What South Indian Foods And Drinks To Limit For Diabetics?

Planning the most appropriate diet is a rather tough proposition for Indians who are affected by diabetes. This is more so when it is the question of a South Indian Diabetic diet. For, many foods that are inseparable elements of a daily diet in South India have abundant quantities of carbohydrates and starches.

But things are not bleak, in this context. With proper planning, chalking out the correct South Indian Diabetic diet is very much possible. This write-up will speak of some of the foods of the Southern part of India, the intake of which has to be restricted by diabetics.

• Firstly, it is highly important that diabetics drastically limit the consumption of food items that are deep fried. If you could give up these foods, that would be ideal.
• While chalking out a South Indian diabetic diet plan, a mention has to be made about avoiding condiments such as payasam, laddu, jalebi, and halwa. Almost everyone is now aware of how these sugar-rich items endanger the health of diabetics.
• People are better off refraining from the intake of packaged fruit juices and fast foods, which are now consumed a lot in South India.
• Likewise, the right South Indian diabetic diet is the one that highlights the significance of consuming tea/ coffee without adding sugar. South Indians are specially very fond of coffee and hence this particular point is relevant. Diabetic coffee lovers have to get accustomed to consuming their favorite beverage devoid of sugar.
• White rice is the most pivotal element of any South Indian staple diet. People in this part of the country cannot even think of lunch and dinner bereft of rice. And, this is the item that first needs to be cut down from the diet, owing to its carbohydrate content.
• Many people hold on to the misconception that jaggery is a healthier alternative to sugar. But the fact is that jaggery also can bring about an abnormal rise in the level of blood glucose. So, persons with diabetes are advised to stay away from jaggery-based foods, too.
• This is a significant point of the South Indian diabetic diet specific to non-vegetarians. The best choice here would be to give up non-vegetarian food altogether. But if you aren’t keen on that, then make it a point to include only foods such as fish and chicken. Stop the consumption of foods/ curries prepared from red meat.
• If you are committed to using food as medicine, this is an aspect that you mustn’t ignore. While cooking your favorite curries, avoid the usage of refined oils. These oils have the potential to gravely impact your health.
• For proper management of diabetes, you must limit the intake of potatoes, corn, and sweet potato. The high levels of carbs present in these foods can affect the health of diabetics.
• Milk is another item that is extensively used in South India for the preparation of some foods and beverages. In this context, it’s desirable for persons having diabetes to limit/ completely give up the variety of milk in which the fat content is huge.

If you are in the process of deciding on the South Indian diabetic diet, please take careful note of the above points. The most suitable diet plan can be finalized only when you are first sure of the foods to be restricted/ avoided.

You may also like to read:
South Indian Diabetic Diet Plan
What is Diabetes?
Impact of Diabetes on Person’s Health
How to Manage Diabetes