Yogurt can be a great nutrient-dense breakfast option or an easy snack. If unsweetened and Greek-style, it's low in carbohydrates and high in protein. This means it won't cause blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes, like other sources of carbohydrates.
Protein-packed, low-fat Greek yogurt can be a good choice for people following a diabetes diet plan.
Check the Labels on Greek Yogurt
The best choice is always a nonfat version, Ross says. In terms of flavor, plain varieties also work best for diabetics over the fruit-filled choices. “If there's fruit on the bottom, it means there's going to be more sugar and carbs in it,” Ross warns.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommend yogurt as part of a healthful diet for people with diabetes. There are many different types of yogurt available. The examples below are also available with added probiotics: Greek yogurt contains double the protein of conventional yogurt.
If you have type 2 diabetes breakfast cereals made with wholegrains can help to manage blood glucose levels, they release glucose more slowly as they are low GI. Weetabix, Oatibix and Shredded Wheat can make for good choices.
People with diabetes may need to limit the amount of flavored sweetened milk they drink. People with diabetes may choose to use milk products that are full fat or whole, reduced fat or fat free depending on their preference or their calorie and nutrition goals.
The short answer: No. However, because most yogurts are relatively high in protein and low in sugar, adding yogurt to your meal may help you avoid insulin spikes from other foods and therefore assist in keeping your blood glucose levels steady.
1. Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt. Oiko's Triple Zero contains no fat, no added sugar and no artificial sweeteners—hence the name. It has 5 grams of sugar and 15 grams of protein and is sweetened with stevia.
The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing whole grain bread or 100 percent whole wheat bread instead of white bread. White bread is made from highly processed white flour and added sugar. Here are some delicious and healthy breads to try: Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Wheat Pita Bread.
Milk. Switching to lower-fat milk, such as semi-skimmed milk (green top) from whole milk (blue top), which contains the most fat, is a good start. To make even more of a difference, try 1 per cent fat milk (orange top) or even better skimmed milk (red top).
The following are the best brands and flavors for those who have diabetes. Blue Bunny Ice Cream: This brand offers vanilla and chocolate options. Both contain 20 grams (g) of carbohydrates per ½-cup serving. Breyers Creamy Vanilla: This contains minimal fat and 17 g of total carbohydrates per ½ cup.
In comparison, Chobani Fruit on the Bottom line of Greek yogurts can have 15 to 18 grams of total sugars on average. Some of the total sugar in these flavored yogurts comes naturally (Chobani plain/unflavored version has 4 grams of total sugar).
16g sugar per 5.3oz.
One option you can't go wrong with is plain yogurt, adds dietitian Erin Coffield, RDN. "First, whether you like low-fat, whole milk, Greek or Icelandic, any plain unflavored yogurt will contain zero added sugar," she says. Greek yogurt and Icelandic yogurts also pack more protein, which promotes fullness and satiety.
Chobani® with Zero Sugar*
A one-of-a-kind dairy product with zero sugar*, sweetened with only natural, non-GMO sugar alternatives. Under 70 calories, lots of protein, and no lactose.
Nutrient-dense
Low-fat, and fat-free dairy foods like Chobani® yogurt are part of a recommended healthy eating pattern that provides an excellent source of protein, a balance of good fats, and a host of naturally occurring essential vitamins and minerals.
Diabetics can likely eat unsweetened dark chocolate. Dark chocolate offers all the benefits of the chocolate diet without the possible negative health effects of lots of sugar. While dark chocolate still has some carbohydrates and fats, the lower glycemic index means it is less likely to cause insulin spikes.
Tomatoes are not high in sugar, and neither are carrots. Tomatoes, similar to carrots, are considered a non-starchy vegetable in meal planning for diabetes. This means that the amount of naturally occurring sugar is minimal in a serving.
Consume in Moderation
Hence it is essential to keep in mind the amount of milk. Research shows that a person with diabetes can have three servings of low-fat dairy daily to acquire the daily requirement of proteins and calcium.
Unsweetened flax milk contains as little as 1.02g of carbohydrates, so is an ideal option for people with diabetes. Flaxseed milk contains no lactose or cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy alternative to cow's milk.