12 Foods to Limit or Avoid in a Type 2 Diabetes Diet

 

5. Favor Lean Proteins Over Fatty Cuts of Meat

5. Favor Lean Proteins Over Fatty Cuts of Meat

Many cuts of red meat are high in unhealthy saturated fat, says Kimberlain. Too much of this type of fat increases your risk for heart disease, the AHA notes. Because people with diabetes are already at higher risk for heart disease compared with those without diabetes, Randall recommends limiting fatty cuts of meat in favor of foods that supply healthy fats, such as fish, nuts, and avocado, as well as lean proteins like skinless chicken and tofu. Fatty meats include poultry with skin, ground meat with a high fat percentage, prime cuts of beef, and processed meats like sausage and bacon, according to the Mayo Clinic.

 

6. Pass on Unhealthy Packaged or Processed Sweets

6. Pass on Unhealthy Packaged or Processed Sweets

Packaged snacks and baked goods like cookies, doughnuts, and snack cakes typically contain refined carbs that cause a sharp spike in your blood sugar and can lead to weight gain when eaten in excess, says Kimberlain. They also may still contain unhealthy trans fats, which can further raise your risk of heart disease, she adds. (Trans fats have been phased out as an ingredient because they are so dangerous to health, but as this change takes effect, some foods may still be made with these partially hydrogenated oils, notes the Mayo Clinic.) Randall recommends limiting your consumption of high-carb, white-flour, and sugar-sweetened treats (once in a while is okay) and choosing whole-grain versions whenever possible.