If you’re diabetic and you’re wondering whether or not you can eat french fries, you’re not alone. Many people are concerned about the potential for trans fats and other harmful elements in the food that they eat. While it’s important for anyone to understand that their diet should be a healthy one, it’s even more important for those with diabetes. Fortunately, there are some tasty ways to enjoy this popular snack without worrying about putting your blood sugar levels out of whack. Here are a few options you can try:
Trans fats
If you are diabetic, you need to be aware that there are trans fats in french fries. These fats are known to increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The World Health Organization recommends that you limit your intake of trans fat to less than one percent of your total calories.
Trans fats are found in a variety of foods, including fried foods, baked goods, and frozen desserts. They also have been associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to reduce the consumption of trans fat. The FDA requires that manufacturers list how much trans fat is in a packaged product. However, the amount of trans fat listed may not always be accurate.
A study published by the Nurses’ Study found that women who consumed the most trans fats had a 50 percent increased risk of heart attack. This study is based on data from 85,000 female nurses.
The study concluded that trans fats are linked to increased systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to many chronic diseases, including diabetes.
One way to identify foods that have trans fat is to look at the ingredients list. Some trans fats are called “hydrogenated oils.” Others are called “shortening.” Check the label of any processed food.
Another way to identify trans fat is to look for partially hydrogenated oils. These oils are usually the main source of trans fat in processed foods.
Although partially hydrogenated oils are the most common source of trans fat in foods, there are other forms. For instance, soft margarine is a great substitute for butter. It is often cheaper than real butter, but it contains about half as much saturated fat.
Many restaurant chains have started phasing out the use of artificial trans fats. If you are eating at a chain restaurant, it is helpful to know what is on the menu and to ask about the cooking practices.
There are several cities and countries that have banned trans fats. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, for instance, has reduced the maximum amount of trans fats in foods to two percent by 2022.
Sweet potatoes
Although there are some benefits to eating French fries, you should not eat them on a regular basis if you have diabetes. They are high in carbohydrates and they can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Also, they may contain unhealthy oils that are known to increase your risk for heart disease. If you really want to eat them, check to make sure that there are no added fats or salt.
Potatoes are high in carbohydrates, but they are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Studies suggest that eating sweet potato chips is a better choice than French fries for diabetics. Sweet potato fries are lower in fat and salt and have a better glycaemic index. This means that they don’t raise blood sugar levels as quickly as french fries.
The glycemic index is a measure of how much carbohydrate raises your blood glucose. For instance, if you eat a serving of white potatoes, you will experience a spike in your blood sugar level. However, the same serving of roasted sweet potato will have a lower glycemic index.
Some studies have suggested that eating a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. In one study, eating french fries was linked to a 19% increased risk of developing the disease. Interestingly, this association was more pronounced in people who ate three or more servings per week.
Studies have also found that fried foods are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. It is unclear whether the same effect would be seen in people with diabetes. Nevertheless, they do recommend that people avoid fried foods.
According to the latest guidelines, refined starches such as those used to make french fries should be limited. Other studies have suggested that fried foods can increase the risk of cancer.
Another study showed that consuming more potatoes was linked to an increased risk of diabetes in overweight women. Among non-obese women, the association was even stronger.
Several factors were considered in this study, including the number of servings of potato consumed, the glycemic load of the food, and whether or not it was made from whole grains. All analyses were performed with the SAS version 8.2 software.
Chinese food
Chinese food is an extremely popular cuisine all over the world. The secret of the cuisine’s popularity is the numerous cooking methods used. Most of these techniques are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. These include stir-frying, steaming, and baking.
While there are no guarantees, it’s possible for a diabetic to enjoy Chinese cuisine without having to compromise on his or her diet. In fact, some Chinese dishes are designed to be especially healthy.
One of the most popular Chinese dishes is Chow Mein. This is a noodle dish typically made with a meat sauce, like beef or chicken, and vegetables. It’s a good source of carbohydrate. You can order it as a main course or as a side.
Another dish worth trying is egg foo young. Egg foo young is a type of Chinese omelet that is full of veggies. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to make it at home, you can get it at your local Chinese restaurant.
Other dietary choices that are ideal for diabetes are broccoli and beef. Both of these have high protein content, which is helpful for controlling blood glucose levels. They’re also low in carbohydrates and fat, making them a great choice for any diabetic.
Moo goo gai pan is another example of a traditional Chinese dish that’s also a worthy inclusion in a diabetic’s meal plan. Moo goo gai pan consists of carrots, water chestnuts, and broccoli. Chicken and broccoli is another similar dish.
It’s not always easy to find healthy Chinese food, but it’s possible. Many Chinese takeout joints allow steamed dishes. Veggies are a great way to fill up without the excess calories of fried foods. Similarly, rice is not the worst thing to eat in moderation.
If you’re on a strict diet, it’s wise to ask for whole wheat tortillas. Likewise, a frozen yogurt bite is a great snack. Even granola can be a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Just be sure to monitor your sugar intake and adjust your insulin as needed.
Avoiding dairy products
When eating out, you may want to avoid dairy products. You may be worried about cross contamination or allergic reactions. However, you don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan. There are many ways to enjoy a great meal while on a dairy-free diet.
For instance, you can try a salad without cheese or sour cream. Combine it with a balsamic vinegar dressing or olive oil.
Some restaurants have a dairy allergen guide. Chick-Fil-A, for example, has a variety of dairy-free sandwiches and desserts. Olive Garden provides information about its allergens.
However, you shouldn’t count on your local restaurant to be as well-versed in food allergies as chain restaurants. In addition, the staff may not receive as much training. To avoid any surprises, call the restaurant before you go. Then, you can ask about special grills, cooking utensils, and precautions.
You can also ask your server if any of the menu items contain dairy. Many restaurants have a chef on site to answer your questions.
While some meals are clearly a no-go for those on a dairy-free diet, others are less obvious. Look for foods such as rice, quinoa, or oatmeal that don’t contain dairy ingredients.
You can also check the ingredient list of bread before deciding whether you can eat it. While it doesn’t typically have dairy ingredients, there are some recipes that include eggs and yeast.
Depending on the recipe, bread may have casein, whey, or butterfat. A classic bread recipe may have a few extra ingredients, such as sugar and salt.
Another option is to make your own chips. These are easy to make and healthier than most other options. But you should still watch out for milk or butter in other types of chips.
Whether you’re lactose intolerant or simply don’t like dairy, it’s important to get the nutrients your body needs. Dairy products are rich sources of vitamin D, calcium, and protein. If you do not eat dairy, you’ll need to look elsewhere for these essential vitamins.
While you may need to take extra precautions, avoiding dairy can be a lot simpler than you think. Just keep an eye on the label and the seasonings.
