5 sugar-free lifestyle habits to manage diabetes
From following a strict diet to exercising regularly, managing diabetes can be overwhelming.
What can you do better to manage diabetes? The first rule is to limit sugar intake or avoid it completely. We listed five sugar-free lifestyle habits that you need to consider to promote better glycemic control, especially if you have type 2 diabetes.
Read product labels.
Processed foods, especially the ones sold in grocery stores, contain added sugar. How do you identify the presence of sugar? First, you need to read the nutrition facts label of the product you are about to buy. Since sugar can have many names, check for the following labels:
- Fructose
- Sucrose
- Glucose
- Syrup
We all know how harmful sugar can be. This habit will help you reduce the sugar you consume in oblivion.
Keep hydrated.
Dehydration is a common phenomenon in diabetes, so above-average water consumption becomes more of a necessity. Note that water is the healthiest choice of drink for someone with diabetes. However, you can also choose tea, especially green tea because of its benefits on blood sugar. Avoid bingeing on sodas as they contain high concentrations of calories. You can opt for sugar-free beverages, but ensure there is no “hidden” sugar.
Limit eating out.
Cooking your own food at home is much safer than eating out. While we all know how unhealthy it is to eat junk food, regular restaurant visits are not safe either. Do we know what ingredients they use? Or how fresh they are?
All that matters to a resultant is the taste of the food you order, and they can play tricks to achieve that. For example, you will never know if they add extra sugar or honey to balance some excess salt that was added in a rush.
That is why, we recommend following a strict home-based diet. If you crave something fancy, check the recipe on Youtube and prepare them with ingredients you are confident about as well as comfortable with. Spare the restaurants for those special occasions only.
Watch your alcohol.
Controlling blood sugar is easier if you limit your beer, wine, and liquor intake. It is not entirely forbidden; however, do not over-consume alcohol, as too much can trigger diabetes complications.
Some alcoholic beverages are also high in carbs, and you must keep them in check. We recommend you opt for sugar-free alcoholic beverages like gin, rum, and whiskey with your doctor’s permission.
Plan your diet.
Planning your diet can be time-consuming. However, you must develop this habit to ensure a balanced diet and a well-rounded nutrition intake. If you need a guide, these healthy choices are for you:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel)
- Fiber-rich foods (veggies, legumes, and fruits)
- Healthy fats (nuts, avocados, and olive oil)
When planning your daily meal, limit your sugar intake or entirely avoid it to prevent unwanted blood sugar spikes.
A no-sugar lifestyle can be challenging at first. However, once habituated, everything can go smoothly. You can join support groups and follow reliable influencers for information and inspiration.
