Your body creates blood sugar, or glucose, from breaking down carbohydrates; but glucose intolerance inhibits the efficient use of this energy, which can cause blood sugar levels to build up. Also called pre-diabetes, you should take glucose intolerance seriously. According to the American Diabetes Association, low-carb foods reduce blood glucose. Low-fat meals reduce body weight, which also helps with pre-diabetes. Always discuss your diet changes with your doctor, and exercise often to prevent the onset of diabetes.
Unsaturated Fats
According to the American Diabetes Association, foods low in saturated and trans fats are an important part of a healthy glucose-intolerant diet. They also lead to lower body weight, which is important in preventing your glucose intolerance from escalating into diabetes. You can reduce both of these fats by instead eating foods with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In moderation, these types of fats have a positive benefit on your health, unlike saturated and trans fats which are unhealthy in any proportion. Monounsaturated fats appear in avocados, nuts and nut products--such as natural peanut butter--as well as olive oil. Foods such as salmon, trout and walnuts are high in polyunsaturated fats. Consider eating these instead of processed foods which often contain bad fat content.
Alternate Cooking Methods
In general, consider broiling, steaming, poaching and baking foods rather than frying. The University of Michigan Health System notes that this simple difference reduces fat intake and is better for glucose intolerant diets.
Fish and Chicken
Prioritize fish and chicken over red meats. If you must have beef, seek only lean cuts. The University of Michigan Health System advises this change for glucose intolerance because the fat is less in these meats.
Fruits and Vegetables
While fruits and vegetables do contain a significant amount of carbohydrates, they are lower in fat that most meats, which makes them good foods for glucose intolerance. Consider eating only fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables without frying, but be cognizant of the amount of carbohydrates consumed. A single 4 oz serving of fresh fruit contains 25% to 30% of the recommended intake of carbohydrates in a single meal for those with glucose intolerance, according to the American Diabetes Association. Even though it is healthier, it is still possible to eat an unhealthy amount of fruit.
Oatmeal
For most people, you can eat up to 1.5 cups of oatmeal in a single meal without exceeding the recommended per-meal carbohydrate intake for a glucose intolerance diet, according to the American Diabetes Association.
French Fries
French fries are high in fat, but just because you are on a glucose intolerant diet does not mean you must avoid such foods altogether. Instead, simply cut back on portions. According to the American Diabetes Association, a quarter of a regular serving of french fries contains approximately 25% to 30% of the carbohydrates you should allow for an entire meal. Thus, a small amount of french fries is an acceptable side-dish to accompany a healthier entree.
