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Calling all diabetics! These are the 5 WORST foods you can eat for breakfast

If you have diabetes then your diet is the most important thing. You can start your day right by steering clear of these breakfast options, which also happen to be the foods to avoid for diabetics.
foods to avoid for diabetics
Dear diabetics, please stay away from these five breakfast foods. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shreya Gupta Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 03:54 pm IST
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Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that is spreading across the globe like wildfire. The most effective way to control this ailment is by controlling your diet. And since breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day, what you eat during this time can have an impact on your blood sugar levels too. 

Managing diabetes is of the utmost importance, but if it’s not controlled in time it can lead to several health concerns such as heart disease, kidney disease, and other complications. Even a coronavirus infection can be more fatal for diabetics! 

So if you are trying to control your blood sugar, here are five of the worst breakfast foods for diabetics: 

1. Sugary cereals

If you think that cereal is a healthy breakfast option for you, then you are wrong! If you are diabetic then you must read the ingredients label before buying any cereal. If it is high in sugar, stay away from it.

Moreover, most cereals are really low in protein, so it’s better to ditch them altogether. Instead, try soaking oats overnight and have an oatmeal bowl the next day with seeds and nuts of your choice.

Healthy breakfast
Choose whole grain and fibre–and not sugar–when you buy a breakfast cereal. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. Fruit juice

Another thing that’s considered healthy by most people is fruit juice. But if you are diabetic, it is a complete no-no for you. Fruit juices can spike your blood sugar level very quickly, as they have high levels of natural sugar and negligible fibre. This makes fruit juice one of the top foods to avoid for diabetics. Instead, have whole fruits and vegetables.

3. Flavoured yoghurt

While yoghurt is healthy and offers many health benefits, you should completely stay away from flavoured and sweetened variants. Flavoured yoghurts can taste really good, but the added sugar and loaded preservatives can shoot up your blood sugar. So the best thing you can do is opt for unflavoured and unsweetened yoghurt, and add some fresh fruit to it.

4. Pancakes

Pancakes can look really aesthetically pleasing on Instagram. But if you are a diabetic, then don’t consider having it for breakfast. The flour, maple syrup, and butter can satisfy your tastebuds but it’s not the best choice. In fact, it’s one of the foods to avoid for diabetics. The carbs and sugar can quickly increase your blood sugar levels, and there’s no fibre or protein to keep you fuller for longer.

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Pancakes are definitely not a healthy option for you! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
5. Smoothies

Just like most of the above-mentioned foods to avoid for diabetics, smoothies sound healthy but they are not! The most-used ingredients in smoothies such as frozen yoghurt, fruits, and sugary syrups can spike up your blood sugar levels. Smoothies have a lot of carbs and negligible protein. Instead of a smoothie, you can try green juice with avocados, apples, kale and spinach to start your day on the right note.

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About the Author

Finding nirvana in good food, Shreya also loves reading books and is a die-hard Potterhead. Confident and motivated she's fun to be with. Plus food. Always. ...Read More

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