Take a moment to think about what you have been drinking in the past 24 hours or even the past week. Some popular choices may include iced tea, water, coffee, tea. soda, juice, or sports drinks. Many people don’t realize that what you drink can be just as important as what you eat, especially for those trying to manage their blood sugar.
Drinking sweet beverages, for example, can lead to blood sugar spikes. Unfortunately, both added and natural sugars may have this effect. When choosing a beverage, check the nutrition label to see exactly how much sugar is in that beverage. Make sure to look at the serving size as well, and keep that in mind when calculating exactly what is in your drink.
If you crave something sweet, it’s often better for your blood sugar to eat a serving of fruit paired with a protein rather than drink a cup of juice. That is because juice does not have the fiber that whole fruit has. That fiber slows down your rising blood sugar. It takes approximately three oranges to make one cup of orange juice. People are much more likely to drink a cup of juice without feeling full compared to eating three whole oranges as a snack. Eating three oranges will make you feel full due to all of the fiber.
Low fat or fat free milk can have a place in your diet. Make sure to count it in your meal plan as it contains both carbohydrates and some protein. If you are carb counting, 1 cup of fat free milk counts as 1 carbohydrate serving. Meet with a dietitian to figure out how to incorporate milk in your diet while avoiding the blood sugar spike that may come with drinking carbohydrates. Keep in mind that cheese contains many of the same nutrients but counts as a serving of protein instead.
When choosing a beverage, nothing beats water! After all, 90% of the human body is made up of water. It carries nutrients to your cells and helps flush out toxins. Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration which can be extremely dangerous. On the other hand, drinking enough water can help dilute the blood and lower your blood sugar. Water can be enjoyed hot, cold, or even infused with herbs and a slice of fruit. Mint, cucumber, and a slice of lemon make a delicious combination. Other beverages to try include coffee with a splash of milk or cinnamon, unsweetened tea, and seltzer water. Cheers!
Learn more:
https://diabetes.org/
http://main.diabetes.org/dforg/pdfs/Collabs/sodastream-what-can-i-drink-tips.pdf
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.