a bowl of peaches or peanuts. Soy-based foods, peaches, and peanuts are all low glycemic foods. These foods contain sugar in low amounts that your body can absorb slowly. Soy milk is a great alternative to any dairy-based beverage, as it contains all essential amino acids, so you get your complete dose of protein. It also contains healthy fats that lower your cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of any cardiovascular disease.
- Lunch and dinner: There can be quite a lot of vegan options that you can try as part of your diabetic diets. Some great options can be bean salad with mixed vegetables, a bowl of split pea soup, grilled tempeh or steamed bok choy. Barley is also a good option for you.
The main things to remember in this diet is to stay away from red meat, fish and poultry, eggs, and dairy products. However, make sure you consult your doctor before starting on any diabetic diet plan.