We hear a lot in the media about fats and carbs — much of it negative. But healthy fats and carbs are important to your diet, especially when you have diabetes. Try these:
1. Healthy carbohydrates. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, peas and lentils) and low-fat dairy products.
2. Heart-healthy fish. Cod, tuna and halibut have less total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than do meat and poultry. Salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines and bluefish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health. Avoid fried fish and fish with high levels of mercury, such as tilefish, swordfish and king mackerel.
3. "Good" fats. Foods containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — such as avocados, almonds, pecans, walnuts, olives, and canola, olive and peanut oils — can help lower cholesterol levels. Eat them sparingly, however, as all fats are high in calories.
Source: The Mayo Clinic
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, September 2013
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