Planning A Heart-Healthy, Diabetic-Friendly Diet: Tips For Success

People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those without the condition. This is why it is important to follow a heart-healthy meal plan to manage both conditions. Eating a healthy diet is a big part of the balancing act, and it can be difficult to make the right food choices. This is why it is recommended that people with diabetes see a registered dietitian who can guide them through their own eating plan. A heart-healthy diet for people with diabetes involves choosing complex carbs like whole-grain bread to help manage blood sugar and blood pressure. It is also important to watch out for calories in beverages and to limit boxed foods that may not be healthy.

Choosing complex carbs

People with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without the condition. This is why following a heart-healthy meal plan is one of the most important ways to manage both of these conditions.

When grocery shopping, plan ahead for the week and always bring a list and a full stomach. Stock up on seasonal produce that’s on sale. When fresh isn’t available, choose canned or frozen vegetables and fruits without added sugars and sodium. Look for whole-grain, high-fibre foods, and limit your time on the aisles where there are boxed foods that may not be healthy.

It is also important to watch out for the calories in beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Start with a small portion and wait 20 minutes to give your stomach enough time to tell your brain that you’ve eaten and are getting full.

Controlling blood sugar

Eating a healthy diet is a big part of managing diabetes and heart health. Unmanaged diabetes can increase your risk of developing heart disease, so it's important to make smart food choices.

To control blood sugar, it's recommended that you choose complex carbs like whole-grain bread, which can also help you manage your blood pressure. When grocery shopping, plan ahead for the week and always bring a list and a full stomach. Stock up on seasonal produce that's on sale and choose canned or frozen vegetables and fruits without added sugars and sodium. Look for whole-grain, high-fibre foods, and limit your time on the aisles where there are boxed foods that may not be healthy.

It's also important to watch out for the calories in beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Start with a small portion and wait 20 minutes to give your stomach time to tell your brain that you're getting full.

Incorporating lean ground beef, fish, chicken, and wild rice into your diet can also be beneficial for controlling blood sugar.

Lowering cholesterol

If you have diabetes, it's important to manage your cholesterol levels to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, so a heart-healthy meal plan is crucial.

Healthy food choices can help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and make for a healthier heart. To lower your cholesterol, it's important to choose complex carbs like whole-grain bread, which can help manage blood sugar and blood pressure. Opt for whole-grain, high-fibre foods and limit your intake of boxed foods, which may be high in unhealthy fats and sugars.

When grocery shopping, plan ahead for the week and bring a list to help you stick to your diet. Stock up on seasonal produce that's on sale, and choose canned or frozen vegetables and fruits without added sugars and sodium when fresh isn't available.

It's also important to watch your beverage intake, as both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be high in calories and sugar. Finally, consider seeing a registered dietitian, who can guide you through your own eating plan and give you personalised advice on how to make better food choices to lower your cholesterol.

Lowering blood pressure

Eating a healthy diet is a key part of managing diabetes and heart health. People with diabetes, especially type 2, are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those without the condition. This is why following a heart-healthy meal plan is one of the most important ways to manage both of these conditions.

To lower blood pressure, it is important to make smart food choices. Choosing complex carbohydrates like whole-grain bread can help you manage your blood sugar and your blood pressure. When grocery shopping, plan ahead for the week and always bring a list and a full stomach. Stock up on seasonal produce that’s on sale. When fresh isn’t available, choose canned or frozen vegetables and fruits without added sugars and sodium. Look for whole-grain, high-fibre foods, and limit your time on the aisles where there are boxed foods that may not be healthy.

It is also important to watch out for the calories in beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Start with a small portion and wait 20 minutes to give your stomach enough time to tell your brain that you’ve eaten and are getting full. It is not always easy to make the right food choices, so it is recommended that people with diabetes see a registered dietitian who can guide them through their own eating plan and give advice on how to make better food choices.

Some meal ideas for a heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly dinner plan include a hearty casserole made with lean ground beef and baked beans, a healthy fish recipe served with wild rice or roasted potatoes, and a rich, yet healthy, white chicken chilli with quick-cooking chicken thighs and canned white beans.

Healthy food choices

When planning meals, it's important to incorporate complex carbs, such as whole-grain bread and high-fibre foods. These can help manage blood sugar and blood pressure. It's also beneficial to include seasonal produce, canned or frozen vegetables and fruits without added sugars or sodium, and lean ground beef or chicken.

It's recommended to limit consumption of boxed foods and watch out for calories in beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Starting with a small portion and waiting 20 minutes can help manage portion sizes, as it gives your stomach time to signal to your brain that you're full.

It can be challenging to make the right food choices, so it's advised that people with diabetes consult a registered dietitian for guidance on creating a personalised eating plan.

Frequently asked questions