5 Foods That Can Help In Diabetic Weight Gain
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Most of us associate weight gain to diabetes but weight loss? Yes! Though, it may come as a surprise to many, but weight loss – drastic weight loss – is one of the earliest signs of a person suffering from diabetes, mostly type 2.
Diabetes leads to low levels of insulin, below the minimum required levels in the human body. This propels the body cells to start breaking down fat and muscle in the body for energy, since lack of insulin means that the cells are not able to store glucose. The body feels it is starving and starts to consume all available fat and also muscle which leads to weight loss. The weight loss can be anywhere between 3-4.5 kilograms in a month and is not healthy at all. This also leads to frequent trips to the bathroom as the body is pumping and recycling the blood faster.
How Can A Diabetic Gain Weight?
While many who are diagnosed with diabetes need to watch their diet and daily food intake to maintain their optimum body weight, others can go on to take insulin injections to keep weight loss under check. However, there are many diabetic weight gain supplements that are now accessible to diabetic people to help them maintain their body weight. It is important that you don’t act in half knowledge and binge on sweets like doughnuts, candies and confectionery items. They will cause an increase in blood sugar levels and cause complications in the body. What else can a diabetic person do to stay at a healthy weight? Well they can:
1. Eat Several Small Meals:
Since the body is unable to store what a diabetic person eats, it is important to fuel the body regularly by eating several small meals in a day. It is also important to make healthier food choices. Avoid extra oily and sugary foods and chose foods that have a high glycemic index.
2. Whey Protein:
This powder can be a source of instant energy and is low on the carbohydrate content and high on protein count. Protein provides energy over a longer period of time and also helps boost the production of insulin and maintain healthy sugar levels sugar in the body.
3. Almonds:
These nuts provide a high source of energy and are low on sugar. Almonds make for a healthy choice for in between snacks to ensure that the body is getting enough food.
4. Beans:
Lentils, garbanzo beans and kidney beans are sources of complex carbohydrates and are a rich source of calories. A complex carbohydrate will take extra time to break down within the body and will make the body feel fuller. Beans are also a good source of important dietary fiber.
5. Salmon and Fish:
All kinds of fish and eggs contain a good amount of protein. Try eating fish since they are low on saturated fats. Fish like salmon contain omega 3 fats, which help reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
Apart from above diabetic weight gain foods, have apples, cheese and milk in moderation as these could cause blood sugar levels to spike. Have more avocados for the good kind of fat for the body and at all times avoid having too much yoghurt.
Regular exercise is important. It is also equally important to ensure that one has a good dietary supplement of food grain mix before hitting the gym. Consult Your Doctor, ALWAYS!
While, the above mentioned foods and tips are a good way to gain weight, it is equally important to consult with your doctor to ensure that these small changes work well for you. Now that you are aware on how to gain weight being diabetic, it is also important to be aware of the foods you are not allowed to eat, no matter how healthy that is otherwise. Your doctor is the best person to guide you through the do’s and don’ts of the food to eat. If you want to gain weight, make a few healthy food and dietary changes, but always in consultation of your doctor!
Hope you found this article helpful. Do share your views with us in the comments section below.
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