Control Diabetes Without Pills?

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at how two different diets effected diabetes.  It compared the Mediterranean diet to a low fat American Heart Association Diet. Both groups exercised more than 150 minutes a week.

The Mediterranean diet was better. Many diabetics were able to avoid taking a medication with this diet and regular exercise.

What is a Mediterranean diet?  Lots of vegetables are first on the list.  Not much carbohydrate is eaten, that means avoiding rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, juice, sweets and sweetened drinks.  When carbohydrates are eaten they tended to be whole grain sources. Funny because most people think Italians in the Mediterranean eat a lot of pasta.  The portions in this area of the world are actually small, about a ½ cup.  Very little red meat was eaten; protein came from chicken and fish.   What little fat was in the diet was in the form of olive oil.   The meal sizes were small, less than 1800 calories a day.

If you want to try this diet consider other acceptable protein sources like beans and low fat dairy products.  Plan to succeed by buying vegetables and fruit to keep around for meals and snacks.  Pick up some olive oil or canola oil if you prefer milder tasting oil.