To begin, diabetics are told to eat lean meats with healthy fats. Some meats are highly processed and should be avoided in diabetics. It is also advised that diabetics could focus on plant based meats instead of processed or meats with unhealthy fats. There are also plant based protein alternatives that are eaten instead, such as legumes, tofu, lentils and tofu.
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Today, however, there are options such as low sodium corned beef. This allows Diabetics to enjoy some classic Corned beef and cabbage along with millions of others. The problem with corned beef is that it is corned with a massive amount of sodium. Sodium in excess amounts should be avoided. Not just by diabetics, but also by many others.
Low Sodium Option
In order to enjoy Corned beef, you need to use the low sodium version. If adding in potatoes, carrots and cabbage for the full Corned Beef and Cabbage, try substituting rutabagas in place of the potatoes. This will help as far as the nutrition standards.
It is also understood that Diabetics should avoid saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats, as well as trans fats can increase cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. Eating a diet that includes plant based options and possibly low sodium options will greatly reduce the negatives. Even taking precautions, such as low sodium options is not the best option if you are diabetic.
Very Lean
The list is quite minimal for meat options that are very lean. The only two options are turkey and chicken with the skin removed. This list means that it is chicken breast and turkey breast only.
Lean Meats
Here you get a few more options, however, they still prefer moderation as key, especially if you are diabetic. These include:
- Chipped Beef, flank steak, sirloin or tenderloin when it comes to beef.
- Pork includes canned, fresh, cured or boiled ham. There is also Canadian Bacon and tenderloin.
- All veal, except for veal cutlets due to the fat content.
- Poultry, all cuts as long as the skin is removed.
- Wild Game, once again, removing the skin will help make this option a little more healthy.
Additionally, it is of importance to note that Canadian Bacon and Chipped Beef do also have a higher sodium count than what is recommended for diabetics.
In Moderation
Processed meats, ground beef, steaks, chuck roast, pork cutlets, and pork loin roast should be eaten very seldom, if at all. Lunch meats that are 86% fat free are included on the eat minimal list. As well as all poultry with the skin on.
Meat To Avoid
Due to the high fat content, beef such as ribs and prime cuts, pork meats including spare ribs, ground pork and sausages are to be avoided. Also, processed meats such as corned beef, hot dogs, salami, lunch meats and sausages should also be avoided.
Meat Can Cause Diabetes
Due to research studies, it has been found that those who have a higher content of meat consumption, specifically, lunch meat, processed meats or red meat, also have a higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Alternatives to Meats
Obviously certain fish are highly acceptable for diabetics. The fish that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids include Salmon, Albacore Tuna, trout, sardines and mackerel. Most other types of fish are acceptable, however, try to stick with the highly recommended types.
As stated earlier, plant based proteins would be the highest recommended choices to get your daily intake of protein. Whole grains can also provide the needed proteins as well as amino acids.
Being diabetic does not mean you cannot have meat that you like. Diabetic patients need to be more selective about the types of meats they consume. It also means that your meats need to be prepared in a manner other than frying. Grilling, boiling, steaming, roasting or baking are all great ways to avoid the excessive fat.
By nutritional standards, a 3 ounce portion of lean meat is what is recommended for all, not just diabetics.
When meat is corned, it does not mean that a diabetic cannot eat it, it means that the amount of sodium is excessive in the cut of meat. That is why it is said that low sodium options would be the best choices.
Corned Beef and cabbage is a good source of iron. If a leaner cut is chosen within the lower sodium option there should be no issues for a diabetic to eat it. However, diabetics can also choose to start out with an actual beef brisket. If they want they can corn the meat themselves using as little sodium as possible.
It is also possible to use beef brisket and add in the spices that are used for corned beef, after the corning process. Of course, you will need to request the fat be removed or be sure to remove it yourself, to eliminate that negative aspect. Slow roasting a brisket with spices, a recipe included for your own spice mix, is the best way to obtain that soft and delicious meat.
Making your own beef for Ruebens or beef and cabbage is a healthier option that will negate all the sodium that is used. To make your own spice packet you will need:
- Mustard Seeds
- Peppercorns
- Ginger
- Crushed Red Pepper flakes
- Bay leaves
- Anise
- Cloves
- Cardamom
- Coriander
Obviously there will be a slight taste difference, but you may find that you enjoy the flavor of this more so than the heavily sodium soaked corned beef. All you will need to do is toast the spices and run them through your processor until they form smaller crumbs.
This is not only an option for diabetics, but also every other person that is looking to reduce sodium risks in their health.
Having diabetes can be an utterly frightening experience. Diabetes is a chronic disease where your body has trouble turning the foods you eat into the energy your body needs. Diabetes is when your blood sugar is too high and the pancreas is unable to make insulin. Diabetics will generally have to use prescribed insulin to assist the body.
Type 1 diabetes means the body does not produce insulin, Type 2 is when the body does not use insulin correctly. Once regulated through medical professionals, you, the diabetic can still live a healthy and long life. You need to make a plan, stick to it and monitor what foods you choose to consume.
Not all foods are harmful, oftentimes, it is the method in which they are made, the cut of the meat or the other ingredients offered. Choosing the proper diet can be slightly more expensive, however, it would not hurt all of us to choose the healthier routes and better cuts of meat.
It would not hurt us to remove the skin off poultry, use lower sodium options and even resort to meatless options to get the required amount of protein in our diets.
Many people will turn their nose up at the thought of Tofu, beans, legumes and lentils, or even the plant based meats. However, this is likely because they have not tasted the options, they believe what others have stated in regards to the options or it is possible that they have no idea what some of these are.
Rumors
Plant based meats are actually quite similar in flavor to the meats you are accustomed to. Obviously, there will be a slight taste difference and they will help to clean your system out more often. However, they are most often far more healthy options.
Some people will swear that there is no way these options taste like meat. When you consider that there are fast few restaurants that are also offering these options, then it makes it seem much more logical as an option.
Tofu, for many, is an acquired taste. By far, the major influence when it comes to choosing meat is a mental challenge of sorts. People have become accustomed to certain tastes, such as Corned Beef. Once you make the attempt to change the recipe to be a healthier choice, the taste is what you make of it. Spices, herbs and other fresh inclusions will make all the difference in the world.
For example, the above portion goes as far as beef brisket. I have personally tried this and there is not a whole lot of change in the way the sandwich tastes. When it comes to enjoying Corned Beef and cabbage, anyone can still do so. You have a variety of ways in which this can happen.
In summary, diabetics are not fully restricted to eat just certain foods. What is suggested is that you find healthier cuts of meat and new ways of preparing the foods. In this way, you can still enjoy what you love. But in a healthier fashion than what you are used to. Honestly, that much sodium is dangerous for all people, it increases the risk of heart disease and other coronary issues.
