There's no getting around the fact that America is a sugar-obsessed nation, a problem that has led to countless health issues. Besides the obesity epidemic, diabetes is also the rise.
Diabetics need to be especially careful about the sweets they consume because they can elevate their blood sugar levels. Here are some actions those looking to improve their overall well-being can take.
1. Learn to love stevia. It may be an artificial sweetener, but unlike others on the market, stevia is an all-natural product. Gathered from a shrub from the sunflower family, stevia can be used in place of sugar from one's morning cup of coffee to baking goods.
2. Count your carbohydrates. Both simple and complex carbohydrates are broken down into sugars, which means that eating a huge plate of pasta will have an enormous impact on your blood sugar level. Regulating your starch intake — especially from processed grains such as white flour and rice — will allow your body to better handle these types of foods.
3. Eat more high-fiber fruit. Apples, pears, blueberries, and kiwi are all tasty and good options for diabetics. Additionally, they tend to have a lower glycemic index (GI) and won't cause blood sugar levels to spike.