Prediabetes Diet Plan: Guidance on Fiber, Protein & Alcohol

Last updated on October 21st, 2023

In the realm of health and wellness, understanding the significance of a nutritious diet cannot be ignored at any cost. For individuals diagnosed with prediabetes, a condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, making informed dietary choices is paramount. Fortunately, there exists a wealth of nutrient-rich foods that can be included in a prediabetes diet. These food for prediabetes potentially help in reversing its progression. In this article, we delve into a comprehensive prediabetes diet plan, highlighting the key foods, along with prediabetes foods to avoid. We also provide you with a sample diet plan for prediabetes. By incorporating these dietary recommendations into your lifestyle, you can take proactive steps towards better health and a more stable metabolic future. Here is the content table:

Role of Diet in Prediabetes

A lot of factors are responsible for increasing the risk of prediabetes. Genetics is the most common cause, particularly if there is a history of diabetes in the family. However, several other factors play a huge role in the development of ailment; physical inactivity, race, ethnicity, and being obese are other potential risk factors.

In prediabetes, glucose from food starts accumulating in the bloodstream as insulin fails to move the glucose into the body cells. So, the prediabetes diabetic diet has a big role play here.

People believe carbs are the reason for prediabetes. However, the quantity and type of carbs that are taken in a meal are what affect the levels of blood glucose. A diet crammed with refined and processed carbs that get digested rapidly may result in higher spikes in blood glucose. These are the kinds of prediabetes foods to avoid. Thus, if a person regularly checks their carb consumption, blood glucose spikes can be prevented.

Prediabetes food list should be such that it shouldn’t increase blood sugar levels on consumption. Instead, they should help in controlling and reversing prediabetes.

When a person consumes more calories than his or her body requires, they get stored as fat. This can result in weight gain. Body fat, particularly in the belly region, is associated with insulin resistance. This is a simple answer to why many individuals with prediabetes are obese.

Read More: What is Prediabetes and its Causes?

Prediabetes Food Plan to Follow – What to Eat

1. Eat More Veggies

Vegetables should occupy a good portion of a prediabetes diet. Go for non-starchy veggies like broccoli, cabbage, bell pepper, spinach, kale, etc. Veggies contain a good amount of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and are low on calories. Eating veggies will keep you fuller for longer. Vegetables are good high-fiber foods for prediabetes. However, remember to avoid or limit starchy veggies like potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, etc.

2. Switch To Fibre-Rich Meals

High-fiber foods for prediabetes patients provide numerous benefits. Fibre is a great option to make the person feel fuller for longer. It adds bulk to the diet, making bowel movements easy. If a person eats fiber-rich foods, they are less likely to overeat. In a prediabetes diet fibre is an integral part as it helps control sugar levels. In addition, fibre-rich foods avoid the “crash” that may originate from consuming high-glucose food. These are good for prediabetes diets. Examples can include:

• Whole grains, such as quinoa or barley
• Beans and legumes
• Lentils
• Whole-grain cereals
• Fruits and vegetables that have edible skin

Read More: How to Reverse Prediabetes Permanently?

3. Choosing Foods According to their GI

The glycemic index is a tool that determines how a particular food impacts your sugar level. It is a scale of 1 to 100, where foods below 55 are categorised as low GI foods. Medium GI foods are between 55 to 70, and above 70 are high GI foods. Foods with a high glycemic profile spike your blood sugar rapidly. Therefore, in the prediabetes food chart, we advised avoiding high GI foods. Or taking them in measured amounts and pairing them with low-GI foods. Generally, foods high in carbs impact your blood sugar rapidly, so avoid them. Low GI foods that are rich in fibre content are recommended for a prediabetes diet plan. Foods such as:

• Rolled Oats
• Lentils
• Beans
• Dry fruits
• Besan
• Sprouts
• Salads
• Berries

Read More: Know The Prediabetes Range Before and After Eating.

4. Take Care of the Portion Sizes

Paying attention to portion sizes plays a big role in a prediabetes diet plan. Reckless, unregulated eating will result in adding unnecessary calories, which can be very harmful to overweight pre-diabetics. A 2018 study analysed the consumption of a low-calorie Indian diet for prediabetes individuals. It found that people consuming low-calorie diets had fewer body complications in comparison to high-carb diets. It is recommended to consume not more than 45% to 60% of daily calories in the form of carbs. This division will strike a balance with other nutrients and maintain daily prescribed calories. The best way to manage portions is through mindful eating. Check the nutritional value of foods before you consume them. Have food when you are hungry and avoid those cravings. Simple tips for portion control in a prediabetes diet are:

• Eat slowly
• Intake of foods rich in dietary fibre
• Control cravings
• Choose foods mindfully

Read More: Can Type 2 Diabetes be Reversed Permanently?

5. Eating Fruits Good for Prediabetes

Fruits are natural sources of sugar that can be enjoyed if consumed in moderation. In a prediabetes diet, the portion size of fruits can be limited to 1 cup or less. The quantity also depends upon the sugar levels.

Lower-sugar fruits, like apples, berries, or kiwi, can be preferred. To delay the rate of glucose entering your bloodstream, fruit can be paired with any protein source. These can be like a handful of nuts or seeds, plain yoghurt, etc.

Protein helps in delaying the rate at which the carbs enter the bloodstream. This helps keep the blood glucose levels steady. Consumption of protein in every prediabetes diet can help a person feel full and decrease the urge to snack.

Read More: 15 Foods To Lower Blood Sugar Levels

6. Go for Lean Proteins

A prediabetes diet with low amounts of trans or saturated fats but high in protein can be a great addition to the prediabetes food list. Lean proteins have minimal impact on your sugar levels. Therefore, they are the top foods to eat in prediabetes. They help deter sharp spikes and crashes, which is crucial for managing prediabetes. Adequate protein intake supports muscle health and prevents muscle loss, which can become an issue as people age or when managing prediabetes through diet and exercise. Moreover, protein intake through a prediabetes diet may enhance insulin sensitivity, which is critical for individuals with prediabetes.

• Beans and legumes
• Egg alternatives or egg whites
• Soybean products, like tofu and soy

Lean proteins help curb cravings and reduce the desire for high-sugar or high-carb foods, assisting in better blood sugar level management.

Read More: 15 Ways To Lower Your Insulin Levels Naturally 

7. Staying Hydrated

Water is a vital part of any healthy and balanced diet. Drinking water can help dilute the accumulation of glucose in the blood, assisting in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Therefore, in a prediabetes diabetic diet, water will have a big part to play. People with prediabetes are at a higher risk of dehydration. This is due to increased urination and thirst associated with elevated blood sugar levels. Drinking water helps mitigate this risk. Therefore, in a prediabetes diet plan, there should be at least 3 to 3.5 litres of water. If a person is prediabetic, water is an ideal alternative as compared to sugary drinks, juices, or sodas.

8. Drinking Alcohol in Moderation

For healthy living, the term moderation is a must. Alcohol intake is no exception. A lot of alcoholic drinks are dehydrating in nature and, therefore, a big no in a prediabetes diet. And some cocktails are composed of high sugar levels that give a great spike to a person’s blood sugar.

It is recommended that females have only one drink per day. In comparison, males must restrict themselves to not more than two drinks per day.

Also, remember to keep a drink as simple as possible. Never add sugary juices or liqueurs to the drink. A glass of plain water must be kept in hand so as to prevent dehydration. However, individuals looking to reverse prediabetes naturally should choose to avoid alcohol. Alcohol has no place in a prediabetes diet plan.

Read More: Top 10 Homeopathic Medicine For Diabetes.

Prediabetes Foods to Avoid

Below are some prediabetes foods to avoid if you are looking to control or reverse prediabetes:

Sugary Foods

Foods and beverages with a good amount of added sugars have no place in a prediabetes diet. These include sugary drinks, candies, mithai, and cookies. Check labels for hidden sugars in packaged foods.

Read More: How to Stop Sugar Craving Naturally?

Refined Carbohydrates

Limit foods made from refined grains, like white bread, white rice, and sugary cereals. These foods are the top prediabetes foods to avoid. This is because they can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Sweetened Beverages

Avoid sugary drinks like sodas, canned fruit juices, and energy drinks, as they can contribute to rapid blood sugar spikes.

Processed Snacks

Steer clear of processed snacks in a prediabetes diet. These include chips, crackers, and sweetened granola bars, which often contain unhealthy fats and sugars.

Read More: Is Mushroom Good for Diabetes Patients?

Fatty Meats

Cut back on fatty cuts of red meat, sausages, and processed meats. These are not included in a prediabetes diet plan as they are acidic. Acidic foods can contribute to inflammation and also increase insulin resistance.

Diet Chart for Prediabetes

Here is our carefully curated sample diet plan for prediabetes patients, which you can try. This prediabetes food chart will surely help you in tackling prediabetes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adopting a balanced and nutritious prediabetes diet plan is crucial for managing prediabetes effectively. The prediabetes diet plan emphasises consuming whole foods, lean proteins, high-fibre carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Incorporating a variety of low glycemic fruits and non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help stabilise sugar levels and promote weight loss. Portion control and regular physical activity are also essential components of the plan. If a person is inactive, his or her insulin resistance can increase. However, if you have any doubts or problems regarding choosing a prediabetes diet or its management, our knowledgeable health experts at Breathe Well-Being can help you out. We will curate dietary adjustments that suit your body. With the changes we will suggest you will be able to choose a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, these changes will help you prevent the progression of prediabetes into full-scale type 2 diabetes and improve your overall well-being. Choose Life! Choose Breathe Well-Being!

Read More: What Is Type 2 Diabetes Management?

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