VEGETARIAN DIETS & DIABETES

Vegetarian diets are based on plant foods. Plant foods

include:fruits, cereals, vegetables, legumes (beans, lentils, peas) nuts and seeds. Dairy products (e.g. milk, cheese, yoghurt) and eggs are also included in some types of vegetarian diets.  

Most plant foods are low in fat and calories, and have no cholesterol. They are also high in vitamins and minerals.

WHY IS EATING VEGETARIAN GOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES?       
Eating a vegetarian diet might be a sensible choice for people with diabetes. People who eat a vegetarian diet are less likely to have high cholesterol, be overweight or have high blood pressure. Vegetarians are also less likely to get heart attacks, blood vessel disease and osteoporosis. If a person has Type I diabetes they may need less insulin if they eat a vegetarian diet. If a person has Type II diabetes they may lose weight, which can help them manage their diabetes in a better way.  

       
HOW WILL YOU GET ENOUGH PROTEIN?        
If you decided to eat a vegetarian diet you may be wondering how you’ll get enough protein in your diet?  You are able to get all the protein you need by combining cereals (e.g. wheat, rice, barley, pasta, oats, rye, maize) with legumes, vegetables, nuts and seeds. You can also get protein from some animal foods, such as low-fat dairy products and eggs.  Semi-vegetarians also eat chicken, fish and shellfish on occasions.         

HOW DO YOU MAKE THE SWITCH?       

If you want to switch over to a vegetarian diet and can’t figure out how you can change the food in your present diet to a vegetarian diet, it may be advisable to speak to a dietician. They will be able to help you to plan a sensible vegetarian diet which will also fit in with your diabetic diet. It is, however, important to make sure you get all of the vitamins, proteins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates your body needs.          

If you’re thinking about eating a vegetarian diet and want to make some changes now there are some small things you can do. Get some vegetarian cookbooks so you can come up with new ways to make meals. If a restaurant you visit has a vegetarian menu try out some of the dishes. Start eating less meat, poultry and fish in your meals so you can get accustomed to not having them in your diet. While reducing your intake of meat, poultry and fish, it is important to increase your intake of legumes, cereals and vegetables to meet your energy and protein needs.

 

This information is bought to you as a free service from DNA Biopharm South Africa. The information herein is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition. Should you wish to try any herbal or natural remedy discussed in these pages, please consult with your healthcare practitioner. Should you require any information or advice on any topic related to diabetes, please contact us or leave a comment.