Diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, eating foods low in unhealthy fats (especially saturated and trans fats) is especially important to minimize the risk of heart disease. This diet also helps with weight loss and is more effective when combined with exercise.
For people with diabetes, here are general guidelines for choosing and preparing low-fat foods.
- Avoid fatty cuts of meat. Choose poultry, fish, and lean meats. When cooking such foods, avoid frying options. Choose grilled or boiled cooking. Also choose proteins from plant sources, such as beans or lentils.
- Choose low-fat dairy products such as low-fat cheese, skim milk, skim yogurt, skim frozen yogurt, skim evaporated milk, and buttermilk. Be sure to include dairy products in your daily carbohydrate intake calculations.
- Prepare foods with low-fat vegetable cooking.
- Choose low-fat dressings and salad dressings, and be aware of the carbohydrate content of dressings and sauces.
- All fruits and vegetables are excellent low-fat foods. Remember to include fruits and starchy vegetables in your daily calculated carbohydrate content.
- Healthy fats (such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids) may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Consider almonds, pecans, cashews, peanut butter, cold-water fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna), and olive, safflower, and canola oils.
A dietitian can provide more information on how to prepare and choose low-fat foods.