7. Greens – Whether turnip, mustard or beet greens, they are great for your heart, thanks to their folate content. They’re also high in Vitamin B and make a great side dish, in salads or piled on a sandwich. Sautee them for a Southern-style treat!
8. Lentils – Some people confuse these with beans, and lentils are high in fiber like their bean associates. They are also a tremendous source of protein and can be added to pasta and soups or boiled down.
9. Walnuts – They are truly a fiber superstar and can be enjoyed as a snack or adorn dishes for added crunch. Just keep in mind that they are high in calories per ounce, so don’t overdo them.
10. Dark Chocolate – Hard to believe, but a small amount of this favorite has a great balance of antioxidants, can lower cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. Yes, it’s high in calories, so eat it in moderation, but it’s a great nutrition booster.
There are other great choices in your food pantheon for those hoping to battle diabetes. Choose water instead of sugar- or salt-laden beverages; drink your coffee black and your tea unenhanced; lightly steam your vegetables or eat them raw; opt for fresh foods over canned goods because of concerns over sodium; and stick to lean white meats, lean cuts of beef, baked, broiled or steamed fish; and take the skin off your chicken or turkey. It may seem like a lot of instructions to follow, but once these food tips become habits, you’ll see how easy they actually are to follow. Combine these good diet tips with some exercise and you’ll be back on the road to improving your health and energy.