Avoid This Kind Of Cereal If You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body processes and uses the sugar that it breaks down from food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In those with diabetes, the hormone responsible for sending a signal to cells that sugar is available in the bloodstream, known as insulin, is either inefficiently produced or the cells cannot respond to it. The resulting excess sugar in the bloodstream leads to a host of other problems in the body and can be life-threatening over time.
If you have diabetes, your food choices are critical to your health. Medical News Today points out that a balanced diet is key to managing the symptoms associated with diabetes and reducing long-term complications. Carbohydrates, including the total amount ingested per day as well as their source and quality, have a huge effect on blood sugar. They are also the foundation of a healthy diet. One common breakfast food that delivers a large serving of carbohydrates is cereal. However, not all cereals are created equal, and some should be avoided.
Healthline reveals that any sweetened breakfast cereal should be off-limits to anyone with diabetes. Even those touted as healthy are often full of hidden sugars and deliver a whopping dose of carbohydrates that quickly cut into the recommended total daily allowance. Cereals also contain highly processed carbohydrates, which are a big no-no. The good news is that there are plenty of great breakfast choices out there that you can consider instead.
What to eat for breakfast instead of cereal if you have diabetes
In addition to avoiding sugary cereals, you'll also want to stay away from other high-carbohydrate breakfast foods that are low in nutrients, such as bagels, pancakes, muffins, and pastries, according to Eating Well. In general, the best type of breakfast for those with diabetes is one that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein (per Healthline).
Fortunately, WebMD lists a number of delicious options that fit this bill. A popular and nutrition-packed choice is a smoothie. The best part is you can choose from a wide variety of ingredients that fit your tastes and nutritional needs. After throwing in some yummy fruits and vegetables, consider adding a protein powder or Greek yogurt to ensure you start the day with enough protein.
Another breakfast option that is full of blood-sugar-stabilizing fiber is oatmeal (via WebMD). This versatile dish can be made savory or sweet, depending on the toppings. For some added protein, throw in some nuts or seeds. If you're not in a rush in the morning, cook up some eggs and enjoy them with a slice of whole-grain toast. The protein in the eggs will keep you full all morning while keeping the total carbohydrate count low. One more classic breakfast dish is a bowl of cottage cheese topped with fruit. Not only is this combination delicious, but it also racks up a total of 28 grams of protein and just 6 grams of carbs.