Diabetes is an illness in which the sugar levels in the blood are either too high or too low. This condition can be managed with a strict meal plan that ensures the body’s insulin levels do not exceed the normal amount. However, the urge to snack can be random and unplanned. For such an occasion, here are some safe snacking options for those with diabetes who need healthy choices to satiate their food cravings. Guacamole All you need to make this yummy dip is fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, some cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. One of the best ways to prep this is to use a mortar and pestle and grind these ingredients gently together. Avocados are known for their polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help keep insulin levels balanced. It also has vitamins and antioxidants, good for the body and skin. Guacamole makes for a great dip or even a spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Apple and peanut butter This is a nutritious and tasty snack that does not spike insulin levels in the body. It can simply be made at home! Just cut some slices of an apple and use homemade peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as a dip.

Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Arthritis triggers inflammation affecting one or more joints. Symptoms include pain and stiffness that worsen with age, as there is no cure for the chronic inflammatory condition. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are the most diagnosed forms in adults. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with changes in food and lifestyle and taking pain relief prescriptions. To help ease the condition, eliminating these foods from one’s meal regimen can help. Processed, preserved, and sugary foods like baked desserts Foods bought off the shelves in supermarkets contain copious amounts of sugar and preservatives. Most ready-to-eat meals are also made with refined flour, fructose, and sucrose which can trigger an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Baked desserts, pastries, white bread, white rice, and pasta are some of the common refined foods to avoid. Sweets, candies, and sugary beverages, including flavored sodas, can also flare symptoms. Unhealthy fat sources like red meat Saturated and trans fats are the worst and most persistent triggers of inflammation linked to arthritis. Red meats, full-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and desserts made with refined grains all contain saturated fats. Trans fats can be found in fried foods, frozen foods, and products that are mostly made with margarine or hydrogenated vegetable oils.

It is vital to eat better to ensure one’s overall health is maintained. In cases where someone has diabetes, it becomes more crucial to choose the right foods to control the blood sugar. Rapid and unchecked changes in its levels can lead to complications. One of the simplest ways to maintain blood sugar is by choosing the right breakfast food; accordingly, here are some of the top breakfast options a person with diabetes can have. 4 breakfast foods that help maintain blood sugar levels Eggs Eggs are a healthy and reliable source of essential nutrients, including proteins, for the body. Paired with sauteed vegetables or a slice of toasted bread topped with seed seasoning, eggs never fail to make for perfect breakfast food. Its high-quality fat and abundance of nutrients also ensures that the blood sugar level is controlled without erratic spikes and dips. Chia seed pudding Chia seeds are known for their high omega-3 fatty acid content and their ability to soak up to ten times the quantity of water in comparison to their weight. This promotes a feeling of fullness, and the high fiber content keeps the blood sugar control maintained. Add your choice of nuts, fruits, and/or seeds to soaked chia seeds.

Proper nutrition is essential when dealing with a chronic condition like arthritis. Every meal is an opportunity to give your joints the much-needed support. Since inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of arthritis, it’s essential to start your day with foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients that help reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Here, we’ve rounded up the best breakfast options for fighting arthritis inflammation. Greek yogurt and berries What better way to start your day than with a healthy dose of good bacteria? Greek yogurt is an excellent source of live microorganisms called probiotics, which aid with digestion, help prevent inflammation, and keep you satiated. Top your bowl of plain regular or Greek yogurt with different berries for sweetness, flavor, and, most importantly, polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds with antioxidant-like effects that help stop arthritis inflammation. Scrambled eggs with turmeric Eggs are one of the best sources of protein. They’re also among the few foods that contain high amounts of vitamin D, a nutrient that can curb arthritis inflammation. Another crucial ingredient in this scrambled egg recipe is turmeric, a yellow spice known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to the primary bioactive substance in it called curcumin.

Research about the benefits of bone broth still awaits scientific approval. But those who make this dish at home praise it for its high nutritional value. Boiling a mixture of bones, marrow, and connective tissues releases healthy vitamins like calcium, silicon, phosphorus, magnesium, collagen, glycine, and glutamine. Such compounds can tackle osteoporosis: a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak. Here are four bone broth recipes that help improve one’s condition. Chicken feet broth Broth made from chicken feet is not only healthy but quite delicious too. To make this broth, you will need two pounds of chicken feet, two large carrots, and one onion. Throwing in two celery ribs, a bunch of fresh thyme, 10 peppercorns, and a bay leaf will enhance the flavor. This broth will nourish the body with collagen, calcium, and glucosamine. Fishbone broth Fishbones contain gelatin and collagen that reduce excess friction between the joints and relieve osteoporosis. A few ingredients needed to make the broth include five to seven pounds of non-oily fish carcasses, two sliced carrots, two medium onions, and two celery ribs. Other ingredients include a bay lead, two whole cloves, and two teaspoons of peppercorn. Beef bone broth This broth needs three to four pounds of beef bones, two carrots, three celery stalks, two medium onions, and a bay leaf.

Diabetes patients must focus on their daily carbohydrate intake as it is one of the major factors that affect blood sugar. Excess carbohydrates in the system trigger the pancreas to produce and release more insulin. For diabetics, one of the main concerns is eating fruits, as they are rich in natural sugars and fructose. But here are a few simple ways one can include more fruits in daily foods without worrying about type 2 diabetes. Consider low glycemic (GI) fruits Low GI fruits contain natural fibers that help the body with digestion. Cherries, grapefruit, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, grapes, blackberries, and oranges are excellent fruits that supplement daily nutrition. Fibrous fruits also help one feel more satiated throughout the day and curb hunger pangs. Don’t eat in one go The body can only process a finite amount of sugar and carbohydrates in a single day. So, it is better to have a smaller serving of fruits to balance carbohydrate and calorie intake. Also, consider fresh fruits over frozen or dried options. Fresh fruits contain a lower and more easily digestible concentration of natural sugars, minus any preservatives or additives. Portion sizes matter People with diabetes should really pay attention to portion sizes.

Those with high cholesterol should ideally opt for healthy snacks rather than empty calories or artery-clogging foods. Snacks with excessive fats or sugar can adversely affect cholesterol levels, so every calorie counts here. Moreover, skipping snacks is not an option. This is where healthy snacks come into the picture; they can help maintain metabolism, blood sugar, and even cholesterol levels. Here are eight easy snacks that will help lower cholesterol. Avocado on toast Avocado contains unsaturated fats, which keep cholesterol levels in check. This fruit contains about 10 grams of fiber. Pair it with whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye toast to make the snack even more fibrous. Popcorn According to the American Heart Association, popcorn lowers cholesterol levels since they are high in fiber content. In fact, popcorn contains more fiber than whole-wheat bread or brown rice. Although it has low calories, it should be eaten in moderation. Nuts Studies have concluded that bad cholesterol can be controlled by replacing fatty foods with healthy monosaturated foods, like nuts, almonds, and walnuts. But be sure to eat only a handful. Tuna nori wraps Tuna helps lower cholesterol since it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Make a tuna salad by adding olive oil, onions, or celery.