There is no doubt you have heard it
time and time again, especially since you received your Type 2 diabetes
diagnosis - "if you want to get healthy, you need to eat your
greens." While you may realize greens are good for you, you may not really
understand all the different ways greens do your body good.
To help make this clearer, let's
look at four reasons why adding greens to your diabetic eating plan is a smart
move...
1. Low-Calorie Density. The first reason to add greens is the reason most people
already realize - low-calorie density. This means you can virtually eat
as many of these foods as you like without accounting hardly any calories.
As far as weight control goes, this
simply can't be beaten. You're looking at between 10 and 30 calories per cup
for most greens, which hardly makes a dent in your daily calorie total. They
will help you achieve your ideal body weight.
2. Important Immune Boosters. The next reason to add greens is because they will work hard
to keep your immune system strong. These greens contain powerful antioxidants,
vitamins, and minerals to ensure you can combat bacteria and viruses without a
problem.
This may then mean you stay
healthier longer, sidestepping common colds and flu, and even more severe
illnesses.
3. Enhanced Digestive Health. Greens are also great for improving your digestive health as
they will pack in a good dose of fiber. You can expect to see improvements in
your bowel function when adding these foods to your diet plan. As well, fiber
lowers your risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes, appendicitis, and
even some cancers. A high-fiber diet can even help Type 2 diabetics reduce
their insulin intake or, if on oral medications, reduce their dosage.
Focus on sources like kale, spinach,
broccoli, and Brussels sprouts for the best benefits here.
4. Blood Sugar Stabilizers. Finally, greens are also excellent for helping to stabilize
your blood sugar levels. Adding greens to your meals will slow down the release
into your bloodstream of the other carbohydrates you eat at the same meal...
meaning you don't get the blood sugar spike you otherwise would.
It's always a good idea to add a
side salad to your main course meal, not only to help stabilize your blood
sugar, but to prevent you from consuming too many calories at that meal.
So get those greens into your
diabetic eating plan. Try and make yourself a large bowl of salad early in the
day and have it eaten by the evening. You will then begin to see positive
benefits as far as weight control and blood sugar stabilization goes.
Although managing your disease can
be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live
with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your
weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the
easier it gets.
