GOODNESS-FILLED GOODIES

Since a diabetic-suitable diet is one that’s high in fibre and antioxidants, low in refined carbohydrates, and with ample proteins and healthy fats, diabetic-suitable foods are generally the same healthy foods that can benefit most of us.

Translate that into a supermarket shopping list and you’ll get lots of natural foods including fresh vegetables, whole fruits (rather than juices) and lean cuts of meat, poultry and/or fish to form the basis of the diet. There should also be a good selection of wholegrain cereals, bread, pasta and rice that are low in glycemic index (GI). You can also add one or two healthier alternatives to sweeteners for an occasional treat.

It is especially beneficial for diabetics to relook at that staple in all Asian households, white rice. It’s a fact that a bowl of white rice causes a person's blood sugar to spike more than a can of soft drink does. Fortunately, there are readily available alternatives to this carbo-laden comfort food, including brown, red and black rice, and satisfying whole grains like quinoa, oats and spelt. 

SWEET OPTIONS

Sugar substitutes range from non-caloric artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame sugar substitutes to plant-based natural sweeteners like Xylitol and Stevia. The latter avoid the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners. However, Xylitol and artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartane may have a laxative effect when taken in excess. 

Other natural sweeteners available at Cold Storage are coconut sugar and nectar, and agave syrup. They are low-GI and pleasant-tasting additions to food and drinks.

“Given the range of sugar substitutes available, diabetics do not need to miss out on the range of taste sensations that others enjoy,” said Christine Rubi-Cruz, Health and Wellness Manager of Cold Storage Singapore, adding that swapping sugar for sugar-free sweeteners is just one part of managing diabetes.

“Sugar-free alternatives should only complement a basic healthy diet combined with lifestyle and other intervention as recommended by your doctor or physician,” advised Christine.

DIABETIC SHOPPERS LOVE…

Among the best-selling diabetic-suitable products at Cold Storage are plain steel cut oats and rolled oats from Bob’s Red Mill, Stute Diabetic jams, Gullon sugar-free biscuits and sugar-free chocolates. Kangaroo Low GI Rice is a recent welcome addition. It tastes like typical white rice but may support healthy sugar levels.  

These top-selling products are available in the Wellness4Life section that can be found in most Cold Storage supermarkets. Wellness4Life is a dedicated space for products meant for consumers who are on specialty diets as well as those who consciously opt for healthier choices. Cold Storage’s buyers work closely with suppliers and consumers to evaluate each product before it earns its place on the shelf.  

Each Wellness4Life sections is divided into Gluten Free/Allergy Aware, Low GI, Organic and Better For You sections so that shoppers can easily locate products according to their needs.

NOT A BITTER PILL

Though nobody welcomes the diagnosis of a medical condition, the upside to diabetes is that it forces people to study and often rethink their diets. Following a healthy, diabetic-suitable diet can have positive repercussions on every aspect of life, from weight loss that boosts self-esteem to energy levels that boost performance at work.

A diagnosis of diabetes may not be a sugar-coated pill, but it is certainly not a bitter pill to swallow.

With thanks to:

Christine Rubi-Cruz

Wellness & Lifestyle Manager

Cold Storage Singapore