Truth be told, anyone who deals with diabetes needs to manage their blood sugar levels and watch their diet. For seniors with diabetes, however, this can be particularly crucial.
For the most part, older individuals with diabetes are well aware of the food products they consume and purchase. However, they may not recognize the fact that some foods possess hidden dangers.
If your retirement age loved one has diabetes, certain foods should be avoided. To assist you in cooking for a diabetic, we’ve put together a list of those foods.
White Rice
Not a particularly healthy option for diabetics, white rice should not be consistently included in a diet. High in carbohydrates, white rice rates high on the glycemic index. Consider other grains or brown rice as substitutions.
Refined Cereals
Though they may be fortified with minerals and vitamins, bagged and boxed cereals frequently contain sugar in very high amounts. Try, instead, to opt for turkey bacon, egg whites, and homemade oatmeal.
Fatty Foods
Stir-fried and/or fried dishes should be avoided by diabetics. Caution should be exercised before enjoying Asian foods that are stir-fried and/or where cooking oil is used. A lot of sugar is contained in sweet-sour dishes, and carbs/calories are usually high in dough-based foods.
Desserts
One would think that this would go without saying, but a high amount of sugar and fat can frequently be found in ice cream, pastries, and other desserts.
Creamed Sauces
Delicious as they may be, carbohydrates and calories abound in the creamed sauces which are often used on mixed vegetables, as a pasta topping, etc. The combination of cheese, cream, margarine/butter can not only cause unnecessary weight gain but can raise blood sugar.
Coffee Blends
There are numerous benefits to be enjoyed through the consumption of coffee. However, blended beverages and/or bottled coffees usually can raise blood glucose levels due to the amount of sugar they contain.
Some Fruits
A great source of minerals, vitamins, and fiber, frozen or fresh fruits should be enjoyed as much as possible. However, more fructose is found in pitted fruits, melons, and bananas. Diabetics should avoid these or, at the very least, enjoy them sparingly. Instead, opt for strawberries, grapes, and apples.
Concentrated Frozen, Canned, Bottled Juices
Unless otherwise specified on the product label, added sugar is usually present in one form or another in processed juices. Similar issues can be present in fast food eatery smoothies. A far better idea is to use fresh fruit and squeeze the juice at home. You’ll have more control over the ingredients if you make your smoothies at home, as well.
Special Dietary Requests Are No Problem at Hidden Meadows On The Ridge
For each and every resident at Hidden Meadows On The Ridge, three nutritious and delicious meals a day are served in our private dining room. These chef-prepared delights are brought to you courtesy of our Sensations Dining program. Special dietary restrictions are never a problem.
Surrounded by neighbors and friends, in an elegant dining room setting, your loved one will enjoy the gourmet meals served daily. Friendly team members serve every meal, each of which consists of international cuisines, a wide range of menu choices, and the freshest ingredients. During themed parties and events, special meals are prepared and served.
