Free Foods for the Diabetic

[Jacqueline in KY]

The following is a list of free foods that a diabetic can have as much as they want to, unless stated otherwise.

They are:

cabbage
lettuce
tomato (only 1)
cucumber
zucchini
marrow (like spaghetti squash or eggplant)
cauliflower
celery
rhubarb
yellow or green beans
bean sprouts
spinach, greens (beet greens, swiss chard)
radishes
red or green or orange peppers
broccoli
Brussel sprouts
asparagus
mushrooms
parsley
onions (1/2 cup)

Do remember that any thing in moderation is better.

Jacqueline

[PaulaG]

Also remember to count any add in with food; i.e., oils, butter, etc.

[Derf]

and if you eat too many "free" foods your carbs will climb and will show in your numbers. There is a limit to the amount of each "free" food.

[PaulaG]

Excellent point Derf. The ADA recommends 3 to 5 servings a day for vegetables.

[PaNik]

I am so happy to see this list. There were a couple of things on here that I have been curious about. I was afraid they would be on the higher side for carbs and I am so excited to know that I can have them as a snack or have them on the veggie half of my plate.

[PaulaG]

Glad that the post was helpful to you. I work to include lots of veggies into our diet as well.

[Zurie]

I've never been sure (nobody's told me) why fats/oils are so restricted in a diabetic diet.

In fact, they help keep blood glucose down (I mean, in moderate, normal amounts). So I've never bothered about them.

Then: I do depend on eggs!! An omelette or scrambled or boiled eggs for breakfast, with a very small piece of bread, or those low-carb crackers ... ?? What is your view on eggs?

Certainly, for those of us not on insulin and mostly controlling blood glucose levels with a diet, cereals are a no-no. And we are really dependent on proteins.

I'm the cook, and we eat a lot of fresh, plainly cooked/steamed veggies, and a lot of salads.

Also, seafood is great.

[PaulaG]

Hi Zurie. I don't think it is so much fats but the unhealthy fat that gets the attention. Here is a link talking about the different fats.

http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/fat-and-diabetes.html

There was a time eggs got a bad wrap because of cholesterol. I think that studies now say that eggs can be part of a healthy diet.

[Zurie]

Thank you, Paula. I'll certainly click on that link in a minute.

Eggs, I think, are/is a Godsend food -- sooo nutritious and filling. I am so pleased that they Food Police has now found that eggs are fine to eat!

[PaulaG]

I hope the info is helpful. Just go to show that the best 5hing may just be moderation.