Nearly a quarter of all adults over the age of 60 have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association reports. Risk factors for diabetes include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and a diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables. To manage your diabetes, follow the instructions given to you by your dietitian and physician. In addition, consider these packaged foods for diabetics.
Frozen Veggies
For a packaged food perfect for managing diabetes, head over to your grocery store's freezer section. Frozen vegetables are just as healthy as fresh veggies, the BBC claims. Because frozen vegetables are often frozen right after harvesting, they retain their nutrients better than fresh produce that's not in season. Eating vegetables is a crucial part of a diabetic diet, the American Diabetes Association reports. Because vegetables are rich in dietary fiber and contain slowly digestible carbohydrates, they manage blood sugar levels better than other carbohydrate sources. Non-starchy frozen vegetables perfect for diabetics include broccoli, spinach and pea pods. Frozen vegetables can be used in diabetic-friendly dishes like stir-fry, soup and salad.
Nuts
Packaged nuts like almonds and walnuts are healthy additions to a diabetic diet. Although rich in calories and total fat, nuts don't contribute to weight gain. Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is an important component of blood sugar management. In research published in the July 2003 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," people who consumed the most nuts had the lowest body weight. When choosing packaged nuts at the store, opt for those without added sodium, fat or sugar.
Canned Soup
Soup is a high-volume food that can keep appetite under wraps and aid in weight control. MayoClinic.com recommends a diet rich in high-volume foods for managing appetite. Because soup is primarily water, it has fewer calories and more volume than many other foods. Soup distends the stomach, leading to feelings of fullness. Eating soup reduces circulating levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which boosts appetite. When choosing packaged soups, check the label for sodium. Many soups contain significant amounts of sodium, which can increase blood pressure in salt-sensitive people. Opt for soups that are reduced sodium or sodium free.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- BBC: Frozen veg 'healthier than fresh'
- Diabetes.co.uk: Walnuts and diabetes
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Nut consumption and body weight
- BBC: How soup can help you lose weight
- MayoClinc.com: Energy density and weight loss: Feel full on fewer calories
