These delicious foods help you feel your best
You probably know that some foods cause sugar levels to rise too fast. But there are plenty of foods that keep sugar and energy levels steady. Choose foods from this list to feel your best.
Berries
Satisfy your sweet tooth, plus get important vitamins and antioxidants. Berries are high in fiber. A cup of raspberries has 8 grams of fiber.
Try This: Add blueberries to your oatmeal, strawberries to plain low-fat yogurt, or blackberries to a salad.
Low-fat dairy
Fat, protein, and lactose in dairy foods digest slowly and help you feel full. You’ll also get vitamin D and calcium. Yogurt is a good choice, but check labels for added sugar.
Try This: Pour 1% or non-fat milk on whole grain cereal for breakfast.
Whole grains
Choose bread, pasta, and cereal made with whole wheat flour. The fiber keeps you feeling full, helps with digestion, and lowers the risk of heart disease. Whole grains also provide B vitamins and minerals.
Try This: Have oatmeal or bran cereal for breakfast, whole grain bread on your sandwich, or buckwheat noodles at dinner.
Nuts and seeds
Research shows that 2 ounces of nuts a day can improve blood sugar levels. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds contain sterols, which are good for cholesterol levels. Choose raw, roasted, or unsalted.
Try This: Top oatmeal with sliced almonds, add walnuts to salad, or snack on pumpkin seeds.
Non-starchy vegetables
These veggies are a healthy choice because they are low in sugar. Broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, cabbage, squash, and leafy greens are good options to try. One serving typically has fewer than 30 calories and 5 grams of carbs.
Try This: Add tomato to your breakfast sandwich, take a spinach salad for lunch, or steam broccoli for dinner.
Beans and legumes
With a unique combination of fiber, protein, and nutrients, beans and legumes help keep your blood sugar level steady. They are a low-cost, nearly fat-free source of energy.
Try This: Make a breakfast burrito with black beans and cheese, lentil soup for lunch, or five-bean chili for dinner and leftovers.
Photo: iStock
